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[

Tfil

P ANOPLIST,

FOR THE TEAR ENDING

June, 1807.

VOLUME THE SECOND. ^ ' ^

CONDUCTED
Sr AN ASSOCIATION OF

friend;s to evangelical truth.

/ . ...

' \

. v-^^^ 05OjBfton:

PRINTEt) BY E. LINCOLN, WATER STREET.

Sold by Caleb Bivgham, No. 44^ Cornhilly to whom coimnunications for
the pAMOPLitT maybe addressed, post paid, and of whom muv be bad
the first and second volumes of this Work, half boimd, |>rice %27S cts. each.

SM yM> fef lieMn. ThooiM aid WUppto» Mewtarfpott t Mr. Motet Ihtrit, lUaover, It. B. ) Mr. WUUmi
Igtifr. MoitlitiwHrMi ; Scv. Atnm Hyde, Ltt | Mntrs. O D. Cooke» tad Llncnln dc Oln«Mi( Rtrtford |
ittutn. acm tad Howe, New Havca i Mettn. C>lllas» Prrfciat Ac Co. New Tork ; Meutt. a->ckBS IB
VHMaS* AlbBBT t Mr. Oeoim Rkkardt, Ollca ) Mr. WUUaa P. Farrtad, Philadelpbia \ Mr. J. Kcaaedr*
Akxaatfrlst Mr. AitMWd M^lalilM, CHrlMm, 8.C.1 Md Wf Omitrntm la TMlwn MlM pttH «f
ttr iMica

1807.

(•

j; r

• • '

I f B ^

I N D E X.

ESSAYS, INTELLIGENCE, OCCURRENCES, &c

Account m£ the Eran^dicU So-
ciety in Vermont . 23T
Account of Medina and destruc-

tion of Mahomet's tomb ' . 239
Aceount of the Methodist con-
ference .... 402
Account of the Seneca prophet 386
.... of the prisoners of

war in England . IBt
.... of the Palestine aaso-

ciatimi . ^39

A. D. Miss, chacacter and ex-
ercises of . .80
Adams, ordination of . 338
Address of the editors . 583.
Aeed minister, original letters

%t)ra 419, 455, 515, 549

Ancient pasnins, piety of . SiO

Anecdote m Dr. Beattie and son 3fT

Mr. Brown . . 2H

. . Cooper . . ib;

a Curate . 281

Dr. Darwin . 9T

Mr. Doolittle . 376

ueen Elizabeth . 131

r. Fothcrgill . 224

Dr. Franklin . 31

Frederic 11. . 281

a Gentlewoman . 32

Dr. Oifford . 375

Halyburton . 32

Bp. Leighton . 131

Dr. Manton « 31

Dr. Maryat . 280

Sir JohnMason . 225

Monica . . 429

a notorious swearer 223

Peter III. . . 478

Mr. Shepherd . 429

a scoffing Infidel 223

two young ladies . ib.

Bp. WilUams . 3X

Answers to correspondents 48, 96,

X44, 192, 248, 296, 344, 392,

440, 488, 536, 583

Apostle Paul, chamcter of . 372

Areopagus, description of . 30

Atonement of Christ, doctrine of

the . . . 453, 513, 560

Bates, Dr. sketch of . 400

Baxter's letter to a prodigal son 274

Ben^ 240

Beloved mother, lines in meroo-
ryof • . . % . 148

Beilufliirr Mid Colimibia Mis-
sionary Society, 9th meeting of 480
Bernard's three questions . 478

Beza^ epigram on Dr. Luther 154
Bible Society, British and For-
eign ^8, 289, 483, 57^
Biographical sketch if the Rev.

Wilham Cooper . 573

Biographical sketch of Rev. Dr.

Stillman ^ . • • . 533
Bodwell, ordination of . 338

Bowdoin College, exercises at 387
Bromfield Edward, Jan. me-
moirs of .... 193-
Brief remarks on a civil oath . 359
Bristol Society for promoting re-
ligious knowle^e . 292
Buchanan's^ Rev. Charles, priaes 240

Calcutta, interesting letters from 437
Calvin's treatment of Scrvetus 175
Campbell, Dr. on possessions, ex-
tracts from .... S70
Candidates fbr the mimstry,

qualifications of . . . 496
Cannon, Mr. ordination of . 487

Character of the apostle "Paul 37)
Character and exerciser of Miss

A. D. . . . . fll

Chios, description of • . 39 ^

Christ, resurrection bf . 456

Christ's example, perfection of 206

. atonement, doctrine of 453«

513, 560
Christian zeal, on . • . 544
Christianity, doctrines and du-
ties of '. * . .166
Churches in New Eng^iaftd, sur-
vey of . 15, 167, 210, 269, 313,

359, 404
Civil oath, brief remarks on . 358
Claggett's, Bp. pastoral letter « 126
Clark, ordination of . 3^

Cogswell, Dr. memoirs of . 581
Colleges in New England . S9S

Comparative view of the natural
small pox, inoculated small
pox, and vaccination, in their
effects, kc. . ^ . .140

Connecticut association, general

meeting of ... . 292
Cooper, Rev. William, biograph-
ical sketch of . . . 537^

r I w P -» X

Correspondents, answers to 48, 96^
144, 192, 248, 296, 344, 392,
440, 488, 536, 583
Critical rtbservations on passages

in the New Testament . 160

Criticism op scripture passages 354f

Daniel, piety of . . . 118

David's imprecations against his

enemies . • . . 204

Davies, President, memoirs of . 155

249, 302
Death bed of a free thinker . 18
Death of Rev. Dr. Cogswell . 581
. . . Hon. William Patterson 191

• . . . Right Hon. William

Pitt . 190, 243

.... Rev. Oakes Shaw . 440

• . . . Stephen Smith, Esq. 487

• • . . Mrs. Green . 439
- . . . Rev. Dr. WiUard . 487
Pecaloguc, the . 71, 163, 369, 412

467, 516, 547
Dedication of the new indepen>

• dent church in Charleston,

9- w. • • . • 338

X>enroark .... 241

DescriptionofMelita, now Malta 30
... . Areopagus, Chios ib.

Dispensary, Philadelphia . 141

Dissertation on John's sixth vial 9,

67, 115
Pistress in Germany . . 39

Divinity of Christ, thoughts on 365
pivinity of the gospel proved 258
Divinity, old . . . 373

Doctrines and -duties of Chris>

tianity ..... 166
Doctrine of the saints* persever-
ance 107

Doctrine of the Trinity . .173
. . . . perseverance .216

Doddridge's, Dr. letter . . 222
Doolittli, Rev. Thomas, sketch

of 501

Dutton, ordinati'>n of . . 243
. installment of . . 29^

Pdg9

Essay on the Sclavonian inhabi-
tants 93

Essay on the German inhabitants
of the Austrian dominions . 141

^^tXi^j on the Jews of the Aus-
tnan monarchy . . 142

Europe and Asia, affinity be-
tween the lan^ag^s of . 469

Evangelical Soaety in Vermont,
account of . . . . 237

Ewen, ordination of . 243

Exercises at Bowdoin college . 387

Explanation of Hebrews ri. 4, 5, 6 466

Extract of a letter on the sudden
death of j^i infant . 12^

Extract of Bishop Claggett's pas-
toral letter .... 127

Extract of a letter from the Pres-
ident of the Evangelical Soci-
n Vermont . 433

Extractof Mr. Latimer's sermon 520
. from the minutes of the
synod of Albany , . 333

Extract of a letter from Phila-
delphia .... 335

Extract from Dr. Campbell, on
possessions .... 370

Extract from original letters of
an aged minister . 419, 455, 549

Extract of a letter to a member
of the If ampshire Missionary
Society .... 434

Extract from Calcutta . 437

, from Capt. Wickes 184, 531
. from Mrs. Marshman 138
. from Mr. Marshman . 579
. from Mr. Carey . . 138
. . from Mr. Ward . . 531

Female institution for spreading

the gospel .... 334
Fifth commandment . 71

Flint, ordination of . . . 295
Foreign and British Bible Socie-
ty . . 238, 289, 483, 577
Fragments 30, 86, 130, 279

France .... 293, 484
Free thinker, death bed of . 18

East Indies ... 138 241, 485

East India college . 187

Edinburgh Mivfionary Society,

report of ;. ... 482
Editors' statement to the public 344
Editors' address to the public . 583
EfTects of- temporijung in mat-
ters of religion ' 371, 423, 518
Eighth commandment . .412
Efigram on Dr. Luther . . 154
£rraU .... 192, 488

General Assembly of the Pres-

b> terian church, proceedinc^ of 229
General Assembly, r^)ort of 91

Gei man> , distress in . . 39

Gibbon,' memoirs of . . 79

Gile, f>rdinatiorr of . . . 439
Gouge, Rev. Thomas, sketch of 542
Groat Britcin 187, 240, 483

Green, Mrs. (leath of . . 439
Green':», Dr. questions answered,
* by La Trobc . 435

INDEX.

Pagt

HjAI, ordination of . . . S38
Hain|>sliire Missiootfy Society,

report of .... 23«
Hainpriiire BIiBsionaiy Society,

ktterto .... 434

Hebfews tL 4» 5, 6. ezptanation

•f .4(56

Histoiy of the primitive inbabi-

Uats of Russia . 143

Hodge, Mrs. memoirs of 245, 338

HoOand 484

Holy Spirit, influence of . 414. 450

Howard Jc4m, Esq. memoirs of 345

. . William, reflections on

the Ufe of . .480
Imprecations in Scripture, on the 308
India lEMsiaiis 138, 185

• • . recent communications

from . . 530

Infidelity, on . . 2€3

Influence of the Holy Spirit 414, 450
Installation of Mr. Dutton . 295

of Mr. Wilson . 95

InteHigenoe respecting^ missions 484
Interestinr letters from Calcutta 437
Italy .... 293, 485

Jesus saving his people from
their sins .... 260

John's sixtii nal, dissertation on 9,

67, 115

Johnson's, Dr. letter on the death
of his wife .324

239

243

Kicherer's labours
Kimball, ordination of

Lamraages of Europe and Asia,

amoit)' between • . 469

La Trobe's answers to Dr.

Green's questions . 435

Late eclipse, thoug^hts on . 83, 124
Latimer's sermon, extract from 520
Laws, execution of . .318

Letter on the sudden death of an

infbnt, extract from . 122

Letter to a prodigal sun . 274

Letters from the missionaiies in

India 531

Letter from the Danish Gov-
ernor respeoting the missiona-
ries in India . . 532
Liberality in relig-ion . 425, 473
Life of the Rev. John Seigennt 352

396, 446
Life of Rev. William Tenncnt . 1,

49, 97
List of books recommended bv

•

Dr. Tappan, fur theological
students .... 325

List of new publications 45, 94, US

188, 242, 293, 336, 390, 438, 485

Literary Intelligence 42, 92, 139,

187. 240, 29:^, 387, 483

Literature ip New England, state

of . . . 471, 552, 56S
London Missionary Society, 12th

general meeting of '. . 286
L/>ndon Tract Society . . 288
Luther's reply to J C. .460

.... letter to Erasmus . 219
Luther, life of 6, 101, 14S

. . . epigram on, by Beza . 154

Magdalen charity . 292

Mangourif s travels in Hanover,

sketch of .92

Manton, Dr. sketch of . 441

Marshman's letter, extract from 579

Mrs. letter, extract

from . 138

Medina, and destruction of Ma-
homet's tomb, account of . 239
Meeting of the general associa-
tion, Connecticut . 292
Mellta, now Malta, description of 30
Memoirs of Edward Bromfield,

jun 193

Memoirs of Rev. Dr. James

Cogswell . . • . 581

Memoirs of President Davies . 155,

249, 302
Memoirs of Mr. Gibbon 79

..... Mrs. Hodge . 245, 338
..... John Howard, Esq. 345

Mrs. PorteHield . 197

Mrs. Steele . 256

Methodist conference, account of 482
Middlebury, Vermont, revival of

religion in ... . 183
Militar>' almanac for 1805 . 93

Mills, ordination of . . 46

Miracles of our Saviour, remarks

on 13

Missions in India . 138, 185

Missionaries in India, letters

from 531

Missionary Society, London, 12th

general meeting of . . 286

Mural effects of the stage, opin-
ion of . . . . ib.
Mourners in Zion, prayer of . 28
Murray, publications and charac-
ter of .... 42

Natural small pox, inoculated
small pox and vaccination, com-
parativc view in their cfl'ccts
of, &c. .... 140

^eUl^ ordination of . . 338

ifk

X N ft E %.

Page
Kew Kngland ehurcbet, turvty

of 15, 167, 210, 269, 313, 350,

404^ 303
Kew England literature, state of 471

. . . . coUeget . . 293
New Independent Church,

Charleston, (S. C.) dedication

ot ••••■•• 33o

New London Aaaociation . . ib.
New publications, list of 45, 94^ 142

188, 242, 293, 336^ 390, 438, 486
New publications, review of 32, 88

131, 179, 225, 282, 326, 429, 479
New yeai', soK mn prospect of . 297
Ninth meeting of the Berkshire

and Columbia Missionary So*

ciety 480

Ninth commandment .... 467

Obituary 95, 190, 243, 338. 392, 439

487, 533, 581
Observations on the firtt and sec-
ond resurrection 551

Odman's, Dr. description of A-
reopagus, Chios, &c. ... 30

Old divinity 373

Ordination of Mr. Adams . . 338

. . . . Mr. Bodwell . . ib.

. • • . Mr. Cannon . . 487

.... Mr. Clark . . . 338

. . . . Mr. Dutton . . 243

.... Mr. Ewen . . . ib.

.... Mr. Flint ... 295

. . . . Mr. Gile ... 439

. . . . Mr. Hall ... 338

.... Mr. Kimball . . 243

.... Mr. Mills ... 46

. . - . Mr. Neill ... 338

. Mr. Rich . . ib.

. . . . Mr. Shadwick . ib.

. . . . Mr. Saunderson . 487

. . . . Mr. Stiles , . . 243

.... Mr. Thurston . . 487

. . . . Mr. Veazie . . 392

.... Mr. Wheeler . . 243

Original letters from an aged

minister . . 419, 455, 515, 549
Palestine association, account of 238
Passaii^es in the New. Testament,

critical observations on . . 160
Patterson, Hon.William,deatliof 191
Paul, apostle, character of . . JfZ
Perfection of Clirist's example 206
Perseverance, docU-ine of . . 216
Phil:i(lcl|^hia dispensary . . . 141
Piety of ancient Pagans . . , 310

. . '. of Daniel 118

. . . of primitive New England

rulers 512

Pitt, Right Hon. WilUaro, death
of 190^ 243

Ptoctry 47, 96, 143, 296, 343, 375, 478

48$
Porteriiekl, Mrs. memoirs of . 197
Practical remarks on the deca-
logue 54r

Prayer of mourners in Zion . . 28
Preachers, serious hint to . . 42t
Preaching, rules for ... . 178
Presbytery t»f Glasgow, remon-

Btrance of 238

President Oavies, memoirs of 155

249, 30)
Primitive inhabitants of Russia,

history of 142

Prisonei*s of war in En^aod, ac-
count of , 187

Proceedings of the General As-
sembly of tlie Presbyterian

church J29

Prodigal son, letter to . . . . 274
Publicaiions and character of

LiiKllcy Murray 42

Q^ialitications of candidates for
the ministry ...... 420

Query ^ . . 419

Qtiestions by Dr. Green answer-
ed by L,a Trobe . . ^ . .435

Recent communicatioos from In*
dia 53©

Hetlectiona on the lii« of Mr.
Howard 489

Religion, eifects of temporizing
in 371, 423, 518

Religion, liberality in 425, 473

. ... in Suabia, Bavaria and
Hvmgary, state of . . 38

Religious intelligence 38, 91, 138,
183, 229, 286^ 33U 384, 433

480, ^0^ S77

Religious communications 9, 67, 107

160, 204, 258, 308, tiiS, 404

451, 5Qo, 544

Religious Sincerity .... 73

Religious Tract Society, Lon-
don 288

Remarks on the life of Rev. WH*
liam Tennent . . , 257

Remarks on our Saviour's mir-
acles 13

Remonstrance of the Preabytery
of Glas^w .... 238

Report ot tlie Edinburg Mis-
sionary Society . . . 482

Re]x>it of the General Assembly
of the Presb} terian church . 91

Re{K)rt of tlic Hampshire Mis-
sior.arj' Society . , . 232

Rep<^rt of the socie^ for propa-
gating the gospel • 33I9 384

Resurrection of Christ 4 . 456

INDEX.

Til

Icsamctkn.firtt and ateond, ob-
icTvatioiif on ... $Si

Ee«-iev of New Publications 3S, 68
131, 179, 225, S83, 326, 429, 479

574

(teriTml of reU^ion in Midd&t*
burr. Vt ISa

levii^ of Religion in North*
ainptMi, Mats. . 284

licb, ordiaation of . .338

Ruka Car praacbinr . . 178

Kwana 142

Sannderson, ordination of . 487

ScotUnd .23a

Scripture pasaages, critjciain on 355
. . . . nnprecations in . 388

Sriectuna 12^ 175, 219, 274» 371

423, 473, 518, 572
Sdf acqaaintance, on . 555

. . deception, on • . . 572
Seneca F^het, account of . 386,
Serious hint to preacbera .428

Sergeant, ftev. John, life of 352, 396'

446
Serenth commandment . 369

Shadwick, ordination of . . 338
Shaw, Rev, Cakes, death of . 440.
Short sentencea . 428

Shirular phenomenon , . 389.
Sini commandment . . 163
Sketch of the character and ez-

trcises of Miss A. D. . .80
Sketch of Dr. Batea . .400

... of Rer. Thomas DooUttle 501
. . . ef Rer. Thomas Gouae 542
... of Rer. Thomas Wal-
worth .540
Sketch of Dr. Manton .441
... of Bfangourit^a travels in

Hanorer .92

Sketch of Mr. Vincent . 444

Slave trade .238

Smith, Stephen, Esq. death of . 487
Solemn prospects ofthe new year 297
Society for promoting religious

knovledge, Bristol . 292
Society lor propagating the gos-
pel, report or . 231, 384
SolQn*s opinion of the moral ef-
fects of the stage . .280
Spsin 485

State of iiti|«ture in Kew Eng-

land 471, 522, 56f

State of religion in Suahia, Ba-
varia and Hungary . 38
Statement of the Editort of the

Punoplist to the public . . 344
Statement ofthe difficulties ofthe
aainta' perseverance, remaika

on 109

Steele, Mrs. memoira of « . 250
Stiles, ordination of . . 24S

Stillraan, Rev. Dr. biographieal

sketch of ... . 53S
Survey of Mew England ohurch-
es 15, 167, 210, f^, 313, 359, 404

503
Synod of Albany, extract ftom

the minutes of . . . 333
Tennent, Rev. William, life of 1, 49

97
. remariu
on the life of . . . 267

Tenth commandment . 516

Theological students, list of
books recommended to, by Dr.
Tappan «... 355

Thouj^ts on the eclipse . 83, 124
.... on the divinity of Christ 365
Thurston, ordination of . 487

Trinity, doctrine ofthe . .172
Tyroler almanac for 1805 . 93

United States . aag, fi4p, 33I1 384,

387. 433. 485

Vaccination, on • • • 139

Veazie, ordination of . . 39a

Vcrsct by President Davies 851, 254^

. . ;l)y Mrs. Steele . 256, 258
. • . fiom the Arabic . . 573
Vincent, Rev. Thomas, tketch of 444
Vote of the New London, Connec-
ticut association • • . 238

Wadsworth, Rev. Thomas, sketch

of 540

Ward, extract of a letter from • 531
Wheeler, ordination of . . 54*
Wickes, Capt. extract of a letter

from and to . •184, 591

Willard, Dr. John, death of • 487
Wilson, installation of « • 9$

Youthful benevolence

283

REVIEWS.

Barnard, D. D. sermon before Beach, sermon at the ordination of,

tbesocicty lor propagating the by Mr. Hooker •

fospcl .... 328

tiU

I N D « •«-•

Bonar on Oeimtiie- ReliMii, &c. 574
Brown* lernion on the aeath of, bjr

Mr. Pidgin. ...

Bumham's ondoa 00 the detthoT

Mr. Hardf • • •

Dana's memoMt ofcainently piois

women • •• 3t

Oisraics of chiUfcn, treattsoon, bf

Dr. Underwood • « 155

Dow'f ^miliar lettnt to Rev. J.

Shennan • « . « « Sd-

Ecklejr's, Dr. tennoii beftve tbe
' society for.pn7|Mi|{attng the go^

* pel 131

Ely's scmoq the im Sabbtth a&
ter his ordination • . 43s

Homer's sermon at tbe interment
ofbissoo ... r 38

Hooker's sermon at tbe onibatiofi
of Mr. Beach . • •

]&torical view of beresjes, and vin-
dication of the primitive &ith» by
McFarland . . , lyg

fi^scory of the American levolth
tion by Mis. Warren • 380, 429

Hitchcock's poem, shade of Platb iSi

Kendall's sermon before the stn«
dent and hooourabte artillery
company *. ' . . . ^^4

Lathrop's sermon on the aolar
ecli^ . . . ft«^

Letters to a friend in four pam, &c.
by Sptulding . . .479

Livmgston's, Dr. sermon beforr
the New York Missionary So*

, ciety ftSa

Eyman's sermon before tbe con-
vention of the Congregational

Page

clergy of Mmachmetti . 134

Bfiison's, Dr. sermon before the
' London Miiiionaf y society • g^
McFariimd'f hiatocicai view of
rhcfCiici and vindication of the

pnniiive iaith • • ' • ly^

Mclntireon the hurt sin dooa to

believers • . • 8^9

Memoirs of eminently pioos «o-

GKO, by Mr. Dana • • * • ga
Muir's, Dr. sermon oa the foimh
. of July . .. .. .. .r gtyr

Nou's, Dr. sermon be^Me the •
. itanding cOfDmittee of mistioiis tfft/

SidgiA's two sermons on the death
l ctf Mr.' Brown and Mr; 'Jennet 3SB

SbadeofPlVOiapbem-x^Hitcbcock ifte
alpiiulmDg's letters to a friend, in

47^
3Btt

"5.5

js3

four parts, &c.
SeimotiA..«..Dr« Barinrd'ii

• . . .Hr, EckleyV
; • • . Mr. Ely's •

• • . • Mr. Homer's

• • • .Mr. Hooker's

• . • J Mr. Kendall's '
•' . . • Dr. Ladhrop^s
•' . . • Dr. Livingston'*

• • . • Dr. Lyman'a . 13^
.... Dr. Maion's ■■ '■ '« 3^
r ... Br. Muir's . . 3^7
. • . • Dr. Nott's '. . «7
... .Mr. Pidgin's. . 3tB

Vaderwood's trettse on the diaeasct
of children • • • . 135

Warren's^ Mrs. history of the A-
mcricaii revolution . . 380^ 499

POETRY.

Address to the Deity . . 473

Bnrterfly, the . , •96

Deity, address to the • . 473

Bpigram on Dr. Luther . • 1^
Fire fly, the .... 4S
Gentleman's skull *• • . . -47
Joy of grief . . , .296
In memory of my beloved mother 143
Lady's skull • • . . 47

Lines by Mif. Steele . bj6^ i^

. • • by President Davies 851, 834^

Luther Dr. epigram Qn •
Peter's repentance . *
Religion, an occasional hymn
Orphans, the
Negro's complaint, the
Verses from the Arabic

57a

843
375
3«i

I M D E X.

INDEX TO THE PRINCIPAL NAMES.

AOCfncibjr
Adams
Adnan

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ft*

THE PANOPLIST;

OE|

THE CHRISTIAN'S ARMORY.

No. 13.]

JUNE, 1806. [No. 1, Vol. IL

l^iosrapi)^^

LIFE OF THE REV. WILLIAM TENNENT .•
[From the Assembly'! Misrionuy Magazine.]

A«03ro the duties which every
genention owes to those which
are to succeed it, we may reckon
the careful delineation of the
characters of those whose exam-
ple deserves^ and may invite imi-
tatioB. Example speaks louder
than preeeptf and living practi-
cal religion has a much greater
efecton mankind than argument
orekiquence. HencCy the lives
of pious men become the most
important sources of instruction
and warning to posterity ; while
their exemplary conduct affords
the best commentary on the
religion they professed. But
when such men have been re-
markably favoured of God, with
unusual degrees of light and
knowledge, and have been hon-
oured by the special and extraor-
dinary influences of his Holy
Spirit, and by the most manifest
and wonderftil interpositions of
divine Providence in their be-
half, it becomes a duty of more

than common obligation, to hand
down to posterity the principal
events of their lives, together
with such useful inferences as
they naturally suggest. A neg-
lect of this duty, even by persons
who may be conscious of the
want of abilities necessary for tho
complete biographer, is greatly
culpable ; for, if the strictiest
attention be paid to the truth of
the facts related, and all ex-
aggeration or partial representa-
tion be carefully avoided, the
want of other furniture can be no
excuse for burying in oblivion
that conduct, which, if known,
might edify and benefit the
world.

The writer of these memoirs
has difficulties of a peculiar kind
to encounter, in attempting to
sketch the life of that modest,
humble, and worthy man, whose
actions, exercises, and senti-
ments he wishes . to record.
Worldly men, who are emulous

* We understand, that these Memoirs are from the pen of a learned lay-
man, eminent for hi> piety, eloquence and liberality, and the intimate friend
of Mr. Tennent. Uia narratire may, therefore, be relied on as authentic

Vol. IL No. I.

Life vfRev. ff^tffiam Temient.

U^nCy

to transmit their names to follow-
ing ages, take care to leave such
materials for the future historian,
as ma/ secure the odehrity which
they seelt. " But 'the humble
follower of the meek and lowly
Jesus, whose sole aim is the glo-
ry of Godf in the welfare of im-
mortal souls, goet^ OBi from day
to day^ a» seeing Uim whf> is
invisible, careful to approve him-
self Qi\ly to the Searcher of
hearts, regardless of worldly
fame or distinction, and leaving it
to his heavenly Father to rewui*d
him openly, in the day of final ac-
count. The writer of such a
man's life must principally rely
on a personal acquaintance with
him, and the communications of
his intimate friends^ for the infor-
mation which shall be imparted
to the public. In these circum-
stances it is peculiarly embarrass-
ing if some of the fkcts to be re-
corded are of such a nature, that
it is most desirable to have their
authenticity so fully established,
that incredulity shall be con-
founded, and the sneer of the
sceptical and ppofime lose its ef-
fect. But the writer of the
following narrative, though pla-
ced in these circumstances, and
having such facts to detail, has
nevertheless determined to pro-
ceed. He has refreshed and
corrected his own recollection,
by the most careful inquiries that
.he could possibly make of oth-
ers, until he is well assured, that
^vhat he shall' state is incontesta-
ble truth. From the very nature
of several things, of which an ac-
count will be given, they do not
indeed admit of any other direct
testimonv than that of the re-
markab4e man to whom they rc-
btc. But if there ever was a
person, who deserved to be be-

lieved unreservedly on his own
word, it was he. He possessed
an integrity of soul and a sound-
ness of judgment, >Vhich did ac-
tually secure him an unlimited
confidence from all who knew
him. Every species of decep-
tion, falsehood, and exaggeration
he abhorred and scorned. He
was an Israelite indeed, in whom
there was no guile. With such
materials, then, as have been
mentioned, and for a work of
such character as has been hint-
ed, the writer has undertaken his
task. He has undertaken what
he would most gladly have re*
signed to am abler hand ; but
from which, as no other offered,
he dared not withhold his own.
He could wish that speculative
and even unbelieving minds
might be instructed and convinc-
ed by these memoirs. But his
principal object, and that in which
he trusts he sliall not be entirely
disappoiniedy is to direct* assist,
and comfort pious souls, g^roan-
ing under the pressure of the
calamities which they often have
to endure in their pilgrimage
through the wilderness of this
world.

The late Rev. William Tek*-
NEjrr, of Freehold, in the county
^ Monmouth, in the State of
New Jersey, of whom we write,
was the second son of the Rev.
William Tennent, minister of
•the gospel at Neshaminy, in
Bucks county, in the state of
Pennsylvania. This last gentle-
man was originally a minister of
the church of England, in the
then kingdom of Ireland, where
he was bom and received his
education. He was chaplain to
an Irish nobleman, but Inking
conscientiously scrupulous of
conforming to the terms impo-^

1806.]

Life of Rev. fFiUianrTeimem.

sed on the clergy of that king-
domt he wms deprived, of his liv-
ing. He now became acquaint-
^ with the famous Gilbert Ken-
nedfy of , a Presbyterian

ministery who had also been per-
secuted for his religious princi-
ples, and soon ailer married his
daughter. Finding it difficult to
continue at home with any satis-
Eictoiy degcee of usefulness, and
his &mily increasing, after a few
years he determined to emigrate
to America, where he was en-
couraged to hope for a greater
fiberty of conscience, as well as
the prospect of being employed
in extending the Redeemer's
kingdom in that new world. -He
arrived .at Philadelphia jn the
summer of 1718, with his wife,
four sons, and on/e daughter.
His sons were, Gilbert, who was
afterwards the pastor of the sec-
ond Presbyterian church in Phila-
delphia ; William, the subject of
Uiese memcHrs^ John, who be^
came pastor of the church at
Freehold, and died at the age of
twenty-five years ; and Charles,
afterwards minister of the Pres-
byterian church at Whiteclay
creek, whence he removed to
Buckingham) in Maryland.

William Tennfsnt, the fiither,
on his first coming to America,
settled at • East Chester, in the
then province of New York, and
afterwards removed to Bedford.
In a short time he was called to
Bucks county, in Pennsylvania,
and preached at Bensalcm and
Smitbfield ; but soon after set-
tled permanently at Neshaminy,
in the same county. Being skill-
ed in the Latin language, so as to
speak and write it almost as well
as his mother tongue, a good
proficient also in the other learn-
ed languages, and well read in

divinity, he determinad to set up
a school for the instruction of
youth, particularly of those da-
signed for the gospel ministry,
as the best service he could ren-
der to God and his new adopted
country ; education being then
at a very low ebb. There ap-
peared, in his apprehension, a
very large field for the propaga-
tion of the gospel, could a sufii-
cient number of faithful labour-
ers be found for so great a har-
vest. A learned ministry, he
well knew, was necessary to the
sure foundation of the church of
Christ, especially in anew coun-
try,* so peculiarly .exposed to
every invader, and where the
enemy might so successfully sow
tares among the wheat. In pursu-
ance of this design, he establish^
ed an academyt and built a house,
since known by the name of the
log-college.

Soon after his arrival. in Bucks
county, on full consideration, he
left the church of England, and,
to enlarge his sphere of useful-
ness, determined to join the Pres-
byterian church. Accordingly,
he applied to the synod of Phila«
delphia for admission into their
x:ommunion ; and, on due exami-
nation, and complying with their
stated rules, he was very cordial-
ly received. At the first meet-
ing of the synod afterwards, he
addressed that venerably body, in
an elegant Latin oration, which
added greatly to his celebrity,
and increased the hopes of his
friends as to the success of the
institution he had founded. To
erect and support such an impor-
tant seminary of learning, out of
his own private purse, at that
early period, in a new country
just rising from a savage wilder-
ness, and to devote himself to so

Life of Rev. ffllliam Tetment.

Dune,

severe a Bemcey in addition to
his pastoral charge, was a bqon to
his generation, that at this day
cannot be eauly nor sufficiently
appreciated.

His expectations, in a few
years, were^more than realised.
In this institution the principal
men of the day, and many of the
Presbyterian clergy, were educa-
ted, and added greatly to the in-
crease and usefulness of their
churches. The late Rev. Messrs.
Rowland, Campbell, Lawrence,
Beatty, Robinson, and Samuel
Blair, with many others, were
among the number of his pupils,
and thought themselves honoured
by being considered as sons of
this humble seminary. Here al-
so his own four sons received
their education, and were prepar-
ed for their important services.
Had these been the only fruits of
that in&nt academy, America
would have reason to rejoice^ and
to render thanks to that God> who
directed this gentleman to visit
her shores.

His second son, William,
who is the subject of these
sketches, was bom on the 3d day
of June, 1705, in the county of
Antrim, in Ireland, and was just
turned of thirteen years when he
arrived in America. He applied
himself, with much zeal and
'industry, to his studies, and ^lade
great proficiency in the lan-
guages, particularly in the Latin.
Being early impressed with a
deep sense of divine things, he
soon determined to follow the
example of his Sftther and elder
brother, by devoting himself to
the service of God' in the minis-
try of the gospel. His brother
Gilbert being called to the pieu&tor-*
al charge of the church at New
Brunswick) in New Jersey, and

making a very considerable figure
as a useful and popular preacher ;
William determined, as he had
completed his course in the
languages, to study divinity un-
der his brother. Accordingly
he left his Cither's house, with
his consent and by his advice, and
went to New Brunswick. At
his departure from home^ which
was considered as his setting out
in life, his father addressed him
with great affection, commend-
ing him to the £eivbur and protec-
tion of that God, from whom he
himself had received so much
mercv, and who had directed
(lim m all his migrations. He
gave him a small sum of money,
as the amount of all he could do
for him, telling him that if he
behaved well and did his duty,
this was an ample provision for
him ; and if he should act other**
wise, a^d prove ungrateful to a
k^nd and gracious God, it was too*
much and more than he deserv-
ed. Thus, with a pittance, and
the blessing of a pious and affec-
tionate parent, of more conse-
quence than thousands of pounds,
the young student set out in the
world.

After a regular course of stu-
dy in theology, Mr. Tennent was
preparing for his examination by
the presbytery, as a candidate for
^he gospel ministry. His intense
application afected his health,
ai;id brought on a pain in his
breast and a slight hectic. He
SQon became emaciated, and at
length was like a living skele-
ton. His life ¥ras now threaten-
ed. He was attended by a phy-
sician, a young gentleman who
was attached to him by the strict-
est and warmest friendship. He
grew worse and worse, tiU little
hope of life wai^ left. In thia

1806-3 I^if^ ofRro. fPllIiam Tcuncnt. S

«ituadoD his spirits fidled him^ ed, and mt last confintd his re-
and he began to entertain doubts quest for delay to one hour, then
of his final happiness. He was to half an hour, and finally to a
conTersingt one mornings with quarter of an hour. He had
his brother* in Latin, on the state discovered that tlie tongue was
of his soolf when he feinted and much swoln* and threatened to
died away. After the usual crack. He was endeavouring^ to
time, he was laid ont on a board, soften it, by some emollient oint«
sccording to the common prac- ment put upon it with a featiuTy
tice of the country, and the when the brother came in, al>out
neighbourhood were inrited to the expiration of the last period,
attend his funeral on the next and mistaking what the doctor
day. In the erening, his physi- was doing, for an attempt to feed
cian and friend returned from a him, manifested some resc^nt-
ride into the country, and was ment* and in a spirited tone, said,
afflicted beyond measure at the " It is shameful to be feedinn^ u
news of his death. He could not lifeless corpse;" and insisted,
be persuaded, that it was certain ; with earnestness, that the funeral
and on being told that one of the should immediately proceed.
persons who had assisted in lay- At this critical and important
lag out the body thought he had moment, the body, to the great
otnenred a little tremor of the alarm and astonishment of all
flesh under the srm, although present, opened its eyes, gave a
the body was cold and stiff, he. dreadful groan, and sunk again
cndeaYoured to ascertaifi the feet, into apparent death. This put
Be first put his own hand into an end to all thoughts of burying
warm water to make it as sensi- him, and every effort was again
Ue as possible, and then felt un- employed in hopes of bringing
der the aim, and at the heart, and about a speedy resuscitation. In
afinned that he felt an unusual about an hour, the eyes again
warmtbf though no one else opened, a heavy groan proceeded
could. He had the body restor- from the body, and again all ap-
ed to a warm bed, and insisted pearance of animation vanished.
that the people, who had bepn In another hour life seemed to
invited to the funeral, should be return with more power, and a
requested not to attend. To this complete revival took place, to
the brother objected as absurd, the great joy of the family and
the eyes being sunk, the lips dis- friends, and to the no small
coloured} 'and the whole body astonishment and conviction of
cold and stiff. However, the very many who had been ridicu-
doctor finally prevailed ; and all ling the idea of rcstoi In^^ to liie a
probable means were usad, to dead body,
discover symptoms of returning Mr. Tennent continued in so
life. But the third day arrived, weak and low a state for six
and no hopes were entertained of weeks, that great doubts uere
success but by the doctor, who entertained of his final recovery,
never left him night nor day. However, after that period, he rc-
The people were again invited, covered much faster, but it was
and assembled to attend the about twelve months before he
funeral. The doctor still object-v was completely restored. After

Life of Luther.

Uune,

he was able to walk the roomy
and to take notice of what passed
around hinii on a Sunday after-
noon, his sister, who had staid
from church to attend himy was
reading in the Bible, when he
took notice of it, and asked her
what she had in her han(]. She
answered that slie was reading
the Bible. He replied, ''What
is the Bible I I know not what
you mean." This affected the
sister so much that she burst into
tears, and informed him, that he
was once well acquainted with it.
On her reporting this to the
brother when he returned, Mr.
Tennent was found, upon exami-
nation, to be totally ignorant of
every transaction of .his life pre-
vious to his sickness. Ae could
not read a single word, neither
did he seem to liave any idea of
what it meant. As soon as he
became capable of attention, he
was taught to read .and write, as
diildren are usually taught, and
afterwards began to learn the La-
tin lp.nguage under the tuition of
his brother. One day as he vras
reciting a lesson in Cornelius
Ncpos, he suddenly started, clap-
ped his hand to his head, as if
something had hurt him, and
made a pause. His brother ask-
ing him what was the matter, he
said, that he felt a sudden shock
in his head, and it now seemed to
him as if he had read that book
before. By degrees his recollec-
tion was restored, and he could
speak the Latin as fluently as be-
fore his sickness. His memory
so completely revived, that he
gained a perfect knowledge of
the past transactions of his life,
as if no difiiculty had previously
occurred. This event, at the
tim';, made a considerable noise,
aod uiforded, not only matter of

serious contemplation to the de»
Tout Christian, especially when
connected with what follows in
this narration, but furnished a
subject of deep investigation and
learned inquiry to the real phi-
losopher and curious anatomist.
{To be continued.)

LIFE OF LUTHER.
Froni the Religious Monitor.
(Continued from p. 52r» vol. I.)

The Elector, acquainted with
the feithlessness of Rome, and
fearing that the imperial edict
might afford some pretext to one
or other of the Popish princes,
to violate the safe conduct, which
Luther had receivedrand deliver
him into the power of his im-
placable enemies, had the pru-
dence to have him conveyed to a
secret place of safety. On his
return from Worms, at the en-
trance of the forest of Thurin^
gia, he was seized by a number
of armed horsemen, who were
lying in wait for him, and carried
to the castle of WartbuKg, a
strong fortress in the neighbour-
hood of Eisenach. The secret
of Luther's retreat, though con-
fided to several of his friends,
was long unknown ; and reports
of his assassination were spread,
as the true explanation of his
sudden disappearance. The grief
which these reports occasioned
to multitudes, whose attach-
ment to the cause of the reform-
er, had till then, been unnoticed^
proved the extent of the evil
with which the church was
threatened, and the inefiicacy of
huts and prescriptions to avert
it.* But their fears were dis-

* Seckendorf lib. 1. $ 98, p. 160.

1806.]

Life of Luther.

pelled by the publications) which
soon issued from the castle of
Wartburg.

Luther, who followed the die*
tates of prudence and authori-
ty, rather than his own inclina-
tion and conviction of propriety,
in remaining under the protec-
tion of secrecy, was impatient to
be at liberty, that he might re-
sume his usual labours. He
was, however, indefatigable in
writing both letters and treatises,
illustrating and confirming his
established opinions on many
points of religious doctrine, and
they were received with increas-
ed avidity, as from one, who had
almost suffered martyrdom fi>r
the truth. He also preached
regularly every week to those,
who shared his solitude ; but bis
mind was constantly occupied
with anxiety about the interests
of the reformation, which he was
eiccluded from publicly directing
and superintending. His health
too, was affected, by his confine-
ment, his anxious cares, and the
delicacy of his diet, so different
from his accustomed fare in his
monastic life. But the state of
him flock at Wittemberg, and the
prospect of the spiritual tyranny
of Rome being anew riveted
about the necks of those, whose
emancipation had been nearly ef-
fected, were the sources of his
deepest afiliction. Yet his cour-
age and zeal seemed to be in-
fliuned by the very circumstan-
ces, which might have damped
them : " I had rather," said he,
^ expire on burning coals for the
glory of God, and the confirma-
tion of my own faith, and that of
others, than thus pine away, in a
state of solitude, half alive, nay,
only not dead." But, adds he,
^ though I perish, the gospel re*

mains. If the Pope persecute
all, who think as I do, Germany
will revolt, and the sooner he
begins it, the sooner will he and
his minions be destroyed. God
has so raised the spirit of tliou-
sands, and that among the com-
mon people, that it seems to be
impossible to be repressed ; nay,
its force will be increased ten
fold by opposition." He was, at
the same time, so averse to any
thing like violence on cither
side, that he considered the con-
duct of the students at Erfurd,
who pillaged and burned some
houses belonging to the canons
of that city, because they had ex-
pelled one of the brethren on
the charge of Lutheranism, as a
token of the Divine displeasure,
and meriting the most unqualifi-
ed censure.* -

The first work of his solitary
hours, was a treatise on auricu*
lar confession, in which he in-
sisted on the 'propriety of abol-
ishing this point of discipline,
because entirely of human in-
vention, productive of the most
scandalous effects, and calculated
to encourage rather than to dis-r
countenance sin, by the facility
of obtaining absolution. This
was followed by an answer to La-
tomus, who had undertaken the
defence of the censure, which
the faculty of Louvain had
passed on his writings. This
work contained a vindication of
the severity with which he spoke
of hia adversaries, as abundantly
justified by the dangerous opin-
ions, which they supported, and
the profligate lives, which they
led, and an elaborate defence of
several of the propositions, which
he had formerly advanced re-

*•* *

• Scckond. $ 99, p. 162.

Life of Luther.

[>«ff.

specting^ the nature and merit of
good works.* The next trea-
tise, which came from his pen,
was on the criibacy of the clergy,
and on monastic vows in gene*
ral. On this subject Melancthon
had frequently conversed with
liim ; but Luther, iiware of the
(htn(.7cr, which mi^ht ensue to
the reformation from the pro*
mulgation of an opinion, which
conti'ovcrtcd one of the most an-
cient practices of the church, hes-
itated immediately to embrace it.
Melancthon,however, was deter-
mined not to conceal his senti-
ments, wiien, in consequence of
his influence and instructions, a
curate of Kemberg in Saxony
Jiaving, in defiance of the law of
celibacy, entered on a married
life, an opportunity was afforded
of givin*^ them publicity. The
curate was sumn^oned to appear
before the Archbishop of Mentz ;
and Philip prepared an apology
for him, addressed to the ofii*
cials of Magdeburg. This apolo-
gy was an unanswerable reliita*
tion of the Popish tenets respect-
ing the marriage of Priests, and
paved the way for Luther's trea-
tise on the general topic of reli-
gious vows. These he showed
to he unsupported by cither pre-
ccj>t or example in tlie New
TJestamcnt ; to be contrary to
Chnsti»n liberty ; subversive of
that very spirituality and purity,
of which it was preteiKled they
were the bulwarks ; and a bur*
<len imposed by hellish policy
on the consciences of mcn.f

During Luther's residence at
Wartbtirg, a reformation took
place in the public worship at
Wittemberg. It was a wise

....

•Scdicnd. §101, p. 164.

t lb. §§ 104, 105, p. iro.

maxim of this illustrions reform-
er, that the people should l)e in«
structed in the errors, which per^
vaded the religious service of the
church, and that after they were
thoroughly persuaded of their
existence, that they ahoald be
abolished without disorder or
turbulence^ to prevent the &tal
consequence of precipitate chan-
ges in the established worship.
Following out this maxim, seve*
ral of the Augustine monks, who
had come to Wittemberg, from
different parts of Germany, to
enjoy the advantages of Luther's'
instructions, which they regard-
ed as the light of heaven, began
publicly to preach against the
doctrine of private mass, and
communion under one kind.
They were checked by the prior
of the monastery ; but persisted
in their opinion, and discontinu-'
ed the practices, which they im-
pugned, on which, complaint was
made against them to the court.
The unanimity and peace of the
society being thus broken, in or-
der again to cement them, tho
Elector, on being informed of it,
sent Gregory Pontanus to Wit-
temberg, who appointed deputies
to receive the reasons of the
malcontent monks for resisting
the established order, and to re-
port them along with their own
opinion to Frederic. The depu-
ties being attached to the refor-
mation, represented the reason-
ings of ■ the innovators as sound
and unanswerable ; gave it, as
their own opinion, tliat some alte-
rations were necessary, though
they did not insist on the total
abolition of private mass ; and
conjured the Elector to muntain
that gospel, which God had
caused to revisit his church.
Frederic, on receiving their re-

1806.']

RcHgioiis ConwiunicatioTis.

port) reconmicnded moderation
to both parties ; requested the
monks to do nothing Mriihout so*
rious deliberation, and to wait till
the people were better informed
on the subject before they ven-
tured to introduce changes',
which interested the whole
church, and which might go to
subvert many ancient instiiu-
tions, and to alter the whole sys-
tem of ecclesiastical administra-
tion. The deputies, not being
satisfied with this mode of pro-
cedure, sent a second remon-
strance to Frederic, on the ne-
cessity of correcting the abuses
of which they complained ; and
not with standing his repeated ad-
vice, not to ma^e their proposed
alterations, though he allowed
them publicly to declare that
some reformation was necessary,
under the direction of Beyer, a
member both of the senate and
university, they regulated the
worship of the s;;nctuary in a man-

ner more consonant to th.e spirit-
tiality of its nature, put away im-
ages, abolished the elevation of
the host, and made preparations
for suppressing the order of
mendicant friary. All the Au-
gu&tines throughout Thuringia
and Misnia soon after met in a
chapter at Wittemberg, and gave
their sanction to these important
changes. Luther received these
trausactions with raptures of
joy, and congratulated his fel-
low-citizens on their courage
and zeal, in giving the first ex-
ample of a public reformation.
It was on this occasion that he
composed his ti'catisc On the M"
oiitiun ((f Private Masses^ though
it was suppressed by order of
the court, and' not printed till
the beginning of 1533.*

• • • •

* Beauflobrc, torn ii. lib. 4. p.^85-«
198.
sieckcnd. Sec. 54. $ 129, 130.

( To be contifiued,)

Beligioiw Communicationjer.

A DISSERTATIO.V ON JOIIK S
SIXTH VZAL.

Revclation xti. 12 — 16.

**' Aif D the sixth angel poured
out his vial upon the great river
Euphrates, and the water there-
of was dried up, that the way of
the kings of the east might be
prepared. And I saw three un-
clean spirits, like frogs, come
out of the mouth of the dragon,
and out of the mouth of the
lH.*ast, and out of the mouth of
ihe false prophet. For they arc
the spiriis of devils, working
Vcl. II. Xo. 1. C

miracles, which go forth unto
the kings of the earth and of the
whole world, to gather them to
the battle of that great day of
God Almighty. Behold, I come,
as a thief. Blessed is he, that
watcheth, and keepeth his gar-
ments, lest he walk naked, and
they see his shame. And he
gatlicrcd them together into a
place, called in the Hebrew
lonj;ue Armageddon."

The moral and religious state
of the Christian world makes it
evident to every careful obs£r\'-
cr, that we are now under one or
other of the latter vials. Under

10 Dissertation in Johi^s Sixth f^ial. Unn^t

the preceding period of the Uterai Babylon. We well know
trunipctsy the sensible effect of how that was taken by the kings
God's judgments \ytL% the in- of Media and Peraiat whose
crease of the various kinds of countries lay east of her, wha
superstition and idolatry in the therefore^ in relation to her,
jdegenerate and apostate chnrch ; were literally ^ the kings of the
as appears from chap. ix. But east." The waters of the Eu^
under the latter vials, the effect phrates, which ran through that
of God's judgments is the in- city, and were the means of her
crease of infidelity, and a conse- wealth and defence, were dried
quent dissipation of morals, up, or diverted from their old
**' Men blaspheme the God of channel, so that the besieging ar-
heaven, and repent not of their my entered and took it almost
deeds." The rapid increase, without resistance. That Bab-
extensive spread, and undisguis- ylon shocild be taken in this
cd avowal of i^fidolity in all manner was expressly foretold
parts of the Christiaii world, not by Jeremiah. *^ A sword is up-
excepting our own Savoured on tlie inhabitant» of Babylon,
country, strongly mark the pe^ a drought is upon her waters,
riod, in which we live. At least, and they shall be dried up. I
they show that one or other of Will dry up her sea, and make
the latter vials is now nmning. her springs dry, and Babyloiv
The circumstances and events shall become heaps."
of the times will most naturally l^y ^ the kings of the east"
point' us to the sixth. This we we are to understand, not literal-
vf\\\ endeavour to explain, and ly kingsy whose territories lie
will inquire, whether events do^ f»stof i^^mr^the mystical Baby-
not correspond with if. Ion, but her enemies ii> general.

" The sixth angel poured ou% . By " Euphrates," we are to un-

his vial upon the great river Eu- derstand, not (he river so called^

ph rates, and the water thereof nor any other remarkable water,

was dried up, that the way of the but any sources of riches and

kings of the east migiit be pre- strength, which have rendered

pared." her formidable ; and' any imped-

We are to interpret this vial iments, which, in time j>ast, have
according to the analogy of the restrained her enemies from in-
prophetic part of the book, which vading her, or have prevented
is wholly figurative, and lx>rrows their success. Who are the en-
its language and allusions from emiest that shall finally destroy
the Old Testament. her, John has told us in the 17tb

As the Roman church ifv call- chap, of this book : ^ Those

ed Babylon^ and as under the kings, who had once agreed to

next vial, this ^^ great Babylon give their kingdom tothe beast,"

comes into remembrance before i. e. to the Roman power, ^' willy

God, that he may give her the when God's word is fulfilled^

cup of the wine of the fierceness hate the whore,, that sits on the

of his wrath ;" so the judg- beast, make her desolate and

nienis, coming upon her under naked, and bum her with fire."

this vial, are described by an The kings of the earth long^

allusion to the destruction of the felt the Hyranny and oppressiott

11106.3 Dissertation an Johri's Sixth Viah

«f papal Rome. But the dread
of her fulminations, whUe she
was bliadly adored bj the igno*
rant and deluded multitude, re*
strained these kings from as-
serting their sovereignty and re-
dressing their injuries. This
E'upbratest for a considerable
timet has been drying up. The
Abolition of convents and of the
inquisition in many Roman
Catholic countries^ and the gen-
eral suppression of the order of
Jesuits, the extension of com-
mercC) and the consequent diffu-
sion of luiowledgey hare greatly
dinupiish^ ihe weaikh, and veal^
encd the strength of this fiaby^
Ion. But no event has been
so fiertal to the papal power, as;
the subversion of the French
monarchy. The justice of this
revolution in a moral view, or
the wisdom of it in a political
view, is not a subject of our
present inquiry. Be this as it
may, the consequence of it in re-
lation to the papal power is ob»
TOUs. It has almost dried up
the river, which was the source
j0f her weahh, and removed the
barrier, which was the means of
her defence. The French na-
tion, which had long supported,
has now annihilated the Pope's
tfmfi9ral dominion, and has left
him but the shadow of a spirit-
ual supremacy in the church.
Thus St. John's prophecy is ful-
filled; ^The ten horns, or
kings, which gave their power
tt> the beittt, ihete^ or some of
these, shall hate the whore, who
sits on him, and make her des-
olate.

The present government of
France, in a political view, is as
absolute, as was her former gov-
ernment. But it is certainly
much more favourable to the

freedom of religion .; for it not
only tolerates, but supports Pro-'
testantism, as well as Popery ;
so that means <of reformation
may now he, applied with safety
and without interruption. The
way for the introduction of light
and truth, which was shut under
former monarchs, is now open-
ed. Accordingly, in the short
interval of peace between the'
last and the present war, Protes-
tant missionaries visited France
without danger, suid preached
there without molestation ; and -
complete Bibles and many Pro«-
testant books were distributed'
among the people, and received
with apparent gratitude and joy.'
The eruption of the war put a
sudden stop to these pious mea*
sures ; but, whenever peace
shall return, it is hoped they wiU
be renewed.

John gof» on to say,^^I saw'
three unclean spirits, like frogsr
come out of the mouth of the
dragofiy and out of the mouth of
the bea9tj and out of the mouth
of tlic faUe tirt^thetr It will be
necessary to ascertain the char-
acters, intended by these names.
And let us remember, they are
three^ and must not be confound-
ed.

Our first inquiry will be con-
cerning the dragon. He is de-
scribed chap xii. ^ There ap-
peared a sign in heaven,*' or in
the sky, ''a great red dn^n,
having seven heads and ten horns,
and on his heads seven crowns."
This must intend the heathen
Roman empire, as it existed in
John's time. The place is de-
signated by the seven heads, which
the angel says, are seven moun-
tains, on which the city, or seat of
the dragon, was built. This cir*
cumstuiice points out Home,

Dissertation on John's Sixth FiaL {JJune^

Tvhlch, all know, fra:i- built on
seven hills. The seven heads de«
note also seven kings, or seven
successive forms of government ;
five of which, the angel says, were
fallen, one then existed, and one
vas to come. The sixth, which ex-
isted in John's time, was the imfie-
rialy or the government by em-
perors. The seventh, which
was to comey was the ducaif or
rather the papal government.
The crownS) at the time of the
vision, were on the heads of the
dragotiy and had not passed to the;
hx>m8 of the beaat^ mentibne,d af-
terward, i. e. the gbvcrnment
was then seated at Rome, and
was not divided among the king-,
doms into which the empire was
afterwards split. So that the
dragon must signify the Heathen
Roman government.

This dragon is indeed called
the devil^ verse dth. But this
inust mean the pagan empirei.as,
actuated by the devil. For,
whenever the devil is introduced
in this book, he appears as carry-
ing on his designs by wicked
agents. It is agreeable to the
style of prophecy to call tyrants
by the name of a dragon. The
kings of Egypt and of Assyria
arc so called.

After the dragon John saw " a
beast rise up out of the sea, hav-,
ing seven heads and ten horns, and
on his horns ten crowns ; and to.
him the dra;^on gave his power
and throne, and great authoriiy."

In the lime, when this heast
appears, the crowns, importing
sovereign power, have passed
from the heads of tlic dragon to
the horns of the beast. The do-
minion, which was before con-
fined to Rome, is now spread
among the ten kingdoms, liita
ivhlch the Roman empire was

divided by the incursions and
conquests of the northern barba-
rians. This was after Christian*
ity was established and greatly
corrupted in the empire. This
beast therefore can be no other
than the fiafial Roman empire. ..[^

The dragon gives his powcr^^
throne, and authority to the
beast. The dragon and beast
are no longer distinct characters.
They are become one. The
power has passed from the for-
mer to the latter. " Men wor-
ship the dragon, which gave
power to the beast, and they wor-
ship the beast, saying, Who is
like to the beast f '*

By the dragon then, under the
sixth vial, we cannot understand
the dn^n exbting in bis first
form, or the Heathen Roman em-
pire ; for in this form he exist-
ed no longer after he had given
his pow;cr to the beast. But by
this name we must understand
the dragon and beast unitcd» or
i\iG Jia/tal empire, exercising the
tyranny and corruption of the
heathen empire.

Such a power certainly exists
some where under this vial.
And where shall we find it, but
in the German empire ? This is
very extensive. In the time of
Charles V. and his successor it
comprehended the greater part
of the western empire, and still
comprises a considerable part of
it. It is that empire continued.
It is called the holy Roman em-
pire . T h e person, crowned Kin^
of tiie Romans, succeeds on the
demise of the emperor, to the im-
perial throne. Popery is the es-
tablished religion of the empire*
It has exercised great tyranny,
and violent persecution. It has
retained all the di^riminatiag
marks of tlie dragon, as a tyran*

U0&] Remarks oii our Sai^iaur^s Miracles. 13

aical and persecuting po%rcr, un- Saviour are not phy&ica!Ir im-

til within a few years past, vhen possible* the cotnptttricy of the

it has grown more tolerant. M-itntsses, their moral charactery

There can then be little doubt) the object which th;:y might have

hut that Germany must undergo a in view, and the circumstances in

great change in her government, which they decloi-ed their convic-

before the general spread of pure tion of the reality of what they

Christianity. It is probable from saw, and the truth of what they

Qiany circumstances, that France beard, must be all taken into

vill be an instrument of effecting account, in judging of the credit

this change. Perhaps a leading to which they were eniiiled.

hlow has been struck already. These witnesses were incapa-

(7b ^ continued.) ble perhaps of accurate logical

^>» discussion ; but men of plain

^so&T nsitARXB ON ou^ 8A« common sensie, some of them

Txocit's MIRACLES. Undoubtedly shrewder than oth«

ers, but all of them sufficiently

That such events as are re- qualified to judge of the reality

corded in the gospel, as the res- of any fact, that came under their

fomioD of sight to the blind, of observation. They were not

speech to the dumb, of life to the accused of deceit, and their mor-

dcad, &c are physically posniblcy al character was never impeach-

ire cannot deny, without setting cd by their most virulent ene-

bounda to the Omnipotence of mies. They published their tes-

God. That they areprobabiCi we timony to the miracles of Jesus,

csnnot, however, affirm, unless we and invariably adhered to it, in

consider the purposes which they the face of the most unexampled,

Vt intended to serve. If it is cruel, and persevering opposi-

pMdbU for God to give a revela* tion. They opposed all their

tioB of his will to men: if it own national and educational pre-

is probable from their condition, judiccs, by supporting a religion,

that he will do so ; and if we are which was to be established on

informed that he has actually the ruins of Judaism. Their les-

donc so ; there is a considerable timony was never contradictedt

presumption that some marks of even by their persecutors : tliou-

supematural interposition will sands and tens of thousands, on its

accomponythe giving of this rev- evidence, embraced the faith,

chiion. which it confirmed : and ^ulti-

That universal experience is tudes sealed their adherence to it

contrary to the supposition of with their blood. Nor let it be

miraculous interference, is a gra- forgotten, that the primitive

tmtous and unfounded assertion. Christians, and the apostles in

The satisfactoriness of testimony particular, sufTered m'.irtyrdom,

does not dei>cnd on the nature of not for matters of opinion, but

the facts attested, unices they are for tlieir attestation of facts : a

pbysirnlly impossible ; but on the circumstance unparalleled in the

credibility of the persons, who history of the world,

sfiinn that they have witnessed On tlicsc grounds we rest

them. the credibility of the gospel his-

If then the miracles of our tory ; the certainty of our Sa-

Remarks ^ our Saviour^s Miracles. [7«,..

Tiour*s miraculous power, and
consequently the truth of his re-
ligion.

But besides this, the miracles
of the gospel are peculiarly dis*
tinguished from all pretended
miracles.

1. Christ did not, like the
champions of popery, who wish-
ed to establish some monstrous
opinion, or give celebrity to some
particular sect, assemble the mul*
titude to witness his miracles, and
by the arts of eloquence or the
aid of superstition, prepare their
minds for something unezpect*
ed and extraordinary. He fixed
no stated hour for the cures
which he performed. It was in
the ordinary course of his min*
istry, when he went about doing
good, that he wrought ^ the
works of Him that sent him**
without ostentaUon or parade.

2. None of his miracles were
unsuccessful : and none of them
incomplete. Erery one that
came to him was healed. The
diseases which he rebuked, were
in every instance perfectly re-
moved.

3. The greater number of
these cures evidently transcend-
ed the power of natural means ;
some of them were effected by
means which in themselves were
not only inadequate, but even ad-
yerse ; and those of them, over
which medical prescriptions
might have had some influence,
were supernatural, as to the man-
ner in which they were perform-
ed : for,

4. They were always instanta-
neous : frequently effected with-
out tlie intervention of any nat-
ural means : by a word, a look,
or a touch.

5. If any of the Jews imagined
them to be impostures, and e&»

amined them in oi:der to detect
the supposed fraud, they totally
failed in their object. Yet, it is
more than incredible, that acute
examinators, assisted by every
passion, which could render them
more acute, should have consid-
ered such a multitude of extraor-
dinary effects, said tahe super-
natural, witliout in a single in-
stance discovering the least ap-
pearance of fraud : unlets we
suppose, that these effects were
indeed really produced.

6. The end lor which the mir-
acles of Christ were performed,
was worthy of them. It was pot
to illustrate any obscure,' absurd
or licentious doctrine ; to con-
firm any foolish or fluctuating
opinion ; to encourage one sect'
and subvert another ; or to sup*"
port the prejudices, and super-^
stition of the people ; but to con-
firm the truth of a religion, as
sublime in its conceptions of
God, as benevolent in its regards
to man, as interesting in its doc-
trines, as pure in its precepts, as
solacing* in its promises, as it is
possible to conceive. Surely
then, this was an object worthy
of the greatest display of divine
power, worthy in all respects oC
that astonishing series of mira-
cles, which the history of the
Saviour records.

Christianity is founded on a
*< rock ;** and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against it. Be-
ware then, my brother, of attack-
ing either secretly or openly, by
any of the weapons of infidelity,
tlus impregnable fortress. Canst
thou retvst Omnipotence ? No I
thy soul must perish \^ ''.he at«
tempt. D« D,

^firilj 1806.

1 806. J Survey of Churches. 1 5

That their apostasy was owing to

sum VET OF CHCRCflES. thc Want of penonal religion, is

evident from the words of the apos-
Ih the intended survey of our tie John. They weni out from iit,
churches, it will be natural to be- hut they were not ofu: For if they
gin with the characteir of the in« had been of u«, they would have
dividuals of whom the churches continued with tit. But they went
are composed. Theyi who be- oti/, that they might be made mani"
lolig to Christ's church, ought to feMt^ that they vere not of «#.
be his disciples. The scripture The (atal errors and vices, which
represents them} as sunts ; as appeared in the Asiatic churches*
persons bom again, and entitled originated in the bosom of hy-
to a heavenly inheritance; as pocrisy. There were a few
children of the light and of the even in Sardis, who had not defil-
day ; as crucified to the world, ed their garments. But the
and alWe unto God ; as the salt reigning character of the church
of the earth ; as the city, and the was corrupt. Many of the mem-
temple of God, in which he gra- bers, probably the greater part*
cioualy dwells. It is granted , were destitute of saving religion,
that the visible church, in its Members of that description in-
purest state, has contained many, jured the cause of Zion, not only
whose character has not, in any by their own conduct directly, but
degree, answered this high de- also by the hurtful influence
scription. But it evidently ap- they had on the character of real
pears, what is the nature of saints. The holy zeal of sincere
Christ's church, and what •houid Christians was damped, their
be thc character of all its mem- faithful exertions encumbered,
bers. If the church contains and their usefulness diminished
those who are essentially defi- by their connexion with the un-
cient in their religious character, sanctified. l*hus it came to paasy
it is proportionably corrupt, that the church, though it had a
When irreligi<m becomes- pre- name to A'-vc, was dead. In the
the church loses its same way the Laodicean church

proper character, its influence, was reduced to a state of culpable
and its blessedness. lukewarmness. In the same
All the disorders, which crept way all the churches of Asia
into the Old Testament church, were corrupted, and finally ruin-
all the evils, which afliiicted and ed. The apostles judged fre-
wastcd k, were occasioned by the quent and most solemn warnings
general impiety of its members, necessary to guard the disciples
Their personal unholiness led to against the dangerous influence

r, and all other national of false brethren,
abominations. In the first age Neither scripture, nor atten-

ofChristianity, many, who had not tive observation gives us libeity

the Spirit of Christ, united them- to suppose, that the church at the

selves to his church. Pe*^ons of present time is any more free

such a c ^<^racter, after maintahi- from a mixture of had characters,

ing for a time, some appearance than it was at thc time of the

of goodness, were gradually ali- apostles. The panibles of the

enated from the cause of Christ, wheat and tares, and of the ten

In the time of trial they fell away, virgins, with other parables and

Sutvev of Churches.

IJune,

prophetic declarations of the
same import, are as applicable to
the church in these ages, as at
any former period. Multitudes
of wicked men assume the fonn
of godliness, and join in profeb-
sion \vith the people of Christ.
Now although such a state of the
church will be overruled by Heav-
en for wise purposes ; yet the
nature of things conspires with
experience to show, that it is the
unfailint; source of numberless
evils. It is as undesirable, as for
noxious weeds to mingle with the
fruits of a garden, or for tares to
spring up and grow in a field with
wheat.

With these remarks in mind,
let us survey the churches
through the Commonwealth.
These churches in general con-
sist of few members. It is no
violation of the rules of candour
to believe, that a considerable
p:iri oftliose few arc destitute of
Christian holiness. ' " Would to
God," says Doddridge, " there
were reason to hope, that the
Christian church were so equal-
ly divided, that five of ten in it
had the oil of divine grace in
their hearts, to render them burn-
ing and shining lights." We
2nay, with propriety, adopt the
same pious wish respecting our
New England churches.

The reasons which lead to such
iin apprehension are many.
Some of the most obvious Avill
just be mentioned.

The first and most weighty is,
the firacticc f if nominal Christian*!,
Some arc notoriously immoral.
Dislionesty, Sabbath-breaking,
and intemperance arc often scon
in those, icho name the name of
Chrur, How many discover a
worldly, selfish, or revengeful
spinti as inconsistent with the

Christian character, as any rice
whatever. Of how many may
it be said, that although they can-
not be charged with any particu-
lar sins, their habitual conduct
towards the church and the world
clearly manifests the want of
grace. Of how many others
must we, at best, entertain very
uncomfortable doubts. In what
\'arious ways do men, without
open irregularities, render their
piety justly suspected. How
many, whose deportment is com-
monly blamele8s> show, on dis-
crimmating occasions, that they
have not the love of God in their
heails. By professing Christians
in general, the holy morality of
the gospel is little regarded. If
we judge them by their fruits,
and their fruits by the precepts
of Christianity ; we must con-
clude, that vital religion is in a
very low state in our churchesi
and that a proportion of their
members, greater than we would
willingly name, have at rnost^
the form, without the power of
godliness.

We may, secondly, infer this
lamentable truth from the inade"
quote cTid false ofiinions of religion^
vfhieh Tnanu nominml Christiana en»

tertain. At present these opin«
ions will be only hinted at, as
proof of the fact under conside-
ration. There are errors, which
the inspired %\Titers consider, as
u per\ crsion of the gospel, and as
exposing every one, who em-
brAces them, to the censure of
the church and the heaviest
anathema of the Bible. Such
errors, without doubt, are found
in our churches. Indeed, they
cculd not have obtained such
currency ; they could not be
avowed witli such lx)ldness, and
defended with so much succcss»

180fi.J

Survey of Churches.

without the concurring agency
of large numbers. These pre-
nlent errors are the fruit of an
unchristian spirit} and a direct
proo(^ that many church mem-
bers are destitute of gospel faith.
7%e madequate ofiirnoru^ which
an gemeraiiy held r^M/tecting the
mature <if Moving religion and the
rtqmnie guali/icatioru of church
meaibcr9^ lead us in a different
way to the same conclusion. It
■ to be presumed, that men will
act according to their sentiments.
When they disbelieve the scrip-
tnre doctrine of regeneration, and
consider no moral change neces-
■ary to prepare them for the vis-
ible kingdom of Christ ; we may
cspect that their conduct will be
agreeable to such opinions, and
thitthcy -will unite themselves
to the church in an unrenewed *
tfite. Multitudes, who profess
itKgion, think it weakness, to
inq^re after any evidence, that
ihej are ^om of God. When
nch principles govern men in
catering into the church, and
the church in receiving them, it
is easy to see, of what charac-
ters the church will be composed.
These observations must not
be qiplied, without many favour-
abfe exceptions. The unaduke-
nied fiuth and practice of prim-
itire Christianity are not yet ex-
pelled from our churches. But
tftcr all the exceptions, wliich
truth admits and candour re*
quires, we have great reason to
fcar that large numbers of
nominal Christians among us
fera not woMhedJrom their ti>i«.

This, we apprehend, is the
radical evil. Without removing
or lessening this, other evils,

which flow from it, must be ex-
pected to remain. It is often
remarked by judicious writers,
that civil society can never enjoy
ftermanent tranquillity and hafifii*
nesij while the civil firinci/ilea
and moral character of it9 mem^
bers are corrufit. It is certainly
as true, that fteace and firosfieri*
ty can never be enjoyed by the
churchy while the religious Jtrinci'
files and moral conduct of its mem*
bers are unchristian. The body
cannot be in a healthy vigorous
state, while its constituent parts
are unsound and decaying.

As for as tliis radical evil ex-
tends in our churches, it pre-
vents them from answering the
great end of their Found^.
While made up, in a considera-
ble degree, of ungodly members,
how can it be imagined that they
will adorn the doctrine of God
their Saviour, or show forth his
praises, by the abounding fruits
of holiness ^ How can they be
the salt of the earthy if they lose
the savour of religion, and par-
ticipate in the corruptions of the
world ? Can churches be lights,
to illuminate the surrounding
multitude, when they themselves
are enveloped in moral darkness ?
Will men contend earnestly for
that faith, which tliey have not
cordially received ? Will they
recommend to others that gos-
pel, which they practically re-
ject ? Will they faithfully main-
tain that discipline, which is an
unwelcome resti*aint to their own
guilty passions ? In short, will
they uniformly support the char-
acter, while they want the tem-
per of saints ?

PASTOR.

Vd. II. No. 1 .

The Death-Bed of a modern Free-thinker. [Jfunc^

©electfoniK

THE DEATH-BED OF A MODERN
FREE-THINKER.

Ejcem/jlijied in the last houn of
thr Hon, Francis J^ewfiort^ son
to tht late Lord JVew/iort,*

[From the Christian Obscnrer.X

At sixteen the honourable
Francis Newport vraa sent to the
University, perfectly acquainted
with the Latin ami Greek lan-
guages ; where he continued
five years, and behaved so agree-
ably to his religious education,
that he was looked upon as a
blessing and ornament to his.
&mily.

At twenty-one he came ta-
London, and entered himself at
— — , ta study the law. His new
acquaintance began to rally him
for his religion : to whom he
would say, '' Gentlemen, you,
who pretend to reason, cannot
count laughter a conclusive ar-
gument ; if religion be so ab-
surd, as you would have me be-
lieve, why do not yoti give some
fair reasons against it ?" This,
some of them, would attempt ;
and though their . arguments at
first were as unsuccessful as
their raillery, yet the poison

• • • •

, • When I first thought of sending
you tie affecting history, which I
now enclose, h was my intention to
have oiniilcd the name of tlie unhap-
py per-ioM, who fjrma the subjcct^pf
It. But h:ir>])cnin^ htelv to look info
Simpson's Plctfor JRt/i^ion, a Bj(Jc,.
whirl) has Lc^n extenyively cii^culat-
ed. I found ^he name of that person
at full length, RCCom»>anicd by d few
of the ciromstanccs of his miseraUsle
end. I cr.ii no longer, therefore,
kavc a motive for concealment.

sunk by degrees, and at last
tainted him as deeply as them-
selves. He was adopted into
thttir society, which met to lay
down rules for being so critically
wicked, that the law should not
be able to take hold of them.
He had too much prudence to
lay himself open : he still kept
a 'fair correspondence with hi»
friends, and in strange places^
was sober and reserved ; but in
secret, and among his acquaint-^
ance, he was as wicked as good
parts, abundance of temptations,
and a fair estate, enabled him tO'
be.

On November 30, 1692,» he
was ill ; and found, notwithstand-
ing all his precautions, that he
had not shook off the expecta-^
tions of another life.-

This made him throw himself
upon a bed, and break out into
these expressions : « Whence
this war in my breast ? What
argimient is there now to assist
me against matter of fact ? Da I
assert that there is no hell, while?
I feel one in my own bosom I •
Am I certain liiere is no after
retribution, when I feel a present
judgment ? Do I affin» my sotd
to be as mortal as my body,
when this languishes, and that is*
vigorous as ever I O I that any
one could restore me to my an-
cient guard of piety and inno*
.cence ! Wretch that I am I
whither shall I fly from* this
breast ? what will become of
me ?.*•

•• ••

• This date- corresponds to the IM*
count given of* this pcrso» in tlie
English peerage.

J806.] 734^ Beath'Bed of a modern Freethinker. 19

One of his old companions
coming in, said, . ^^ How now,
brother ! why this ? why this
md^ncholy posture ? what. is the
matter ?" He replied, " It is .you
.imd your companions, who have
jnstilled your principles into ipe,
which now;, when I have most
need of them, leavjc me in con-
fusion and despair. What ad-
A'ice or comfort have you now to
fortify me witli, against the fear-
ful expectations of another life ?
Are you sure that the soul is ma-
terial and mortal, and that it will
dissolve with the body ?" " So
xertain," replied the other, ^' that
I venture ray whole upon it."

Here I interrupted them by
icoming into the room ; and, ap-
plying myself to the sick per-
«on, told him, I was a stranger
to him^ but hearing he was ill, I
thought it my duty to offer him
irbat service I was capable of.
" I thank you,** iiays^he ; " I de-
dure you to engage*tha^ gentle-
man that sits there, and prove to
him that the soul is not matter,
fK>r mortal." This I endeavour-
ed to do by several arguments ;
to which the sick gentleman an-
jiwered only with a sigh, whilst
Jiis friend made haste out of the
room. I was surprised at such
an effect) and desired to know
ihe rea^n. '^ Alas ! Sir,^' said
he, ^^ you have undeceived me too
late ; I was afraid of nothing so
much as the immprtality of the
^oul : now you have assured me
pf that, you have ascertained me
of a hell, and a portion among
those, who have apostatized from
their religion. You have now
sealed my damnation, by giving
me an earnest of it ; I mean an
awakened conscience, that brings
my sins into remembrance, by
ftckoning up thp numerous catr

alogue, for which I must go and
give an account. O ! apostate
wretch, fron\ what hopes art
thou fallen ? O that I had never
known what religion was ; then
I had never denied my Saviour,
nor been so black an heir of per-
dition I"

I stood speechless some time
at the strange expressions ; but,
as soon as I could recollect my*
self, said, '' Sir, I v/ould have
you take care how you violate
the mercy of • God, and think
so lightly of the sufferings of
Christ, as if they were not suffi-
cient for the redemption of the
greatest sinners. This may be
a delusion of the devil : if you
are convinced the soul is immor-
tal, I hope it is to a good end ;
if you had died ignorant of it,
you had been miserably unde-
ceived in. another world; now
you have some time to prepare
for your welfare.**

To which he replied, " As to
the mercies of God in Christ, I
once kne^v and tasted what they
were ; which is now part of my
curse, in that I am now sensible
of my loss : they are, I grant
you, sufficient for those tliat
have any share in them ; but
what is that to me, who have de-
nied Christ ? I have daily cruci^
Red him afresh, and put him to
an open shame. The devil has
nothing to do with the torture I
undergo ; it is no delusion of
his, but the just judgment of
God ; and it is also a part of my
heavy judgment, that you have
given me a sensible horror of
my sin, by proving my souL is
immortal. Had I gone strait to
hell in my old opinion, I had en-
dured but one hell, whereas I
now feel two ; I mean not only
an inexpressible torture^ which I

20 The Death-Bed of a modem Free-thinker. \JJune^

carry in mj own breast) but an
expectation of I know not what
change. O that I were in hell,
that I might feel the worst 1 and
yet I fear to die, because the
worst will never have an end."
All this he spoke with an air of
eagerness, and such horror as is
scarce to be imagined.

He was g^t to bed) revising
all sustenance, and had an ex-
ceeding sweating through the
extremity of his torments.

Before I took my ^ve of
him, I desired to pray by him ;
which with much reluctance he
consented to. In the midst of
prayer, he groaned extremely,
tossing himself as if he was in
the agonies of death. When
prayer was overi I aaked him the
reason of it.

He answered, <' As the damn*
ed in hell, who lift up their eyes
in torments, and behold a&r off
the saints in Abraham's bosom,
have thereby their torments
doubled, first, by reflecting on
the misery they are in ; and,
secondly, by observing the hap-
piness they have lost : so I,
knowing mysolf to be hardened
and sealed to damnation, hearing
the prayers of the righteous, to
which God's ears are ever open ;
this increases my torment, tp
think how I am excluded from
such a privilege, and have no
other portion left me than blas-
phemmg, weeping, wailing, and
gnashing of teeth forever."

" Pray, Sir," said I, " consider
there is a vast difference between
you and them in hell ; they are
lost irrecoverably for evermore,
without any opportunity of a re-
prieve, or hope of pardon ; you
are yet alive, and have the prom-
ises in common with other sin-
ners : Christ died lor sinners ;

and God hath sworn by himself^
A9 I livcj saiih the Lordj I ^outd
not the death of a sinner ; but
rather that he turn from hit
fuickedneaay and iive"

He replied, with his usual ear-
nestness, '' I will grant as much
difference between me and those
in hell, as between a common
devil and a devil incarnate: if
these iu*e irrecoverably lost^
without opportunity of reprieve
or hopes of pardon, and I am
yet alive, what then ? what is
the consequence ? Not that the
promises belong in common to
me with other sinners, nor to
any sinners, but such as believe
and repent. If Christ died for
sinners, it was such as repent
and believe ; but though I would,
I can do neither : I have out*
stood my day of grace, am har-
dened and reprobate. If God
delight not in the death of sin-
ners, it is gf such sinners as re*
pent aad turn to him ; but his
justice will vindicate itself on
such obstinate sinners as me,
who have denied his power and
providence both in my words and
actions. Now he has met with
me for it ; and O ! it is a /ear'^
ful thing to fall into the hands qf
the living God, If God was not
r.:^nst me, I should not care
though all the power and malice
of men were joined against me ;
tliough all the legions of hell
continued to torture me with the
most consuming pains : but
when an irreconcileable God
looks down upon his creature in
wrath, and consigns him over to
eternal vengeance, this is intole^
rable, inexpressible ! ah, who
can dwell with eternal burn-
ings ? Oh, ye that have any hope»
that have not yet passed the day
of gracei cry mightily to God

1806.3 7^ Deaih-^edofa modem Free-thinker. 21

4mj «nd night : think no labour
too much to secure you from the
wrath of God. O ! vho can
•tand before him when he U an*
t^^ What atubUe can resist
that consuming fire V* This^
and more to the same purpose^
he spoke with so deep a concenii
the tears all the while trickling
down his fiice) that ho one in the
room could forbear weeping.
Which he perceiving, said, ^< If
ye weep at the image and bare
rebtkm of the effects of God's
wrath, what then do I suffer,
who actually lie under the very
weight of his fury ? Refrain
your tears, for it is in vain ; pity
is no debt to me ; nothing is so
proper for me as some curse to
complete my misery, and free
me from the tormient of expec-
tation.'' Here he paused a
^^lile ; tben looking towards»the
fire, he said, ** Oh, that I was to
lie and broil upon that fire a
thousand years, to purchase the
iafoor of God, aiid be reconciled
to lum again ! But it is a fruit-
less wish I millions of millions
of years will bring me no nearer
the end of my torments than one
poor hour. Oh, eternity, eter^
irity ; who can discover the
Abyss of eternity ? Who can
paraphrase upon these words,
firevef mnd ever /**

It began to grow late ; so I
took my leave of him for that
night, promising to come again
the next day ; when I found his
mind in the same condition still,
but his body much weakened :
there were with htm three or
four divines, who had been at
prayer: which, they told me,
had the same uneasy effect upon
him as before.

One of them reminded him
tiMit Peter denied his Master

with oaths and curses, and was
yet received again into his fa-
vour. ^

He replied, « It is true, Peter
did deny his Master, as I have
done, but what then X His Mas-
ter prayed for him, that his faith
should not fail ; accordingly he
looked him into repentance, and
assisted him by his Spirit to
perfect it. Now, if he would
assist me to repent, I should do
so too ; but he has justly with-
drawn his intercession from me :
I have grieved his Holy Spirit
so often^ that he has taken him
from me', an J in the room there-
of has left me the spirit of
impenitence and reprobation ;
and g^ven me a certain earnest
of a fearful inheritance in anoth-
er life." He spoke little mor^
that day ; much company press-
ing towards night, orders were
given to prevent itx at six of
the clock, we all looked upon
one another to know what course
to take, no text being offered in
his fiivour, but which he turned
another way.

While we were thus mufting,
he cried out with the utmost ve-
hemence, ^ How long, O Lord,
shall thy wrath bum forever
against me ? Shall thy eternal
justice exact upon a poor despi-
cable worm ? What is my value
or worth, that thou shouldst pour
out full vials of wrath upon me ?
Oh, that thou wouldst let go thy
hand forever, forget, and let me
fall into my first nothing ! As
my righteousness could have
profited thee nothing, so my im*
pieties can have done thee no
hurt ; therefore annihilate mey
and let me perish. Be not an-
gry that 1 thus expostulate with
thee ; it will l)e but a little while
before thy wrath f hall force the

22 The Denth'Bcd of a modern Free-thinker. [^June^

dreadfullcst blasphemies from
me. Oh, that thou wouldest
take away my beinjj or misery :
neither can increase or diminish
thy happiness ; and therefore
let them both cease, and let my
name be knoAvn no more. But
if I must be, and be im mo rial,
and thou v/ilt punish me because
J have despised thee : let a pri-
vation of thought sutficc, and Jet
me pass my eternity in a drca^n,
without ever bcin^ awakened by
the pangs of torment, or by the
gnawiuj^ of the worm that never
dies. Ijul, oh, fruitless dc:iires !
I am expostulating with a God
that forever hath shut out my
prayers ; and only protracts my
breath a little longer, to make
xne an example toothers. O!
ye rocks and mountains, that ye
would cover and hide me from
the wrath of an incensed God :
l)ut I cannot flee from his pres-
ence : what he hath begun he
will finish. He will extend his
wrath against me forevei* ajiid
€ver.**

Here some one knocked at
the door, and it proved to be the
postman, with a letter for him :
which being told him, " How,"
said he, " a letter for me ! A lit-
tle longer, and I expect anotli-
cr sort of message : I am
very shortly to give an account
of every secret action I have
done ; and I have a mind
to nfake an experiment to see
how I can bear it. Pray Sir,"
added he to me, " do me the fa-
vour to read me this letter. Tlie
contents I know not, but I sus-
pect it comes from some of my
old acquaintance." I desired to
be excused, . alleging there
miglit be something in it im-
proper to be divuU^cd. *' Noth-
ing," replied he, " can affyct me

now ; I have no honour, no repr
utation, and, what is yet worse,
no heaven to lose by this or any
other act." Upon this 1 broke
it open. The letter receive4
was as follows :

" Dearest Sir^

^' Understanding you art
dangerously ill, imd that it has
had a nitlancholy efi'fct upoi)
you, I could not (considering
our strict' friendship) but endea-
vour to remove those evils your
mind may be under ; which perr
haps is au oitice no less gralefulf
than making the hody sound.
Sickness »nd death are the com?
mon lot of mankind ; and to rer
pine and grieve at this lot, is to
coml)at the laws of nature^
and hght against impossibilities.
What wise man repines at thf
he^ in summer, or the cold in
winter I A common evil ceasea
to be an evil. But perhaps your
melancholy suggests to you,' that
it is a dismal thing to launch inr
to an unknown abyss. I answer :
Sometimes I drean) of dreadful
things, but when I awake, all
vanishes. Thus if we examine
death and its consccjuencea by
our reason, those formidable
monsters grow tame and familiar
to us. 1 would demand of him|
who aski me what estate I shall
be in after death, what estate he
was in before life ? Pain and
pleasure will leave their impresr
sions upon a human spirit. If I
was either happy or miserable bc-
ibi^ I was born, I must still retain
the impi*ession : but I do not
now, therefore I shall not hereaf*
er : I cifine out of nothing, and
shall return into it. As thefiaxne
of un extinguished candle di&<r
solves and loses itself in the cir?
cumambientair, even so the taper

1806-] 77*^ Death-Red of a tnodern Frec-thmker. 23

of life vanishes into ether, and is
no more, wiien once the laws of
the vital union are broken. Death
itself j^ nothing, and after death
is nothing ; take coura<i^ey man :
either die like yourself, master of
V our own fate and happiness, so
long as it is to be kept ; or else
recover, and live worthy the char-
acter of a person, who knows how
cither to live or die. So wish-

;• &c.

This letter was but fuel to the
tormentinf^ Qame, before in the
breast of the sick gentleman ;
who immediately dictated the
following answer :

" Being not able to use my
•wn, I have borrowed another
handy to answer yours. You say
welly it is a more grateful oflice
to endeavour to remove the dis-'
orders of the mind than of the
body. Wliat you ui^ of the
common lot of mankind, as death
ind sickness, I could wisli were
my case ; but my afHiction is,
tiot despair and hell are the com-
mon lot of Atheists. Now your
argument cannot reach my case,
anless y(ou first prove that Athc-
kiii is as inevitable as death and
sickness, and that therefore the
effects of it arc- to be borne pa-
tiently, unless a man will combat
necessity, and fight against the
hws of fate. I have formerly
ased this way of arguing myself,
bnt wonder now how I could ev-
er think it conclusive. You say,
that if we exaimnc death and its
supposed conse([Qeuces by our
reason, those formidable men-
Iters grow tarnc and familiar :
il^ by our reason, you n>ean ei-
tlier that peculiar to Atheists, or
the cumnion reason of human
nature, 1 am sure these monsters

will grow less tame and familiar,
the more we think of them :
since no reason shews what an
unexpcric^iced death is, or what
the change consequent upon it,
how can we judge of things we
do not know ? Reason on such
things as long as you please, and
you will be at last as far from the
truth as wi-cn you began. Vour.
argument is extremely weak a-
bout a prc-cxisteut and a future
state : 1 retain no impression of
past happiness or misery, there-
fore theie is none to come ; how.
that is a consequence, I do not
see. Next you wojuld have me
believe, upon your bare word, that
death is nothing, and after death
is nothing : pray, how do you
know, having not yet tried ?
There are a great many that say
the contrary. I have only con-
cerned myself with tJie rationali-
ty of your letter, that you may-
believe I am not distracted ;
which I would desire you to be-
lieve, that \v hat I am going to say
may not have less weigut with
you* It is true, and whether you
believe it or not, you will find it
so ut lust ; if I could force yoa
to believe it I would : all I can
do is, to deal with you as a rea-
sonal)Ie creature, by opening my
breast to you, and then leaving
you at your liberty to act as you
please. While we are in health '
and business, we may act contra-
ry to our intentions, and plead
for the thinj; \ve believe not ; but
when we come to die, the vizard
is taken off, and the man appears
as he is. Thii i^ my condition,
and therefore I can have no mo-
live to impose upon my friends.
Religion is no impostor, heaven
and hell are real, and the immor-
tality of the soul as certah) as the
existence of the body : for a time

S4 The Death-Bed of a modem Free-thinker. [^June^

we haye officiously deluded and
cheated ourselves out of religion
and happiness ; and God, who
will not always be despised by his
creatures, has chosen me as an
example to you all, and a warn-
ing to the lazy and indifferent
Christian. But who, alas i can
write his own tragedy without
tears, or copy out the seal of his
own damnation witliout horror \
That there is a God, I know, be-
cause I continually feel the ef-
fects of his wrath : that there is
a helly I am equally certain,
having received an earnest of my
inheritance there already in my
breast : that there is a natural
conscience, I now feel with hor-
ror and amazement, being con-
tinually upbraided by it with my
impieties, and with all my sins
brought to my remembrance.
Why God has marked me out
for an example of his vengeance,
rather than you or any other of
our acquaintance, I presume, is,
because I have been more reli-
giously educated, and have done
greater despite to the Spirit of
Grace. What egregious folly is
it for dust and ashes to contend
with its Creator, to question his
justice, his power, yea, his very
being ; when at the same time,
without this God, every such
wretch would immediately fall
into nothing, being without him
not able to exist one moment ?
What vile ingratitude is it scur-
rilously to reflect on his religion,
who died to reconcile such re-
flecters to himself ? Do not mis-
take yourself ; it is not a light
matter to contend with the God
of nature, to abuse religion, and
deny its Author, and (what is
worst of all) to apostatize from it,
as I have done. God has met
with me for it, after a long for-

bearance of my inveterate impie*
ties and profaneness. Let me
entreat you to leave off your sins ;
who knows but God may yet re-
ceive you ? I speak not this out
of any love to virtue, or hatred of
vice (for I am hardened and im*
penitently reprobate) ; but, like
Dives, I am unwilling my breth-
ren should come into this place
of torment. Make what use of
this you please ; only remember,
that if it does not reclaim it win
enhance your guilt, possibly to be
overtaken in this world, as I am
by the just judgment of God ; if
not, be sure you will be met with
hereafter, which is all, from. Sec.**

As soon as the letter was read
and sent, the night being hr
worn, we all took our leave of
him, wishing him good rest, aild
a happier condition the next day.
To which he replied, " Gentle-
men, I thank you, but my hap-
piness is at an end ; and as for
my rest to night, thus I spend
the little remainder of my miser-
able moments. All the ease I
expect will be wishing for the
day, as in the day time I wish for
the night, and in a fearful expec-
tation of my dissolution, and the
account I must make upon it.
But, Gentlemen, good night to
you ; and remember me, to con-
firm you in the religion I have
disowned, that you may stand
more cautiously by my folly, and
•secure the happiness I have for-
feited."

The next day came several of
his friends out of the country.
Having had an account of his cir-
cumstanceS|One of them told him
that he and several more of his
relations came to town, and were
sorry to find him in so weak a
condition as he appeared to be in ;
for now ht was nothing but ski>i

modem

and bone, the agwriet he lay \in-
der dmng the work of the quick-
est consamiitioiK

He answered, << I am obliged
in oommoD civility to thank you
all : but who are my relations ?
Our Sanour said, such as did the
will of his heavenly Father were
his relations. I may properly
say, that none but the Atheists,
the reprobate, and such as do the
woric of the devil, are my rela^
tions. This little tie of flesh and
Uood will dissolve in a moment,
hat the relation I have with the
damned is permanent. The
same lot, the same place of tor-
ment, the same exercise of bias*
phemy, and the same eternity of
horror, will be the common lot
of us all ; so the similitude of
torments, place, and duration,
win jmn us in a very strict
^nion."

His friends, who only ^ad
heard he was distracted, hearing
lum deliver himself in such
terms vi^ere amased, and began
to inquire of some of us, what
nade him talk at such a rate ?
He, hearing them whispering to-
gether, and imagining the cause,
called them all to him, and said,

^ You imagine me melancholy
or distracted : 1 wish I were ei-
ther ; but it is part of my judg-
ment that I am not. No ; my
apprehension of persons and
things is rather more quick and
vigorous, than it was when I was
IB perfect health ; and it is my
curse, because thereby I am more
icnsiUe of the condition I am
fallen into. Would you be in-
formed why I am become a skel-
eton in three or four days ? Sec
now then I have despised my Ma-
ker, and denied my Redeemer ;
I have joined myself to the Athe-
ists and profane, and continued
Vol.11. No. 1. E

this course under many convic-
tions, till my iniquity was ripe
for vengeance, and the just judg-
ments of God overtook me, when
my security was the greatest, and
the checks of my conscience
were the least. Since I have de-
nied that salvatioii which cometh
by Jesus Christ, there is no other
Mediator or Intercessor for sin-
ners ; if there be, which is he
that can redeem my soul from
hell, or give a ransom for my
life ? No^ no ; " if we sin wil-
fully after we have received the
knowledge of the truth, there re-
mains no more sacrifice for sin,
but a feurfill looking for of judg-
ment and fiery indignation to
consumetheadversary.'* "There
remains no more sacrifice for
sin," that is the wound that
pierces my soul. Christ Jesus
was the only expiatory sacrifice
Gon would accept ; I not accept-
ing, I would say, I despising this,
there remains no other for me to
accept of, no other to make a-
tonement and satisfaction for me?
there is no other name given un-
der heaven but the name of Je-
sus, whereby we may be saved,
and it is that Jesus whom I have
reproached, and ridiculed, and
abused in his members ; nay, to
whom I have induced .others to
do the same. Methinks your
breasts are all open to me, and, '
in the midst of your pity and
surprise, you would bid me hope
and believe, and supplicate the
mercy I have abused, because
Jesus Christ came to save sin-
ners, and to bring to repentance.
In that I know all your thoiig^iits.
Alas, how fain would I hope and
believe ! Can a man in torments
not desire to be freed from them ?
No, assure yourselves I would
upon any terms ; but the wnith

26 The Death-Bed of a modern Free-tlunhef* [yurtfi

of God obstructs the power of way, and lay in a swoon for a ton-*

hoping and bclievirjg, and though siderable time ; but^ by the help

y wo\ild, I can do neither. I of some spirits, we brought him

know not what some divines to himscif a^in. • As soon as he

mean, who say, He that desire* had opened* his eyes, he saidy

to refienty doea it income metnure ; " Oh, cruel, unkind friends, to

1 experience the contrary. A awaken me from a dream, in

fruitless wish that comeS not in-* which I had a cessation from my

to act, is no more than a convic- torments !" This he spoke with

tion which shall lay such persons so lively a concern, that no one

under great condemnation.' You could refrain from tears. ^^ You

would have me supplicato that weep," said he, ^ but your tears

mercy I have abused. Alas, of come too late^ Was I like a^

that 1 have no hopes, but what de- nother person that goes out of

pend upon- abused nwercy ! But the world, it would be one of my

why said I hopes ? I have no greatest troubles to- see you

hopes ! My hopes are frustrated, weep, or at best it would add to

my expectations are cut oft' y and my psuns ; for he must be un-'

what remains behind ? Why^am natural and senseless that would

I bid 10 hope and believe ? Oh, not be troubled at the afflictions

what mockery is this upon me \ of othera^ especially his friends

To lind me in misery, and bid me and relations. But the case in

be happy, without affording me otherwise with me. My cup i»

any power of being so ! Indeed, fulLand runs over already ; the

should Jiisus Christ say so to bitterness of my soul is as great

mc, it would be comfort ; but for as it possibly can be in this world i

you to say so; is the same thing my heart is full of horror and an^

as to bid a malelaetor shake off guish ; no grief can add to minei

his chains, and assume his liber- being so great, that it is incapa^

^ty ; or call up the dead to rise blc of receiving more. Perhaps

out of their graves, and challenge this may seem a paradox to your

their estates and honours again, at first ; but what think you of

How idle is it to bid the fire not time, and eternity which com*^

burn when fuel is administered, prebends and swallows up all

and to command the seas to be time \ Can any one add any

smooth iu the midst of a storm ! thing to the wrath of God, which

Such is my case ; and what arc includes the fury of devils^ and

the comforts of my friends ? But men ; this being derivative from,

I am spent, I can complain no and independent of that \ And

more. Would to God that the can any one add to my grief and

cause of my complaining would torture, who am fallen into the

(iease ! The cause of my com- hands of the living God I No»

plaining I this renews my grief, no ; reserve your tears for your

and summons up the little sins, and cast them not away up*

strength I have left to complain on one who is neither the better

again, like an expiring blaze, be- nor the worse for them.** You

fore it is extinguished. It is just may easily imagine what impress

so with me : but whither am I sions this would make upon the

going V* spirits of his friends. However,

As he said this, he fainted a- in the midst of their grief and

180613 Tlic Death-Bed ef a modern Free-thmker. S?7

xmazementi they had the pru-
dence to think of the reputation
!of their fiunily, and to provide for
as much secresy as was possible.

They therefore conveyed him
by ni^ht to new lodgings. But
he was grovrn so weak that he
fainted away several times in
the chair ; they got him into his
chamber^ and to bed^ as soon as
they could. After a liule rest>
he yet found strength to express
himself thus :

^ I am not concerned to know
vhlther you have brought me,
or your reasons for so doing.
It had been something, if you
had changed my state with my
lodgings : but my torments are
greater than before ; for 1 see
that dismal hour just at hand,
when I must bid you all fai*e-
wel."

The physicians were now
scot for again, but they stilf de-
clared they could do nothing for
him ; only they ordered hijfn
some cordial julep, which, they
wd« might strengthen nature to
hold out two or three days longer.

My business calling me away
fbr a day or two, I came again oq
Thursday morning pretty ear-
ly ; when I came in, I inquired
jof his friends, how he spent his
time. They tqld t)ie he had
hid little company ; and his ex-
pressions were much shorter
than before ; but what he did
speak seemed to have niore hor-
ror and despair than l)efore. I
vent to his bed-side, unci asked
him how he did.

He replied, '^ Damned and lost
forever." I tqld him the de-
crees of God were secret ; per-
haps he was punished in this
life to fit him for a better. He
answered, " They arc not secret
to mcy but discovered ; and my

greatest torment, my punish-
ment here, is for an example to
others. Oh, that there was no
God, or that this God could
cease to be, for I am sure he
will have Xko mercy upon me i"
— " Alas," said I, " there is no
contending w^h our Creator,
and tliereforc avoid such words
as may provoke him more."-^
'♦ True," replied he, " there is
uo contending; I wish there
werfi a possibility of getting
above God, that would be a hea-
ven to mc." I entreated him
not to g^ve way to such blaspher

mous thoughts, for Hcr<?

he interrupted me. " Read wc
not in the Revelations of them
that blasphemed G.Qd, because of
tlicir pains ? I am ope pf their
number. Oh, how do I envy
the happiness of Cain and Ju-
das ?"— " But," replied I, « you
arc yet alive, and do not feel the
torments of those, that are in
bell."

He answered, " This is cither
true or false ; if it be true, how
heavy ^'ill those torments be, of
which I do not yet feel the ut-
termost ? But I know it is falsei
and that I endure more than the
spirits of the damned ; for I
have the very same torture upon
^ my spirits that they have, be-
side those I endure in my body.
i believe at the d^y of judgment
the torments of my mind and
iK^dy will both together be more
intense ; but as I now am, no
spirit in hell endures what I do.
Ho^%- gladly would I change my
condition for hell \ Plow ear-
nestly would I entreat my angry
Judge to send mc thither, were
I not afraid that out of vengeance
he would deny me 1" Here he
closed liis eyes a little, and be-
gan to talk very wildly, every

A Prayer.

C7«w»

now and then groaning and
gnashing his teeth : but soon
after, opening his eyes, he grew
sensible again, and felt bis own
pulse, saying, '' How lazily my
minutes go on ! When will be
the last breath, the last pulse,
that shall beat my spirit out of
this decayed mansion, into the
desired regions of death and
hell \ Oh ! I find it is just now
at hand 1 and what shall I say
now ? Am not I afraid again to
die ? Ah, the forlorn hopes of
him that has Dot God to go to i
Nothing to fly to for peace and
comfort 1" Here his speech
failed him : we all believing him
to be dying, went to prayer;
which threw him into an agony ;
in which, though he could not
speak, he turned away his face,
and made what noise he could
to hinder himself from hearing.
Perceiving this, we gave over.

As soon as he could speak,
(which was not till after some
time) he said, '^ Ti|^ers and
monsters, are ye also become
devils to torment me, and give
me a prospect of heaven, to make
my hell more intolerable ?"

" Alas, Sir," said I, « it is our
desire of your happiness that
casts us down at the throne of
grace ; if God denies a'ssistance,
who else can give it \ If he will
not have mercy, whither must
we go for it ?"

He replied, • << Oh, that is the
dart that wounds me ! God is
become my enemy, and there is
none so strong as to deliver me
out of his hands. He consigns
me over to eternal vengeance,
and there is none able to redeem
me I Was there such another
Cod as he, who would patronize
my cause ; or was I above God,
or independent on him ; could I

act or dispose of myself as I
pleased; then would my hor-
rors cease, and the expectations
and designs of my«formidable en-
emies be frustrated. But, oh 1
this cannot be, for I ■ .'*

His voice fiailed again, and he
began to struggle and gasp.for
breath ; which having recoveredf
with a groan so dreadful and hor-
rid, as if it had been more thaa
human, he cried out, '' Oh, thb

UK8UFF£RABL£ PAKOS OF HBLL

and then
V.D.

AND

DAMNATION 1"

expired.

The confettions and petitions contaiimi
in theJoUoviing V&kii^% are perfectly
adapted to the pretent state ofxmr na*
tiofiy and tve recommend it to the re*
ligious attention of all our pio»
readers.

A PRAYER, EXTRACTED FKOlC

BISHOP hall's ^^ HOLY ORDXa

o9 MOURNERS IN SZON."

O OUR God, thou hast remov-
ed our souls far from peace) thoa
hast most justly filled us with
thine indignation ; for we have
desei^ed that thou shouldestpour*
our iniquities upon us, and
shouldest bring upon us the fruits
of our own thoughts, and meas-
ure our works into our bosoms^
and cause us to drink at thy hand
the cup of thy fury ; yea, even
to have the dregs of the cup of
trembling to be wrung out to ub»
for we have walked every one af*
ter the imagination of his own
evil heart. Our transgressions
are with us and are multiplied be-
fore thee ; and though we have
professed to be humbled under
thy mighty hand, we have not
cried to thee in our hearts, neith-
er have we loathed ourselves in
our own sight for the evils that
we |iave committed ; so that wo
do now justly lie down in our

J«)6.]

A Prayer.

tfaame, and our confusion cover-
dh lu ; wHlingly acknowledging
Aat our iniipiitieB have most de-
acnrcdlj tamed away thy bless-
ings fimn US) and drawn thy
judgments upon our heads.

ButyO Lordyhast thou so smit-
ten us that there is no healing for
us? have we put ourselves utter-
ly out of the reach of thy bound-
less xniercies ? art thou not the
God that retainest not thine an-
ger fbrcterybecause thou delight-
est In mercy ? O thou^ the hope
of Israel, and the Saviour thereof
in the tisK of trouble, return,
return to thy people in the tender
boweh of thine infinite pity and
compaauoni humble our souls
thoroughly under the sense of
oar many backslidings and griev-
ous provocadons of the eyes of
thy gfery. Oh, strike thou our
hart with an unfeigned repent-
ance of all our evil ways, and
eace agun speak peace unto thy
serfsnti. Was there ever a
more stiff-orcked and rebellious
peoplCf O Lord, than thine
larael? more eminent in a-
bosed mercies? more notori-
OQS in ail kinds of abomin-
able wickedness ? more exer-
cised with variety of judg-
ments ? yet when they cried to
thee in their distress, thou wert
sdU ready to hear and deliver
Aem, and to renew thy so often
farfeiced blessings upon them,
aad wonldst not let loose thy ven-
geance upon them till th^re was
DO remedy.

Behold we are thy people,
though a sinful one, a second Is-
rael both for sins and mercies :
BOW, Lord) since it is thy mar-
vellous mercy that we are not yet*
consamed) be still pleased to

magnify thine infinite goodness
in thy gracious forbearances and
our powerful conversion to thee.
And though we cannot but con-
fess we are a sinful nation, a people
laden with iniquity, a seed of evil
doers, yet, Lord, thou knowest
thou hast thy secret ones among
us, a people that prayeth and
trembleth at thy judgments, and
waiteth humbly at the door-posts
of thy sanctuary ; a people that
desireth to -wzYk close with thee
their God, and to be approved of
thee in all their ways ; a people
that sigheth and moumeth for
the abominable sins of the land
of their nativity : O, for their
sakes be thou entreated to hold
off thy revenging hand from this
sinful nation, and even yet still
provoke us by thy goodness to
repentance. O thou, the righte-
ous and merciful Judge of the
world, who even for ten righteous
persons would have spared a Sod-
om and Gomorrah from their fi-
ery execution, be pleased tender-
ly to regard the cries of thy
many hundred faithful and de-
vout souls that sue to thee for
the stay and removal of thy de-
served judgments. Oh, do thou
look down from heaven and be-
hold from the habitation of tliy
holiness and thy glory, the un-
feigned humiliation of thy ser-
vants, who are prostrate before
thee with fastings, and weeping,
and mourning : turn away thy
heavy displeasure from us, and
pity thy sanctuary which is deso-
late ; so shall our mouths be full
of the praises of thy name, and
thy saints shall rejoice and sing
new songs unto the God of our
salvation. Amen.

Areopagus. . . . Chios.

lyune^

FRAGMENTS.

EXTRACTS PROM DR. ODMANN S
GEOGRAPHICAL POCKF/f DIC-
TIONARY OP THE NEW TESTA-
MENT.*

Areopagus, A^Hir«y»c> the
celebrated tribunal of Athens,
held on a hill of that name.
Here Mar9 is said to have beeq
acquitted by twelve of the gods,
for having killed the ravisher of
his daughter. This circumstance
seems to have been invented, in
order to add solemnity to the tri-
bunal. It is not known, whether
it was instituted by Cecrops, or
Cranaus, or Solon. The number
of the members is variously stat*
edto have been 9, 31, and 51.
They were chosen from among
the most virtuous citizens, and
such prefects, as had distin«
guishcd themselves by their pa*
triotisni. The office was held
for life ; but if a judge behav-
ed improperly, intoxicated him-
self, or uttered any indecent
words, he was immediately de-
posed. Here sentence was pro-
noui^ced, not only on capital
crimes, but also on immorality
and idleness, which last was
looked upon as the parent of all
-vices. Disrespect for religion
was treated with the greatest se-.
verity, and forensic oratory was
totally pvohibitcd, lest it should
influence the judges. This tri-

• Dr. Odmann is minister of Up-
sM, in .S^\ f <lcn, a Iramcd and rcspec-
t^iblc divine, author of several works
in \i\^\\ repute in his own country.
Tlie work, fn>ni which these extracts
arc made, and which was designed
for a -conipanion to the younj^r clcr-
jcy, is hij^hly approved by the Eng"-
11 sh Reviewers, and a translation of
it recommended.

bunal was respected as the rtry
seat ii ju9tict. Even the R(h
mans themselves appealed to \%
in weighty matters. Pericles, oa
being refused admittance as li
member, diminished its power*
and from that day xYnt AreofmguMj
and the morality of Uic Athenians
suffered a common fall. It waa
before thii^ tribunal, which was
held in the open air, that St.
Paul delivered the address re-
corded by St. Luke, Acts xvii.
23, &c.

Chios, X/*;, s^n inland in the
Archipelago, a few miles south
of Lesbos ; called by the Greeks
Chio^ but by the Turks Saki Ma9r
M, (Mastic island.) It occi;^rs oor. .
ly in Acts xx. 15, at the la&t de-
parture of St. Paul from Greece.
It is about 50 utiles in length,
and 2jj in breadth, mountainous
and of a poor soil, but fiimQus foil
the maMticy with which it sappliei(
the royal seraglio. This gum^
which is chewed by the Turkish
ladies, in order to preserve their,
teeth clean, and their breath
sweet, is collected by the Chris-
tian inhabitants of the island |^
who, as a remuneration for it, are:
exempted from half the poll tax.
The manner of collecting it is
described by Tournefort, Bello-
nius, Thcvcnot, Monconys, Car*,
reri, Pocock, Chandler, and oth-
ers. Although the climate of
the island is reckoned hculthy^^
it is often visited by the plague.
The number of inhabitants is
100,000, and all live comfortably
by industry. An old building is
still to be seen, which goes bj
the name of Jlomer's School ; but
according to Mr. Chandler, it
was a temple of Cybele, Th^
island is circumstantially dcscrih^
cd by Mi/ller,

1W6.]

Aiucihtcs^

■ Mei.it A, MiAmi, now AJaltOy an
aland in the IVIediterranean sea»
dtttingnnhcd in the New Tes-
tamcBC by the shipwreck of St.
P«ili Acts 3us.\iii. The inhabit-
aBtS|,who spoke in an African
diaJectf (/S«f /^c^) received the
crew with great humanity v They
kindled a fire, on account of the
coDstant rain (t^inw) ; but when
the apostle was laying on a bun-
dk: of sticks, which he had gath-
ered, a very venomous viper
iixi^) roused by the flaxues
CBmeout,and twisted itself round
kiB arm (»[iSii4«* ) The islanders
now thought themselves wit-
acsies of Divine vengeance de-
nuodiog that justice, which the
wives had failed to execute ; but
iMe ofto^Ue s/iook off the animal in^
ta ihcjirt^ and fell no hurt. They
dica passed to another extreme,
(fMn^8«AAifMPM) and took him to
be a god« Tlse reader will find
Ike best description of Malta in
Xicbarh's travels through the
Icranl, and Brydone's Letters
G& Sicily and Malta. I have on-
ly this to add, that although no
serpents are now found in Multa,
there can be no reason to sus-
pect St. Luke's relation ; fur the
island consists of a chalky rock,
of which, at present, no .spot re-
miins uncultivated* In the
Hme manner of late in seme of
the West India islands, serpents
have been totally extirpated by
the extent of cultivation, having
thereby lost all places of retreat.
The saying of the inhal)itunts,
that serpents, which arc brought
hither cannot live, is a f^ble.
The petrified substances com*
oonJy called vipers' tongues,
vhicJi are found in the softer
hills, are nothing else than the
teeth offish.

ANECDOTES.

Oke of the most renowned
philosophers and statesmen of
this age, Dr. Benjamin Franklin,
informs us, that all the good he
ever did to his country or man-
kind, he owed to a small book
which he accidentally met with,
entitled, <* Essays to do good,'*
iu several sermons from Cal. vi.
10. "As we have, tlierefore,
opportunity, let us do good unto
all men, especially unto them
who are of the household of
faith." These sermons were
written by Dr. Cotton Mather, a
very able and pious minister of
the gospel in Boston. " This
little book,*' he says, " he studied
with care and attention ; laid up
the sentiments in his memory,
and resolved from that time,
which was in his early youtli,
that he would make doing good
the great purpose and business
of his life."

Archbishop VVilliams, intha
close of life, said to a friend of
liis, " I have passed through
many places of honour and trust,
both m church and state ; more
than any of my ordek* in England,
these seventy years before ; yet,
were 1 Lut assured, that, by my
preachings 1 had converted but
one soul to God, I should take
therein more true joy and com-
fort, than in all tlie honours and
offices which have been bestowed
upon mc." Fullcr'i Church His"
tori.\ i?. //./i. 228.

The celebrated Dr. Manton
was appointed on a public occa*
sion to pre:ich before the I-ord
Mayor and Aldermen of Lon-
don. Hii sermon was learned,.

32 Reviews Memoirs of Pious Women. ^Jum^

ingenious, and elegant. As he
was returning home, a plain old
gentleman pulled him by the
coat, and desired to sp^eak to him.
The doctor stopt, and the stran-
ger thus addressed him. ^ I was
one of your auditory to day. I
went to be fed with the gospel,
as usual ; but have returned
empty. Dr. Manton was not
Dr. Manton this momilTg.
There was, indeed, much of the
Doctor, of the florid and learned
man, in the discourse ; but little
or nothing of Jesus Christ : it
was, in short, no sermon to me."
♦* Sir," answered the Doctor, " if
I have not preached to you, you
have now preached a good sor*
mon to me : such as, I trust, I
shall never forget, but be the bet-
ter for, as long as I live."

A Gentlewoman went one
day to hear Dr. preach, and

as usual, carried a pocket Bible
with her, that she might turn to
any of the passages the preacher
fnight happen to refer to. But

she found, that she had no use
for her Bible there: and, on
coming away, said toa fHend, *^I
should have left my Bible at
home to day, and have brought
my dictionary. The Doctor
does not deal in Scripture, but in
such learned words and phrases,
as require the help of an inter-
preter, to render them intelligi-
ble."

The pious and learned Mr.
Halyburton, Professor of Divini-
ty in the University of St. An-
drews, being asked, when a
young man, by an aged minister,
if ever he sought the blessing of
God on his studies, ingenuously
acknowledged that he did not.
" Sir," said the minister, with an
austere look, ^' unsanctified learn*
ing has done much mischief to
the church of God." These
words made a deep impression
on his mind, and from that time
he looked up to God for his
assistance and blessing in the
prosecution of his studies.

jBeDteto of Betd jpublicationjer*

Memoirs of eminently pious wo-
mcn^ ivho were ornament a to
their ffrr, bleatiingi to their f am"
iliea^ and edifying examfilea to
the church and vforid. jfbridff'
cd from the large work of Dr.
Gibbons, London, By D ant el
Dana, fi/i, 396, 12iwo, New-
buryport. A. March. 1803.

. This title page is unfortunate-
ly encumbered with a part of tliat,
which constitutes the matter of
a preface. Authors forget that
the design of a title page is to
give a name to the book, and that

the name ought to be as concise
as possible. Let the finished
works of ancient or modem timet
be consulted. None of them
justify the prolixity, with which
a Gothic custom lias lately dis-
figured title pages.

The judicious author of this
abridgment points out the gen-
eral design and utility of the
work in his concise, well written
preface, which, with a few omis-
sions, is here quoted.

Of Biografihy he says,

** No species of writing' seems s©
happily calculated at once to inforia

wefi.]

Meawirs of Pious fTomen.

the imn^f to ivprore the tiute, an4
to moliome the heart. By ezhiUtiiif
loodneii in m alluriDiify Dal prmctica-

mcMatbf attaiiwdj with the various
lacint and rtept of iUNusquiaition ; it
fiufliafacs oa with lome of the best
potnble ezcitements to be what we
ought to be.

*' In one point of riew, the deline-
Ition of eminent Christian characters
sppean pecvliarly intereiiting'. It af-
wedM a strikfatf' eridence at once of
the dirinity of Uie Scriptures, and the
tramoendent excellence of the reli-
1^ wliich Ihey inculcate. The best
fiodkaedooc^this relifpon re&ults from
a display of its nature and genuine ef-

c«

■* With gteat propriety it has been
TCBarkedp that tkote iivet which de-
Kfwe mo9i te he had in remembrance^
€te moH emrify recorded, and consiet <f
fiveat urticla. The*meraorials of ex-
oeBcnt uid exemplary women are
tiwrefere peculiarly worthy of atten-
tion Ibr the veiy reasons, for which
Ihey are sometimes underyalued.
Though generally tmiform in their
tenor, barren of incident, and of course
fittle calciilated to gniti^' mere cu-
^i^« y^ these are the lives which
albrd the most solid and raluable in-
struction I instruction which comes
kome to the bosoms of all, and which
Peculiarly 9j^fix^%%t% us amid our hum-
Ucr occtipations and more retired

** The importance of a'omen in eve-
ry civiKzed societ}*! their ascendence
sver tiie other aex, and inBuei\pe in
forming its character are generally
crmlessed* but can scarce be adequatc-
l]r uiprcciated. If this influence ex-
tmoed only to the periods of infancy
•sad chiUBiood, it would be a' most
aAmeqtoiis affair ; espeoial(y taken
b connexion with tJie peculiar oppor-
linitics M its exertion. But it oper-
ites with even an increased force, in
the succeeding stages, and ceases not,
W with life.... It is of incalculable tm-
porUnoe that those, who thus give
tbe tone of sentiments and planners to
their species, should be themselves
correct. Nor can a greater service
be done to aoeietv, than to present
them with models by whicli their own
characters ma.v with safoty and advan-
tage be fbrmcd.
Vol. II. No. 1 F

The Memoirt of emineniiy piotu
women, ^ Dr. GiaaoNs, furnish muck
valuable instruction of this kind.
Many of the characters exhibited ar9
of the first order. Nor is it an un«
important circumstance to find emi<
pent piety recommended, in so many
instances, by fhic embellishments of
gcniusj leandhj^, and rank. Yet ceN
tain obvious infelicities attaclied to tho
work, seem much calculated to ob«
struct its circulation and usefulness.
To remedy these infelicities, has been
tlte aim of tlie editor of the present
volume. He has connected the nar-
rative, compressed the style, andy
without omitting what seemed impor-
tant, curtailed a variety of redunaant
and uninteresting matter. In a few
instances^ distinct and independent
accounts of the same life have been
Incorporated ; a change equally con*
ducive to conciseness and perspico*
ity. In others, where the materials
for profitable lUstory were obnously
scanty, it was deemed best to pre-
sent, without ornament or circumlo-
cution, the few traits which could be
collected. Such are the principal
means, by which he has endeavoured
to transfuse into a moderate duodeci-
mo volume, the essence, of two copi-
ous octavos."

This volnmei thus handsomely
introduced by the editor, deline-
ates the lives of the following
persons, of distinguished rank
and piety, viz.

Lady Jane Grey, Queen Cath«
arine Parr, Jane Queen of Na«
varrc, Mary Queen of G. Britain,
Lady Mary Vere, Countess of
Suflblk, Lady Mary Armyno^
Lady Elizabeth Langham, Coun-
tess of Warwick, Lady Elizabeth
Brooke, Miss Margaret Andrews,
Lady Alice Lucy, Lady Marga-
ret Houghton, Miss Ann Bay-
nard, Lady Frances Hobart, La-
dy Catharine Courtew, Lady
Cutts, Mrs. Anne Askcwc, Mrs.
Jane Ratcliffe, Mrs. Catharine
Bretterg, Lady Rachel Russelli
Mrs. Elizabeth Burnet, Mrs. Eli-
zabeth Bury, Mrs. Elizabeth
Rowe.

Memoirs of Pious JVanien.

C7««%

We have seen one volume of
the origiaal work by Dr. Gib-
bons. After attending to that,
we arc ready to bestow high eii-
eomuims on the abridgment,
and on the judgmeTit, taste, and
pious design and diligence of its
author. Wc sliall attempt to re-
commend this work to the atten-
tion ol the Christian public by
pointing out some of the pecu-
liar benefits, which it tends to
produce, and which every carc-
ftil, devout reader of it may hope
to experience.

ThU book U a Jit comfianion of
our retired hours. It muy with
propriety be admitted in. a the
closet, and used as un aid to pi-
ous meditation, and an excite-
ment to devotion. Properly used,
}t would contribute much to the
peculiar delight and advauUge of
religious retirement.

It fuififnly dUfiiay the samencts
qf I'x unselical rctigion , I lere we
sec that the divei-sity, which ap-
pears In tlie external circuni-
sjaPiCes of belie\ers, does not al-
ter the nature of religion. That
appearii the &ame in the day of
prosperity, and in the day of ad-
versity ; the same in the palace,
in the prl'oon,and on the scaffold.
Here it is munitest, that true re-
ligion is the same in diiferent
ages. The greatest diveraity in
the customs and manners, and in
the civil and liteniry advantages
of different times makes no
chan»^e in the essential features
p{ true piciy. It is pleasing and
edifying to observe in all the
characters here exhibited the
same apprehension of God's glo-
r>*, and of the iiateful nature of
spi ; the same regard to the di-
vine Redeemer ; the same hu-
luility, aelf-loathingi and depen-
cfehce on divine grace ; the ^me

devotedness to the cause of God»
and the same cheerful, unreserv-
ed acquiescence in his will. We
sec them all thinking, speaking
and acting as childten of the
same Parent, disciples of the
same Master, seekers of the same
country, and heirs of the same
glory.

,This volume clearly shows*
that //i(* most eicxmtrd condition of
life^ the ftiost nohle birthj shining
talents^ and honourable connexiovUf
furn'^hk 710 safeguard againtt ca*
istntity, but rather expose to tri-
als unusually severe, and to sor-
roATs deeper than mortals com-
monly feel. Who that reads the
history of these exalted charac-
ters, and surveys ^he cares whicb-
opprcssed, the dangers which
threatened, and the grief which
almost overwhelmed them, can
envy their exalted situation ?
At the same time we are here
taught to admire the grace of
God, which secures persons from
the numerous temptations of
high life, and enables them to
persevere in well doing amid all
the perils U> which their piety is
exposed^

The volome wc are now te-
commending is calculated to firo"
mote humility* That such heights
of knowledge and piety were at-
tained by tliese excellent women ;
that they were so meek and low-
ly in circumstances, which tend-
ed to nourish their pride ; so pen-
itent, where sin is commonly
overlooked ; so strictly relig-
ious, where so many things en-
couraged dissipation \ to see
them so diligently using for God
those talents and accomplish-
ments, which others devote to
the world, surpassing the com-
mon Christian as much in self-
denial and heavenlj mindedness»

IMl]

Mr. JStnv^'s Familiar Letters.

as IB the triak of their condition ;
all this reproves our low attain-
mentiy .aqd should fill us with
CTDOtioos of humble penitence.

But while it humbles, it en»
€cmnefge9 to ftiouM resolution and
diifgemce» How can we despondy
jOT indulge in sloth, when we see
that moral excellence is attaina^
blc« and that the most arduous
duties are praoUcable ? In the di-
aries of these pious women, the
Christian has the peculiar advan-
tage of observing their most pri«r
TBte reflections, and looking into
th^r Tcry hearts.. Thus he finds
that the spiritual trials, the in«
ward struggles, the awful cor^-
ruptiiMis of heart, which often
distress} and sometimes discour*
age hiniy have been the common
lot of the saints. He learns that
ihe excellent of the earth, those
who hare overcome the world
and ohCunied a crown of glorf,
have experienced the very things^
which now clog his devotion, in«
terrupt his joy, and overcast his
apiritiial prospect. In this way
he .is led to admire the abound-
nig grace of God, and is enliven-
cd in the work of religion.

Fually, these memoirs show
BSy kow tranquil^ how victorious
the death qfthoBe^vfho live piouslyj
amd die in the Lord ; and so im*
press our minds with the dcsira>-
bleoessy as well as the solemnity
of the time, when the believer
win rest from his labour^ and re-
ceive the endless rewards of re*
deeming grace^

This is a brief display of the
advantages^ which the serious,
devout reader may derive from
the memoirs of these eminently
pious women. Such are the
leading considerations, which re-
commend the volume to public
notice. The style is easy, cor-

rect, intelligiblei and adapted to
the subject. There is an oh-
servable sameness in many ex*-
tracts from the private diaries of
these worthy characters ; but the
sameness is not irksome to those,
who Ipve t,he amiable exercises
of vital religioii.

JfamiHar Letters to the Jiev.'
JoH^ii SiiXRMAN, once fiastor of
a church in Afan^fiM^ in /tar.*
ticular reference to his late
^uti' Trinitarian trcastUe, By
Daniel Dow, fiafnor of a
church in Thomfison^ Connect
ticut.

.It is very satisfactory to en-
lightened Christians to know,
that evidences multiply in fa-
vour of revelation, as the sci*
ences are improved, and human
knowledge extended. Every
traveller, who visits the rocks of
Tyre, the cottages of Egypt) the
plains of Babylon, or the hills of
Jerusalem, <^ trodden down of the
Gentiles,'* relates those facts,
which establish the divine au»
thority of ancient prophecies.
Improvements made in the an*
cient languages have aI^o the
^me happy effects.

Men of unscriptural opinions
observing these things, endeav»i
our to pervert the same means
to support their peculiar ,tepets,
and iavourite speculations. Their
lexicons, Hebrew, And Greek,
have new meanings ; their Bi*
bles must be tortured with new
translations! and forced to teach
new doctrines. That th^ Uni*
tarian may quote .Scripture with
tolerable consistency, some pasr
sages must be altered, some en*
larged ; others must be shorten*
ed, and others entirely erased

Mr. D<ml*s Familiar Letters.

lyttne.

from the book of God. By adding
and blotting they greatly sup-
port their system.

Among these divines, it seems,
Mr. Sherman vas ambitious to
shine ; he, ther<^fore, wrote a
vohime. To this the pamphlet
before us is a reply.

The first letter is " to Mr, Sher-
man^ concerrUng M9 authors/dp,^*
It is, indeed, a ^^/amiliar*' letter.
The close is serious. " But let
it be remembered," says Mr.
Dow, ^' that to us it is infinite-^
ly important, that we so live,
speak, and act, as that we may,
eventually, have praise of God.
Thout^h it was not at all incum-
bent upon you, while you deem-
ed truth so unessential, to write
such a book as you did ; yet I
feel it incumbent upon me, mho
believe truth to be of everlasting
consequence, to make a few
plain, friendly remarks upon
your performance."

The second letter is " to Mr,
Sherma?ij concerning hia advanta'^
geafor biblical criticiam,'*

In this, he certsunly does not
forget his title page, ^^ familiar
letters," &c. "As to the He-
brew," he says, " you acknowl-
edge that you know little or
nothing about it yourself, and
from what little attention I have
mid to the language, I believe.
Sir, in this instance, you told me
the truth." « As to the Syriac,
Arabic, Coptic, Etbiopic, &c. I
presume you will readily own,
that your knowledge is absolutely
nothing. How then came you,
Sir, by all this learned criticism ?
Why did you not wait till you
was [wei^ej competent to the
task you undertook ?"
' Letter 3d,' "7^ Mr, Sherman^
concf^rmng the iranunela of hia ed"
ucation** tn this, he reminds

him of his Deism in early life,
of his change to orthodoxy, and
of his change again to Unitari-*
anism.

Letter 4th, « To Mr, Sher^

marij concerning hia mode qfeX"

founding the Scrifiturea,** Thia

letter is replete with pertinent

matter. The substance of it

follows.

*' Being desirous of raising a statCi
ly building, you began by laying at
the foundation a preposition. How-
ever, the preposition not being fit for
your purpose, in its present state^
you ibund it necessary to square it
with a new translation. You Indeed
admit, that the preposition is 8onie.>
times rendered, as our honest transla-
tors have rendered it. But as this
meaning was not to your liking, vou
chose to g^TC it another renderings
which you considered as optionu.
The gtcAt task then was, to make all
the rest of the Bible conform to it,
that }'ofi might prophesy according to
this propoi>tlpn of faith. But tho
current of the Scriptures ran opposite,
and now, what must be done I Why,,
many passages must be re-translatedt
many others must be considered aa
interpolations, and the rest explained,
as being so figurative as to mean ev-
ery thing, any thing, or nothing, till it
can be made to appear, that Uie docn
trine of the Trinity, and the proper
deity of Christ, is not contained in the
Bible. And if, after all, neither re-^
translating, nor etpung^hg, nor turn-
ing plain language mto metaphor, will
do the busihess, as much as you ab-
hor Interpolations, and would wish i#
pdksible to detect them, a few inter*

Eolations ^irMVK«r«vro at leaat mxut
e inserted to make the matter out.
But according to this mode of proceed*
ing, where is tlie analogy of faith ac-
cording to which wc nuy prophesy ?
Where are tlie spiritual things, which
we are to compare together ? Where
is that ^mrc word according to which
we must speak or have uo light in us }
If theScrlptures be so corrupt as that
they may not be depended on, and
they certainly are, if the foundation
principle be corrupted, we have
nothing left to guide us, unless it be
our own fancies, or your prc-concelv-^

1806LJ

Mr. Dent's FamRar Letters.

«i MrtdncHta. And in tlul case we
miy aft veil adopt the fimner as the
btter. But the ward of the Lord is
settled in hesffen."*

Letter 5th, "To Mr. Sher-
mauj €9Hcemhtg Mb Babbiru*'

Letcer 6th, *^ n Mr. Sher^

SMM, etmceming the fruit* qf hU

^etrinet" This letter demands

the Tery serious attention of

Unitarian miniBters* We wish

them to inform us, vrhy God

Uesses ttrthodox preaching ^ by

Ids own energizing^ Spirit, while

fftry ahrajrs dwell in a dry land ;"

why they have so few living

EfUMtle* to recommend them.

Why their flocks ^ are like the

nountains of Gilboa, on whi<;h

was no rain nor dew."

Letter rih, " To Mr. Sher-
niMttf concerning his eathoHciam.**
Tkis deserves a serious perusal.
Letter 8th," To Mr. Sherman^
evuenung his present mode qfdt*
ftadiag the gosfiei.**

Letter 9th, " To Mr. Sherman^
concerning Bible corru/itiona,"
This is useful, and shows a falth-
M attention to the subject.

Letter 10th, " To Mr. Sher-
su, concermng mt/ateriesy*'
abaunds with good sense, level
to every capacity.

Letter lltb, "7b Mr. Sher-
Koa, conctming the Trinity^**
eoDtsins much important truth.
Letters 13, 13, and U, re-
spect the person, offices, and
character of Christ, and present
Tarious evidences of his ^vinity.
Letter 1 5th, " To Mr. Sher^
mant concerning his exposition oj
particular passages.** This is
itally the most useful, and in
some respects the best part of
the book. In one column arc
passages of Scripture ; in the
other Mr. Sherman's exposition.
But Mr. Dow has not quoted
Mr. Sherman^ verbatim^ but

" abridged his lengthy quota-
tions.** This weakens the certain-
ty and confidence of the reader.

The following are a few spe-
cimens from a large number.

St. yahn.
•• In the beginning wai the Wonl»
and the Word was with God, and tlia
Word was God."

Mr. Sherman.
" The wortl was not really G<kI^
but only a divine tropcrty. There ia
some mistake also in saying' tlio
word was nsith God. The Stoicks
knew better than tliis." p. 16. 19.

St. Paul.
" Who being the brightness of his
glory, and the express image of liis
person, and upholding all tilings by
the word of his power."

Mr. Sherman.
" Christ upholds nothing, for he is
nothings but a creature, who is him-
self upheld by the power of God.
Whatever power Christ has^ ia a del-
egated power.'* p. 33.

St, Paul.
" But unto tlie Son, he saith, thy
throne, oh God, is forever and eTcr."

Mr. Sherman.
" Christ should not be called God
in such a way as this. I had rather
say, God supports him fotercr." p. 35.

These letters we think calcu-
lated to do good, especis^ly in
the circle for which they were
particularly designed. The style
is generally correct, easy, and
perspicuous. Considering the
customary freedoms of neigh-
bours, and how much Mr. Sher-
man had provoked disrespect by
shifting and changing his senti-
ments once and again, had these
letters not been intended for
publication, little in thcni could
be thought exceptionable ; but
when they are considered as
written for the public eye, to in-
struct serious, inquiring minds
on one of the most profound, and
most essential doctrines of the
gospel, they are evidently dcfi-

Mr. Horner^ s Sertnim.... Intelligence.

cient in dignity, in seriousnetSi
and urbanity. They are too
« femUiar."

The to$y of God vindicated^ in a
sermon fkreached LortTa Day,
SefU. 16, l^O^y cfier the inter-
ment of his only cA»/(/,. Jona-
than Homer, A. B. vfho died
qfa consuntfition, Se/it. 7, 1804,
a^ed2\. By Jonathan Ho •
Mxa, Pastor ^ the first Church
in JVcfvton,

The text selected for the af-
fecting and melancholy occasion
it in Psalm xviii. ver. 30. ^ M
for Gody his way is /lerf^ct,*'

The preacher first invites our
^* attention to the way of God in
his providential government."
He secondly ^^ attempts to illus-
trate the perfection of this way
even when it clashes with our
private views and interests.'*
This he does by showing that
th^ way of God '^ is the way of
ifectitude," " the way of wis-
dom," and "the way of goo<!-
ness." He finally improves the
subject by observing that, ♦* our
knowledge of the general princi-
ples and motives of the divine
government is an inestimable
privilege to beings liice ourselves,
perpetually exposed tathe pierc-
ing shafts of adversity," by " re-

coinmending an immed
universal attention to tl
ter," and by modestly dd
the character and worth
departed youth.

The tenderness and s]
excited by the circumst
this discourse disarm c
and were it even less
would compel us " to w<
them that weep." A ser
rational piety, a heart d(
fected with the govcrnm
goodness of God, as wel
icate, parental afTection, 1
with secret anguish, are
bly exhibited in this
The style is plain and
but sutHcieutly elevated
mournful and distressir
sion. As in most work
niu9, its uniformity Icav
doubt, which part to scl
specimen of its merits.

An appendix is attache
sermon, containing node
death of young Mr. Hon
various publications in
and prose, with some
and compositions of h
which further illustrate
able character. This (
tion is not only calculate
good by making the m
ous impressions on the i
youth, but is a natural ex]
of the parents' grief an
tion, and tends to sooth i
sole their wounded heart

]Ke{igiou0 3[ntenigente,

State of JRetigioH in Suabioy Ba^aria^ and Hungary.

We are enabled, by the favour of
a Catholic (ecclesiastic) correspon-
dent in Germany, to report, that the
state of relifi^on in the Catholic parts
of that empire manifests unequivoci^l
•ynpteas iV improvement, Tlic old

controversies are laid aside
cal religion Is enforced ; ^
als aiud useful instructions x
catedy instead of the me
forms of worship. The cl
enjoined by a solenm procl

1806.J

Distress in Germany.

pyUiihed througbout Baraiia, to take
« actiive pwi in the reliipious iii«
itmeiioft ot' youths. There arc sev-
9fwX mooU^y puUicationsy (ouc at
Lintz in Upper Austria^ auutUer at
Cfmitmrr, in Suabia) intended to
ipread moacnte roaxims in religion :
tnd theie have contributed to ex-
plode that abominable tenet, which
adaitf of no salvation out of the
(KoBish) church. A writer in one
flf Iheie irorka has even ventured to
■apoaCy "■*»'**^' of the ma»!i, which
upertbrmcd in Latin, the substitu-
tioaof a prayer book in G.-rman. In-
Mod of tlkC old catechism a new one
ii preparing ; in which religion is
cHwstij nu:ominendcd as a matter,
■Bt of form* but uf the hei^.

la the Bavarian dominions, many
KhgMMiB orders, monasteries, &c.
^ve been abolished, as corrupt and
Hpttslitious : many pilgrimages
kut been prohibited, and many
aaiUs' days have been abrogated. It
HHt, at the same time, be acknowl-
edged, that a spirit of iniidelity
■uas rajud progress in the Catliulic
But of Germany. This indeed might
k expected. To be ofiended with
a^erstitioD, is not the same thing as
tB embrace religion : and where pure
Nfigicn is unknown, what otlier al-
tenstire hat the thinking mind >

A few years ago, several Catholic
Arinca, in the ' circle of Suabia,
idapted a manner of preaching, which
noted general atteniion. They
■ost itronglj enforced by doctrine
nd TwwyVr the necessity of vital
fndtinfsi, and practical religion.
Their chorches were crowded. Tliose
vko adhered lo the old system, caus-
ed them to be cited before the tribun-
d of the bishop of Augsburg ; where
iMy so efiectuaUy defended them-
tms, aa to he dismissed to their re-
ipeeti%-c parishes without further

Id Hungary the animosity of relig*
iom partv is pecufiarly active. It
«u fint kindled by the Jesuits, and
Ike higher Catholic clergy inflamed it.
b this country hardly any marriage
•f persons belon^np to both cum^
TMiniffat takes place, except the Pro-
iHUiit party engages to becoma
Citiiolic, or, at least, to suffer his
iUUren to receive a Cathotic educa-
fioa. The conversion of Catholics to

difficult : not merely by the authoris-
ed aripiments employed by the Catho-
lic, clergy, during six weeks previous
to such conversion, in order to in*
duce the applicant to remain a steady
member of the Romish communion :
but also by the terrom of imprison-
ment, stripes, and other violences.
It is even said, tliat justice itself is
biassed, on tliesc occasions ; and tliat
absolutions fur false evidence arc not
uncommon. During the last war,
when a conscription took place, every
art was used to enrol ProtestantH as
soldiers, that they might perish by tlie
sword of the enemy. Prt>tcstauts are
excluded from public offices. Pro-
testant books undergo severe investi-
gation, and few which arc sound in
their principles arc allowed. The
Catholic clergy even wished to pro-
hibit Protestants from going to any
German university for education.
Protestants who are zealous arc rep-
resented as seditious : those who ai*e
quiet, are sneered at as atheists. A
spirit of fanatical bigotrv prevails, at
which enlightened and liberal Catho-
lics themselves are terrified. It is
again become the fashion on the snni-
versary day of Corpus Christi to
preach controversial seno'ms against
the Protestants. Various religious
orders are revived ; and the educa-
tion of youth is exclusively entrusted
to the Catholic clergy. £deetic Kew,

DISTRESS IN GERMANY.
(^Continued from p. 563.)

The following intelligence hsa
been received from the Rev. W. Kuc-
per, German Chaplain to his Majesty,
at St. James', in a letter addressed
to the Rev. Mr. Stcinkopff.

"Stafford-Place, Dec. 19, 1805.

" My dear Friend,
*' To make you sensible of the
calamities sustained by his Majesty's
subjects in Hanov«r, I need not hava
recourse to minute details. It is
notorious, that ever since the month
of June, 1803, when Hanover was in-
vaded by a French army, that coun-
try has been ruined, and tlie well-bc-
Ing of most of iu loyal uUiabitauta
destroyed systematically^ Exoibi-

hstacUstisa ia raadertd extremal^ tant QontribuUoaa were raided -, aaA

Distress iti Gerifiany.

ever}' month new taxes in\'entedy that
f;^]l most heavilv on all, even on the
lowest clas.-i of the subjugated ; while
tiidiisaiuls ot* French conscripts, who
r.antecl ever)' tiling*, successively
{nuircd in, and were quartered >n
j^'ivat numbers on every housekeeper,
auul totl^tf and when cLutlied and ted
were called away, to ^ve room lo
others, ihyt were to be pi-ovidcd fof
in tlie same manner. S«>on tiie most
i»vhLstrious men tliroiighout the coun-
try became unable to bear tJiese ex-
penses ; all commerce and business
iK-'iiig^ nearly stopped — the levied
money bein^ sent to France in largt;
wni>s— 4he harvests proving scanty,
and the prices ofcvcrytliing' rising- in
proportion as more was wanted, —
made the sad ejects of this public ca-
lamity to be wufully felt, especially
in thiiS'.: communities and families,
whicli hufl formerly supported them-
selves by tlicir industry. In every
town, and every viUa^, many honest,
re])utablc people were reduced to
beggary^ and almost brought to de-
spair fur want of the absolute neces-
saries of life. After having* sold and
pawned whatever tliey had to part
with, numbers of theiti I know have
been oblige 1 to leave their homes,
tlieir star\-ing wives and children ;
and some have fled over to £ngland
to enrol themselves as j)rivatcs in his
Majesty*rt army, amongst whom were
clergymen's sons, and se^xral other
respectable persons, who had for-
m'-iiy followed mercantile or lit-
I'l'ury professions. It was not before
things were come to this extremity
that part ()f tlie French invu<l(irs, by
the movements of PrusMa, weiv
obliged to wlUidravv, clearing away
mosL f)f tl;c ciittU- tliat had hern left
to tho. unhappy peasantry. But yj*
several thousands of the enemy still
(K^cupy th« fortress Of Hamcin,
pla:;uing its iniiabitai^.s, destroying
and pillagit>g the cHmtry around;
and a large army of Knglisli, Rus.
sian, Prussian, and Swedish troops
is now assembling : to provide for
tliese, all the gl-uin of the exhausted
countrv has Jji'oadv been threshed
out by order of government. And
although they are no longer exposed
to the points of* French bayonets, ycrt
•uch is now the situation <;f many
thousands of my poor countivmen,
tiiatf I can assufce you, on authontic

intelligence, they are in the
vant of relief, and are mos
distressed to get bread fo
selves and for tlieir children
be sheltered from the cold.

" My worthy friend, voutj
ly, W. Ki

This affecting com municatii
a strong impression on the (
tee, and in consideration of tli
and severity of tlie suff'^ring
Hanoverians, a considerable t
appropriated to their immedia

Since tlic first publicatioi
preceding documents, the Co
liave been favottrcd with man;
subscriptions, which have
them to afford supplies to nut
the distressed inhabitants of
tinent ; and they arc now grc
eouraged to persevere in ti
dea^'ours to assist the poor i
in various parts of Germany.

In publishing some of tlie f
letters, the Committee, for
reasons, have deemed it pn
to give the authors* names
iiTiters are persons highly r
ble, and well known to some
Committee : and it should be
ed, that ntmc of them will be
ers of tliis bounty, being the
above M'ant : the joy ihey
arises purely from tlie happin'
feel in being the honoured a
of this providential relief.

Translation of a Letter from ^
able Clergyman in German
December 6, 1S05.
•• Your letter of the '22nd <
1805, addressed to our hig
spectcd friend ■, had an a
ing effect on him, and on us al
determination of £ngltsh Phi
pists to ndievc those who ar*
ing all the caUmities of war,
ly ascribe to a ver>' gracious
sit ion of Divine Providence,
fully coininocd, that what tli
sow, they shall more abundan
at the day of the great harre?
all the blessings now iniplti
them, shall ricitly descend upo
We were forcil»ly struck witii 1
sage; : *' Go^l is able to n
grace abound towards you,
uva>'s having siifKcicnc}' in al
iisiy abound to every gooil v

1806.J

Distress in Germany.

41.

It is vtitteii. Be kigtk duperttda&roati,
k hak giveu to the poors kit righttamM-
wm remmetkfore^ier.^ O hew great
if Ae mtrcf or our God and Saviour
towards tbooe wbo vere on the reiy
biBik of destraction !
*" The sum of if 100 we have already
from Messn. > of

and, in the name of so many
we beg to express our most
necK and Ktpectful thanks to all
Aeir benefactora. At the same time
vchmnU^pray that God, wbo is the
pier of every good and perfect gift,
~~ inmrt to ua that wisdom which

ii leqinaitef in order to distribute

diaritaMe gills in a most pru*
denl^ eooitable and beneficial man-
Mr. We viah to do nothing rashly,
InA defibcrately. Our next shall give
yoa particidan.'*

Dvastef OS of a Letter from a retpec^
table Merekamt in Nuremberg^ dated
December 6^ 1805.
^ I cannot ezpreas the excess of my
jsf , when I received your letter of the
Sisd of November, in which I read
vidi artonialunent, that One Hundred
Midi atcfiinf have been assigned
tssurdiatribution among those Aus-
trisM, aad otfaen, who have been
lisBged by the war into poverty, want
mk diitma. I felt like Peter at the
aifacvloiia draught of fishes, and was
wofctcomc by uie view of this prov-
idnitial aaaistance, that I could not
belpexduaing, ** Lord, depart from
ne, 1 am a simul man !** I immedi-
HuSj went and communicated your let-
ter to ray highly respected friend
* We looked at each other

without knowing what to say for jov
mA mftitude. On my knees I wiu

idsie my God, and call upon all my
C&w-cbriitiana to join me in tliankj
«d praiaea to the Most High. Oh !
what win be the reward of all those
iibleminded and generous Christians
■ London, and Great Britain, who,
ftom so great a distance, hastened to
SOT relief. As soon as 1 had received
tke £ 100, I placed it in the hands of
tke Rev. Mr. , till we can obtain
ftom different ministers and magis-
tlstcs the best faiformation respect-
■gthose families and individuals who
me suffered most se\'erely . We ^ill
]My a doe regard to good and pious
pMple f bat whomever we meet with
pest distress, we shall think it our
VoL U. Nq. 1 • G

duty to administer relief. There wil
be soon a meeting of a committee, at
which the matter will be more fully
considered ; and in due time we will
send }t)u more circumstantial ac-
counts, and letters of thanks wc may
receive, in order that vou may see what
emotions of joy and gratitude your
gifts have caused.*'

Tirantlation of a Letter from Htidcl*
bergj dated December 8, 1805.

" From Messrs. — — , I received
your very acceptable letter of the 23nd
of November, the contents of which
filled me with inexpressible joy. O !
thank in my name those excellent
friends, who have so kindly thought
upon their suffering brethren in Ger-
many. God will reward them. ** In
as much as you have done it unto one
of the least of these my brethren, ye
have done it unto me."

'* The plan I shall adopt in execu-
ting this most deliglitful commission,
is as follow s :•— ~In the first place, I
have this day written both to Stutt-
^rdt and Nureniberjif, in order to
mform myself of the districts they in-
tend to relieve ; and by entering into
a correspondence with them, I, as well
as they, shall be better enabled the
more equally to distribute the money
committed to each of us. In the dis-
trict, which falls to my lot, I wiU look
out for some intelligent and conscien-
tious men, with whom I may consult
on the best method of affording relief^
and whom I can entrust with the dis-
posal of some part of the money.
From each I shall take a receipt, keep
an exact account of the whole expendi-
t\ire, and finally send it over to you,
for my own satisfaction, and that of
the Committee."

Trantlation of a Letter from Stutt-'
gardty dated December 13, 1805.
•• With the most lively impressions
1 have just received your intcUigenco
of the considerable present, which
some English and German fricnda
have made to such of our country-
men as have suffered most severely
by the calamities of war. I will cau
together all those Gentlemen whom
you have named, with the addi-
tion of some others ; the money
shall he most conscientiously disposed
of, and with due regard to all the par-
ticulars you mentigoad, and when this

Literary Intelligence.

[>«^»

has been done, a report shall be trans-
mi ted to you.

P. S. Since the above was written,
I have received tiie remittance of
£ 100 sterling.'

Dranslation of a Letter from, a resfieC'
tmble Gentlevicut in Suabia, dated Dc*
cembtr 14, 1805.

" 111 the Electorate of Wertem-
bcrir. the districts that have most suf-
feri'vl are those of Heidenhcim, Koen-
igsbrunn, nnd Blatibcuren. As it was
impossibU so speedily to provide such a
Vt'^st quantity uf provisions as was de-
mundcd,every thin^tliat could be found
was taken a^vay without scruple, so that
the poor inhabitants had nothing Ictt
for themselves. Had the armies kept
their position near Ulm but a few days
longer, whole districts mui»t have em-
igrated, or have been starved to death.
The soldiers were not satisfied with
takinfi^ all the provisions they coidd
find, but also appropriated to them-
selves manv other things. The ten-
der voice of humanity seemed entirely
suppressed. One whole village in
our neighbourhood was entirely plun-
dered without any act of hostility
having taken place, or any ofience
been given, but that the inhabitants
did not possess what the French sol-
diers reciuired themlo furnish. From
the clergA'man they took literally ev-
ery thing but his shirt. He, among
the rpbt, shall partake of the benefac-
tion from England. Several other
villages met with a similar fate.

i»

Extract of a Letter from the Hev. Mr.
La Trobe^ dated Neville' s-Court^
Fetter- Lane^ London^ yan. 21, 1806.
•* Great distress prevails in Upper
Lusatiu, Bohemia, and the adjacent
parts, among the poorer classes of so-
ciety, amongst whom are many truly

pious families, in connexion or ae«
quaintance with our brethren. I yet-
terdav received a loiter frtim Hemt-
hut, stating the misery of the peo*
pie in that neighbourhood to be veiT
ffrcat indeed, and likely to rise stiu
higher before the nert harvest. Our
bretliren at Hermhut, and elscwherCy
have exerted themselves to the ut*
moi:t of their power, and by their con-
nexions have procured com. Sec. when
none else could get it, and thereby
have kept many poor families from
perish uig with hunger : but now the
scarcity begins to be felt in all our set*
tlements, and tiierc Is an almost total
stagnation of all business. The poor
Uncn manufacturers in Lusatia, Bo*
hernia, &c. are entirely destitute of
employ.

*' Two of our Missionaries, goin^
to Surinam, told me, that many peo«
pie had died in consequence of the
unwholesomeness of the articles thej
were obliged to substitute for bread.**

The Committee most readiljr re-
solved to employ the United Brethren,
(commonly called Moravians,) to dis-
tribute a considerable portion of re-
lief in the districts above-mentioned :
By the vicinitv of their residence to
Moravia, the late scene of dreadful
conflict and devastation, they will be
enabled to penetrate the most insula*
ted abodes of miserv in those coun-
tries, and to relieve the wretched in-
habitants who survived the late ter-
rible contest.

QCJ' A letter from the Secretary ^
the London Miuionary Society to one ST
the Editor* of the Fanopiist, dated Feb,
1806, uateM, that more than 10,000/.
Mteritng had already been collected in
England for the dittretted Germ^me,

Hiteratg JnteHigence.

LiNDLEY Murray.

The celebrated Lindley Mur-
ray has lately added to his long cat-
alogue of useful publications, an iCs-

^/t«A Spelling Book^ which if we m\j
judge from the sentiments of th^
British critics, and from its sale^
may be pronounced his chef d*mwre.
So i^reat is the reputation of this lit-

1806. j lAurary InteWgcnce. 43

tleM^oolfaicl^iiiEngkiid^tfattfour association of letten» ToweU and

rations, maJdni^ thirty six thousand consonants, to suit the pronuncia-

copies, were required to supply the tion. The foUowir\g arc a few s|)eci-

^demand, during the first six months mens : on-^ofts o-ceanj vfn-geance, pon-

after its appearance ; a sale unpre- iard, court-ier, ifutch-eon, SriUiant-iy,

crdented in any modem publication. ^r-Jid-iaus-i/t fiunC'tU'iOfjtu-^tiC'iar'y,

In this country also, three editions "5. If the combinations of letters

bafe already been issued fh>m the pronounced as one syUabie,- were to

pfess ; and $. fburtbi from the Lon- have a correspondent orcanffement,

don copy, greatly improred and en- we should have an extremely difficult,

Imed, we underatand, will soon be as well as an extremely irregular ipode

pafiliahed at Now-Tor|;. Like al) of dividing our words into syllables.

the former wwks of this excellent How woiMd the advocates for divi.

Author^ its pag«s aoe rendered sub- din^ according to the pronunciation,

jmient to the promotion of piety and divide the words btuinas, colonel^

virtue I at tbe same time, 90 diversi- wctuaU, woemughU moved, ftuffedp

^ and cnliTened with interesting devoured, ahiued, and many others of

•tories, and instructive sentiments, a aimilar nature ? A rule which, at

fs to be peculiarly attractive to the best, is so inconvenient, and which in

tn&nt mind of the learner. numerous instances cannot be re-

Tl&e improven^ent at^tempted in the duced to practice, certainly does not

artbograp^y, .consists chiefly in the merit adoption,

jdifiaion of syUables. We regret that " 6. The best authorities, as well as

the nature and extent of our work will a great minority of them, may be ad-

Dot admit of pving a copious analysis duced in support of this division.

of a book, which promises to become Walker, in the last edition of his dic-

raeral in our schools. We must tionary, says, *' Though tiom and thn

however ^uote the Author's reasons are really pronounced m one syllable,

fcr hia dinsion of syllables, from they are, by almost all our orthoe^

Fhich it arill be seen, that he does not pists, divided into two ; and conse-

coacur with soQie modern ortho- queitfly, n^itm, pronuneifltioM, occo-

pipliefa. .Xbe fblloving ren^arks siom, evasion, 8cc. contain the same

iitfromthe fourth English edition. number of syllables, as aofio, /ino*

''L The rapid pronunciation of iOMciiirio, occono, etwuio, in I^atin.

tin sjrIlafeiUfl, so as to resen^ble the " On the whole, we think that the

1004 pf one syllable, does not, in fact, old plan, whilst it possesses so mucH

■ake them one. The words ^imi- superiority, is liable to no inconveni*

sew, doUmelt xic$uaUt OMhamedf be* ence. Even pronunciation is as

ikweip 8w. are pronounced as two readily acquired by it, as by the new

syllables, though they are really plan. The learner cannot know that

three. Hon sounds like «A«ii, tial like thai,

** 2. The division adopted renders science like iherue. Sec. till his teacher

the gradations in spelhng a word, directs him to this pronunciation :

Aoie simple, and much easier to the and the same direction will teach him

learner, than combining the letters, that ti^on, ti'-al, tci-ence, &c. have the

If qieUinr is made practicable and ea? same soimds. I^uch therefore is lost

fy to chilaren, by dividing words into and nothing gained, by the new divi-

tvflables, it follows, that the more sion."

this division can be conveniently ex- We cannot conclude tliis article

tended, the better it is calculated to without congratulating the public, and

answer the end. the heads ot seminaries in particular,

*'3. The old plan of dividing these on the acquisition of the complete

ktten, or terminatitms, is uniform system of education, which the eievtu

ttd invariable t the new plan, of not diflerent works of I^indley Murray

dividing them, is liable to numerous now compose. Beginning at the very

ciceptions, and frequent variations. vestibule of literature, 3io attentive

**4. Combining or separating learner mav now ascend from the

•yflables acconling to the pronuiicia- First Book tov children, step by step,

tioQ, would present still more irregu- through the Spelling Book, the Jntro^

brand uncouth appearances, than the dmtion to the £ngliih Reader ^ the

Literary IntelRgence.

JSnglish Xeofier, the Sequeito the Hea-
der, the Abridged Grain7nar% the Gram^
^lOTf Exercitet to the Grammar^ Key
to the Exercise*, Lecture Francois, and
Fcmer of Religion on the Mind, tiU he
has attained to every necessary ac-
complishment in the English lan-
guage.

The rank which our countryman*
has acquired in the literary world,
cannot he contemplated, but with
satisfaction, by every American* who
feels an honest pride in beholding
these proofs of the falsehood of the
Assertion made by certain French
fihilosophers, that genius could not
originate in the western hemisphere.
Lindley Murray, as a g^mmarian,
Abw stands irithout a rivsl. His En-
glish Grammar has the encomiums of
every transatlantic UTiter of taste and
ju4gmcnt. Twelve thousand copies
of it are sold annually in London, and

• It may not be generally knmon that
Lindley Murray is a native of Neva-
York and a member of the Society of
Friends. He vas bred to the profession
if the lata, in V)hieh ke fromised to
ieeome one of its most shining orna-
ments, But being attacked tsith a
painful and tedious illness, v)hich
terminated in the loss of the use of his
ipmer extremities, he adopted the advice
of his physicians, and took a voyage
across the Atlantic, Ifis indisposition,
konever, on his arrival in England, in-
stead of lessening, increased to such a
degree, that he found it necessary to de-
fer the teriod of l^s return till some
favourable change should take place in
his disorder. He therefore purchased a
beautifhl retreat in the neighbourhood of
York, v)here, vtith an amiable wife, he
has remained nearly tvoenty years, and
vthere indeed he has employed those
faculties, v>ith vthich he has been so
preeminently endovjed by Providence, to
the benevolent purpose of composing his
numerous vtorks on the education of
youth. This retreat is not less distin-
guished for the attractions tt presents to
literary men, than for the hospitality
vohich reigns at its board. The vihole
of the profits, Vihich it may be im>agin-
ed are very great, arising from the sale
4 hi* books, havf been Tfettcrnxd upon

twenty four thousand of
ment. In our own cour
sale is perhaps not less
Most of our Universitie
those at New Haven, Prim
York, Philadelphia, Will
and Schenectady have a<
Grammar ; and ere long
other will be used in an>
America.

There could not be
stronger confirmation of \
of the character we hai
these publications, than m
in the following quotatio
late Dr. Hugh Blair, wh
veyed his sentiments on '
were then published.

"Mr. Murray's Gramm
Exercises and Key, in a s
ume, I esteem as a mo.
performance. I think it
any work of that nature y
bad ; and I am persuadci
by much, the best Gram
English language extan
tax in particular be ha
wonderful degree of aci
precision, in ascertaining
ty of language, and re<
numberless errors, which
apt to commit. Were I
ning my course, as I am
83d year) on the point of
I would have hoped tQ
much benefited in point
style by his instructions

I)1es. Most usefu^^cY in
y be to allviho are applyin^
to the arts of composition **

• . * • •

charitable institutions. Po
independent fortune, and ha*
dren to provide for, he app
ish, as his only v:ish, the It
ing useful to, his fellow crei
late letter to a friend in thi*
ter modestly adverting to th
ed sale and reputation of
Europe, he concludes , ^*Ih
fiattering success has no im^
upon me. I aw sure that i
imperfections are svff.cient
tion qfmJnd, and to make
I do indeed feci grattful to
of all good, that tinder my
ued boaily infirmities, I a\
useless being in the world,**

1906.2

List ofNco Publications.

Xriiert of JSeto jpublicationjer.

The Slutde of Plato ; or, a defence
nf rd^gMm* BMnlhy, and ^vernment.
A poem in four ptfU. By David Hitch-
cock. To which it prefixed, a
ifcetch of the authoPa life. Hudson.
H. CfeoiweU. 12 mo.

A Hcv editUm of tkit nori i# eontem*
fUittd III Jetton,

Twdw ietten addreiied to Rev.
Stmoel Anstiny a. m. in which his
mdicstion of partial washings for
Chriftiaii B«ptisiii, contained in ten
kttcTi, is reviewed and disproved.
Bt Daniel Merrill, a. m. pastor of the
cilirdi of Christ in Sedpirick. 13 mo.
|ip. 96. Boston. Manmng* & Loring^.

Am wuwer to thii h at Seen fntbiuhed
kf Mr. JuMtm at Wbreetter,

A treatise on the Diseases of Child-
Kn, and nanagenient of infimts from
fhe birth. Bj Michael Underwood,
M. D. Licentiate in Midwifery, of the
Royal CoUcge of Physicians in Lon-
don, &e. 8cc. Second American fVom
the sixth London edition. 8to. pp. 270.
Boiloii. D. West.

Reflections on the Rise and Fall of
titt societit RepuUics, adapted to the
PRsent state or Great Britam. By Ed-
vird W. Montagnie, jun. 13mo. pp.
S3S. PUlade^a. C.P. Wape.

A sermon, preached in the audl-
CBce of Hia Excellency Caleb Stronr,
Governor, His Honor Edward H.
iUbbins, Esq. Lieutenant Goi-emor,
tbe Hon. the Council, Senate and
Home of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on
the Anniversary Election, May 28,
1106. BjT Samuel Shepard, A. M.
Congregational Minister of Lenox.
BosioD. Young Hf Minns. 1806.

A discourse on the necessity and
nnpottance of wisdom ami knowled^,
deUrercd at the opening of the Lm-
nbi Academy in New Castle, Octo.
ber 1, 1805. Bv Kiah Bayley, A. M.
pastor of the church in New Castle.
Wiscasset. fiab»on and Rust.

The Happy nation, a sermon,
peaclic<l at the Anniversary Elec-
linn in Hanfonl, May 8, 1806.
By Rev. William Lyman, A. M.pas-
tnr of a church, in Eiuit Huddam.
Hartford. Hudson aiul Gcxnlwin.
1806.

A sermon, preached before the
9nenl Assembly of the X'rcsbyte-

rian church in the United States of
America { by appointment of their
standing committee of Missions, b^
Eliphalet Nott, D. D. President of
Union College in the State' of New
York, May 19, 1806. FhiUdelphia.
Jane Aitken.

The Virginia Religious Magazine,
published under the patronage of the
Synod of Virginia, by the Editor,
Volume II, for the year 1806. Lex-
ington. Samuel Walkup.

Sanctuary Waters ; or the spread
of the gospel. A f cnson, preached
before the Massachusetts Baptist
Missionary Society, at their annual
meeting, by William Collier, A. M.
pastor of ' the Baptist diurch in
Charlcstown, (Mass.) Boston, May
28,1806. Manning & Loring.

A .Sermon, preached before the
convention of the clergy of Massa.
chusetts, Boston, May 29, 1806. By
Joseph Lj-man, D. D. pastor of the
church in Hatfield. Boston. David
Carlisle.

Bonaparte, and the French people
under his Consulate. Translated
fiom the German. The first Amcri-
can edition. New York. Isaac Col-
lins and Son. Sold also by £. Cot-
ton, Boston.

The fulfilling of the Scripture, or
an essay, shewing the exact accom*
plishment of the word of God in his
works performed and to be perform-
ed, for confirming of believers, and
convincing Atheists of the present
time : Containing some rare histo-
ries of the works and the ser\-aiits of
God in the church of Scotland. By
Rev. Robert Fleming, pastor of a
eliufch in Rotterdam. Charluatown.
1806. Samuel Etheridge.

Univcrsalism confounds and de-
stroys itself ; or, Letters to a Friend j
in four parts. Part 1. Ur. Hunting,
ton's and Mr. Relly'a scheme, which
denies all Tiiture punishmont, Khown
to be msnle up of contrudictions.
2. Dr. Chauncy*s, Mr. Winchcslor's,
Pctitpicrrc's, and Med. Dr. Yminjf's
scheme, wiiich supposes a (1 mi ted
punishment hereafter, shown to be
made up <»f contnidictions. 3. Ev-
erlasting, forever, ftU'evcr and ever,
naturally and originally, mean dura-
tion without end. 4. The sufficiency

Ordituttim.

of the atonement, tor the salvation of
^, consistent with the final destruc-
tion of a part of mankind. Also, the
fecond death explained. Inteirspers*
ed vk-ith direct arguments in proof of
the endless misery of the damned ;
^d answers to the popular gbjectioni
of the present d^iy, against the doc-
trines of grace. Bf Josiah Spauld-
ing, A. M. pastor of a church in
3uc)Uand. Northampton^ (Mass.)
Andrew Wright. X8Q5.

preparation foi* war the best secu-
rity for peace. Illustrated in a Ser-
mon delivered before the Ancient and
Honourable Artillery Company, on
the Anniversary of tlieir election of
officers, Jiuie 2» 1806. By James Ken-
dall. Munroe and Francis.

The Boston Directory, containing
the names, occupations, places of
fibode, and business of the inhabi-
tants. A list of the streets, lanes^^
courts, alleys, wharves, &c. &cl
Bounds of the new wards. Lists of
public offices, town officer9» physi-
cians, sextons, S^c. List of post
towns, &c. &c. Illustrated by ^, plan
of tlie tON^n. Boston. £. Cotton.

The Christian Monitor. No. 2.
Containing observations on the life
and character of Jesus Qhrist. Mun-
roe and Francis, Boston.

Nine Discourses on BapUsm, viZf
Water Baptism, Christian Baptism,
3eUeyer'8 Baptism, Infant . Baptism,
Believing parents and their children
in covenant with God, Being buried
with Christ in Baptism illustrated.
To which is annexed, Mrs. Jackson's
confession. Boston. DfLvidCarlislef
1806.

The Siusred Mirror; or. Compen-
dious View of Scripture History.
Containing a faithful narration of i)l
the principal events recorded in- the
Old and New Testaments, from the
creation of the world to the death of
St. Paul. With a contii>uation from
that period to the final destruction of
Jerusalem by the Romans. Design-
ed for the mental improvement of

youth, and particularly ftdaf
the use of schools. By th*
Thomas Smith, author of the 1
sal Atlas, &c. First Americ
tion. To which i% added a <
index, not in the Enellsh *
Boston. Samuel H. Parker. 1

Sermons on the religious ed
of children ; preachea at Noi
ton. 9y Philip Poddridge,
A new edition, revised and cof
Cambridge. W. HilUard. 18

A Sermoii on Fraud. By 1
Wilson, D. D. Bishop of Sod
Manq. First American editi
vised and corrected. Cam
W. HUliard.

A Present for your Neia
or, the right knowledge of G
ourselves, opened in a plain,
cal, and experimental manner,
bridge. W. HUliard.

A Discourse concerning roe
By Rev. Matthew Uenij.
American edition. CAmbridg
HUliard.

A short and easy method wi
ists, wherein the certainty
Christian religion is demonstri
infaUible proof from four role
letter to a friend. Cambridge
ifUli^.

OCjr*The five last publicationi
sued in Isu*ge editions of each,
Massachusetts Society fur pro
Christian knowledge, an4 tin
tees of PhiUips' /^csidemy, for
able distribution. A number <
are reserved for sale at a che
for the benefit of the Society
named, by their agent, Willia
Uard, Cambridge ; also by £
coin, Boston.

In the press, Horae Paulin
the Truth of the Scripture 1
of St. Paul, evinced by a com]
of the epistles, which bear his
with the Acts of the apostle
with one another. By Willia
ley, D. D. Archdeacon of C
W. HiUiard. Cambridge.

DrDinationt

On Thursday, the 5th of June, g^tional Church in Beckct.
1806, the Rev. Joseph L. Mills was parts in the public exercises <
«r4*ined pastor of the First Congre- occfiwn were peifprmod ia th*

1106.]

Poetry.

CDce of a numeTmu tstembly, whose
dent attention bore testimony to the
loleiitnitjr of the scene. T}ie Rev.
WiQjain G. BaUantine, of Washing-
ton, made the introductory prayer.
The Rer. Asahel Hooker, of Goshen,
(Con.) preached the sermon from 1
Cor.iu. 4, 5, 6. The Rev. Dr. West,
of Stockbridge, made the consecrat-
kf prayer. The Rev. Aaron Bas-
ttm, or Chester, g^ave the charge.
The Rer. AWan Hyde, of Lee, gave
ic li^ hand of fellowship. The

Rev. Samuel Shepard, of Lenox^
made the concluding prayer. — The
great length of time in which the peo-
ple of this religious society have been
destitute of tlic stated administration
of the gospel and its ordinances, and
the numerous difficulties under which
thev have laboured, respecting their
ecclesiastical affairs, render it peculi-
arly pleasing to the fi*icnds of Zion, to
witness the present union and har«
mony existing among them.

3s:

rac

scs:

Poetrp,

To TBS Editors.

GmVTLXMSV,

Ik a gardem heicnging to Mr. Tyrrt at Denbigh in Sunjf England^ it a noalk ter»
mSiaied by a betnttiful aieove, called II Anterottt, in vihtck are ttoo elegantly
mtwedfaietaUf upon v»hich are placed a Gentleman's and a Lmd/t skull .- each
Att mddrmui dke male and female vieitante, U. Jk

THE gentleman's SKULL.

Wbt start ? The case is yours or will be soon.
Some years perhi^s, perhaps another moon.
life, at its utmost leng^, is stlU a breath.
And those who longest dream must wake in deat]^
Like you I once thought every bliss secure.
And gdd of every ill a certain cure ;
Till iteep'd in sorrow, and besieg'd with pain.
Too late I found all earthly riches vain.
Diseaae with scorn thrust back the sordid fee.
And death still aoswcr'd, «< What is gold to me )"
Fame, titles, honours, next I vainly sought.
And foola obsequious nurs'd the childish thought.
Circled with bnb*d i^plause, and purchas'd prais^
I built on endless grandeur, endless days,
TUl death awak*d me from my dream of pridt;
And laid a prouder begear at my side.
fleamirea I courted, and obey'd my taste.
The banquet smil'd, iftid smil'd the gay repast.
A loathsome carcase was my constant t:are.
And worlda were ransack'd but for me to share*
Go on, vain man, to luxury be firm,
Tet know, I fisatted but to feast a worm.

Abeady sure, less terrible I seem.
And you, like me, shaU own, that life's a dream,
f arewel ; remember, nor my wor^s despise,
TAc omijf happy^ tat the early niee.

THE lady's skull.

Bhish not, ye fair, to own me— But be wise,
Kor torn fit>m sad mortality your eves.
Fame says, and fame idone can tell how true,
1 tnco waa lovtly and bckir'd like you.

48 To Correspondents. [jyune*

Where are my votaries ? Where my fiatteren now I

Fled with the subjects of each lover's vow.

Adieu, the roses red, the lilies white ;

Adieu, those eyes, which made the darkness light.

No more, alas, those coral lips are seen.

Nor longer breathes the fran-ant gale between.

Turn from your mirror, and behold in me

At once what thousands can't, or dare not see.

Unvamish'd, I the real truth impart.

Nor here am placM but to direct the heart.

Survey me well, ye fair ones, and bclievca

The grave may terrify, but can't deceive.

On beauty's fragile state no more depend.

Here youth and pleasure, age and sorrow end.

Here drops tlic mask, here shuts the final scene^

Nor differs crave tliree score from gay fifteen.

AH press alike to that same goal, the tomb.

Where wrinkled Laura smiles at Chloe's bloom.

Wlien coxcombs flatter, and when fools adore«
Here Icam this lesson, to be vain no more s
Yet virtue still against decay can arm.
And even lend mortality a charm.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

D. D. on Religiout Sincerity, and hit Short Remark* on Jf / racZn , are receir-
e<!. This new Correspondent will accept our thanks for his exoeUent commu-
nications. We shall feel ourseh'es particularly oblig«ed by a continuance of
his favours, through the friendly hand, that forwarded the above.

In the Remarks on the Death of Mr, Gibbon, by W. we are happy to recog-
nize the hand of a former Correspondent, to whom we wish more finequent^
to acknow ledge our obligations.

H. on Christian Faithfulness, exemplified in the Conduct of Dmei, shall ap-
pear in our next number.

We have received the well UTitten Sketch of the Character and Kxercisee <f
Miss A. D. Communications of this kind are always peculiariy acceptable,
especially from this Correspondent.

L.. on the Effects of Human Apostasy^ has just come to hand, and is placed
%m our files for publication.

Philo LOCOS, No. $, on the Decalogue, is necessarily delayed tiQ our next*

AGENTS FOR THE PANOPLIST.

Mcs«;rs. Cushinc & Appleto:^, Salem; Thomas & Wrtppls, Newbury*
port ; W. BuTi.ER, Northampton ; Whiting & B.\ckus, Albany ; Georcs
RicHARus, Utica ; Collins & Perkins, New York; W. P. Farrahd,
Pliiludclphia : Isaac Beers & Co. New Haven , O. D. Cook, Hartford ;
Br-N'jAMiN Cummins, Windsor, Vt. ; Joseph Cushino, Amherst, N. H. ;
T^Tr. Davis, Hanover, N. H.; Rev. Alvan Hyde, Lee, Me. ; J«Kenvb*
DY, Alexandria.

THE PANOPLIl^T;

Ol^

THE CHRISTIAN'S ARMORY.

No. 14.]

JULY, 1806. [No, 2, Vol. IL

O&togprapl^S^

LIFE OF THE REV. WILLIAM TENNENT.

(Continued fifom p. 6.)

THE writer of these memoirs
was gready interested by these
uncomraon events ; andy on a
&vourable occasion, earnestly
pressed Mr. Tennent for a mi-
Bate account of what his views
sod ^prehensions were, while
k h]r in this extraordinary state
of Sttspended animation. He
^Kovcred great reluctance to
enter into any explanation of his
perceptkms and feelings at this
^ine; bat, being importunately
nrged to do it, he at length con-
sented, and proceeded with a so-
lemtty not to be described.

'^ While I was conversing with
iBf brother,** said he, << oil the
Mc of my soul, and the fears
'I had entertained for my future
vel^re, I found myself, in an in-
stint, in another state of exist-
ence, under the direction of a
nperior beingi who ordered me
to follow him. I was according-
if wafted along, I know not how,
tin I beheld at a distance an in-
effiible glory, the impression of
vhich on my mind it is impossi-
ble to communicate to mortal
Vol. II. No. S. H

man. I immediately reflected on
my happy change, and thought*
Well, blessed be God ! I am safe
at last, notwithstanding all my
fears. I saw an innumerable
host of happy beings, surround-
ing the inexpressible glory, in
acts of adoration and joyous wor-
ship ; but I did not see ai)y bod"
ily shape or representation in
the glorious appearance. I heard
things unutterable. I heard their
song^ and hallelujahs, of thanks-
giving and praise, with unspeak*
^le rapture. I felt joy unutter«
able and full of glory. I then ap-
plied to my conductor, and re*
quested leave to join the happf
throng. On which he tapped
me on the shoulder, and saidy
* You must return to the earth.'
This seemed like a swqrd thro'
my heart. In an insunt I recol-
lect to have seen my brother
standing before me, disputing
with the doctor. The three
dayS) during which I had appear-
ed lifeless, seemed to me not
more than ten or twenty min-
utes. The idea of jretuming to

Life of Rev. WtUiam Tcnnetif.

this world of sorrow and trouble >
gave rne such a shock, that T
faint od repeatedly." He added,
" S\ich was the effect oo my
mind of what I had seen and
he:»rd. that if it be possibhi for a
human being to live cn:ire!y
above the world and the tliinics*
of it, for soipe time after vurds I
was that person. The ravjshinij
sounds of the souf^s and htlkhi-
jahs that 1 heard, and the very
v/-ords that were uttered, were
not out of ir»y ears, when aw. ike,
for at least three zeal's. All Uie

kinG;doms of the earth wen in
my sio^ht as nolhinjj and \'anit'.- ;
and so great were my ideas of
heavenly glory, that nolliing,
which did not, in some measure,
relate to it, could command my
serious attention.'**

•The nutlior h'ji-i been particularly
S')licitous to c.fit:iin cvcncontirin:it.inii

of thin cxtruorcrniOTV c\ent in the lilb
of Mr. Tinnent. H'*, accordiiij^ly,
wrote to every person lie uould think
of, likelj' to have conversed with Mr.
r. on tlic siilijf'Ct. He recoivcd'sev-
t*ral answers : bntthe fonowinjfleirer
from the worthy successor of Mr. T.
in the p»s^i>i:(i ch'ir^^c of hiiich'iich,
\\ ill :'.nswcr for llic autln'r'i purpose.

" Jfrn-niuuth, uV. y. Dl ,cmUr 10, 130J.

"Dear Si h,
•• Ajfrtviihly to your request, I ?U'.w
send you in wriiinjij the rciDuikablc
account, which I<ionictiine since ^iwc
\o\i vcrb.'illy, ri'S^'cting* \our g»>od
friend, my v, ortliy rnx'.Vrcf sir, tlic hite
Hev. Wiilinm Tcnncnt, of this piarc.
In A very free and fct linjr r<inver,s.'i-
ti<»n on rdij^ion, »nd on the future
rest and hk-sscfUioss «^f tlic people of
Gotl, (while travelling toijfcthiT fnmi
Monmo^ilh toPrinci^ton) I mentiimiid
to Mr. Tcnnent ihnt I should ho. hifrh-
Vr gratified in hearlnfr, from his own
mouth, an account of the trance which
he was iaid to have been in, .unless
the relation would be disACTCCable to
faiTnaelf. After a short sdencc, he
proceeded, saying*, that he had been

It is not surprising, thai
so affecting an account^
solicitude should have be

sick with a fever ; that the ft
ci"jased,:indhe by degrees 5un
it. Afu-r snni; 'ariie (ab' liis
informed him) he died, orappe
die, in tiie same manner as
usually do'; that in laying"" Hi
one happened to draw his hanc
tiiC k'ft !::*n», and percri^cd j
trimonr in the flcsli : that hei
out, antiwas Cv)ld and stitf. T!
for his f^merul was appointed :
people collected ; but a \ oiniff
his i)articular friend, ploade
(Treat earnestness that he itii
then he buried, as the tremou;
the arm continued ; tliat his t
Gilbi'rt, became impaticMit w
youn{^ {gentleman, and s.iid t

* What / a man not dcuJr^ho u (
stiff as a stale /' The impo
young* friend, however, pre
an(»tiier day was api>ointed fur
rial, and the people separated,
in^ this interval maiiy meaiif
mAde us^ of to disco\cr, if p<
some symptoms of life, but rti
pcared except in jf th? tremotir
doctor never left him forUiipee
and three days. The people
met to bury him, hut could n-
then obtain the consent of his
who pleaded for one hour mon
when Uiat was ^nc, he pleaded
a!i hour, and then for \l ([uartcj
hour J when, just at the end oft
riod, <ni which hung^ his last
Mr. Tennent opened his eyeSi
then pried opeir his mouth,
wa<^ stiif, so as to get a* qiiill I
through which some liquid wj
vc\ ed Into the stomach, and' he
|^c»*s recovered.

*'This acco>mt, as intiitkat
fore, Mr. Tennimt said he had
ed from his friends. I said 1

• Sir, you seem to be one indcc
ed from tlie dcatl, and may
whpt it is to die, and what vc
sensible of while m that state
replied in- tlic ibllowinjP words
to t!xing — I found my icvcr in<
ar.il I became weaker and w
until, all at once, I found my
heaven, on I tlinught. I s
shape as to the Deity, but florj

\m.]

JJfe of Kcv. fni/him Tciihch:.

for further information as to the
trords, or at least the subjects of
praise and adoration^ which Mr.

^ittrahlt !* Here he paused, as tho'
ui\iih\c to find words to expi'css his
.^ieus, let his hridlc fall, and lifting- up
Mshoniis, proceeded, * I can say, as
St. Paul did, I heard and I saM' thinprs
all unutterable ! I saw aj^ixat niiihi-
liide before thiK ^ory, appaivntly in
the lieigiit of blis;!, sin(,''bi^ most nie-
iodiously. I was transportcul u itli my
own siluatiiin, viewing all my <roi:Mrs
ended, an*! niy rcit and K^ory bopiri,
and tt'as about to join the (rriat :irirl
happy miilliturle, wlicn one eamc to
r.ic, i:joked mc full in the face, laid
lii& hand upon niy shoulder, and said,
'You must j*^» back.' Thcvi v.r»i«ls
Wf at thrnufh me ; noihing' cuuld bavc
tbucked me more ; I cried out. Lord,
vmi I {^ back ! VVitb this shork 1
rpened my eyes in this world. When
1 &aw I was in the world, I fainted,
then came to, and fainted for several
tflibs, as one probably would natu-
nlly have done in so weak a situa-
tion.'

"Mr. Tcnnent further informed
me, that he had so entirely lo^t the
recollection of his past life, and the
bcnctit of his former studies, that he
could neither imderstand what was
tpokcn tp him, nor write, nor read
lis fxvn name. That he had to beg-iij
iU iww, and di<l not recollect that
he had ever read before, until lie hiul
vain learned his letters, and x^as
able to pronouno' the monosy liable s,
such as thee Viwdthnu. But^ that :js
hi* strength reiunied, wIhcIi was vc vy
bIwIv, his mcmorv also returned.
itl, n«»twitht;tanding the extreme fce-
Ihmess of his situation, his recollec-
tion of what he aaw and heard while
in heaven, as he sup[M)«ed, and the
■eiisf of divine thing-s, which he tlurc
olitaincd, continued all the time in
their full strength, so that he was
cnntinually in somethinjc hke an ec-
fc::isy of mind. * And,' said he, * for
•I'rccjcars tlie tense of divine Jliin^js
Cf'ntinucd j,o g^reat, and <"very \\\\\v^
el-e appeai*ed so completely v:iin,
•* 'i. ti ronipai'cd to heaven, that conhl
I ha\e had I he worUl for stoopinp^
.1-v.Ti flip it, 1 ]»elicve I should not
t:*>t ihou^'ht '.'f d'jiiijf it.' "

Tenncnt had heard. But when he
was requested to communicate
these, he gave a decided iiejrative,
adding, '* You will know them,'
"with many other particulars here-
after, as vou will find the whole
among my papers ;'* alluding
to his intention of leaving the
writer hereof his executor, which
precluded any liirthcr solicita-
tion.*

The .pious and candid reader
is left to his oAUi r^'flcctions on
this very extraordinary occur-
rence. The facts h«iVf heen Jit.a-
ted, and they are un'iuestion;.ble.
The writer will only ask, whelh-
tr it he contrary to revealed
truth, or to reasoiu to bclie\e,
that in every aj:e of the v.orld
inslances like that which is here
recorded, have occurred, to fur-
nish iivitit^ tcsthncny of the reali-
ty of the invisible world, and of
the infinite importance of eternal
concerns ?

As soon as circumstances
would permit, Mr. Tennent was
licensed, and began to preach the

everlasting gospel with great

• • • •

• It wa-i so ordered, in the co'irsc
of Divine Pni\idi'nci-, that the writer
was sorily disappointed in his ex])cc-
t:ition of o!>taining- the ])apcrs here
alhided to. Sucli, however, was the
will of Heaven ! Mr. Tennent's death
happened durinpf the revnlu*ionar>'
war, wlicn the enemy se{xirated tlie
\^Titer from him, so as to render it
iinpracticabh^ to attend him on a dying
bed ; and before it was possible to
gvt to bis house after his dr-ath, (the'
writer being" with the An)crican ar-
my at the Vallev-Fi»r;fe) hisaon cut),c
fi-om Charleston, and took his moth* r,
and his father's papers .iml [iropcrty,
and n-tuHK-d to C:ir«)lina. About 50
mil( s from Charh-ston, the son w as
suddenly taken s:rk, ar.d died among
e?itire stranpjxis ; ami never sinci ,
thou^li the writer was also left exeiii-
tor to the son, couUl any trace of the.
fkthcr's papers be disoovcrcdby him.

Life of Rev.

Tenneni.

xeal and success. The death of
his brother John^t who had been
some time settled as minister of
the Pre^yterian church at Free-
hold) in the county of Monmouth ,
New-Jersey) lef^ that congrega-
tion in a destitute state. They
had experienced ao much spirit-
ual benefit from the inde&tigable
labours, and pious zeal of this
able minister of Jesus Christ,
that they soon turned their atten-
tion to his brother, who was re-
ceived on trial, and after one
year, was found to be no unwor-
thy successor to so excellent a
predecessor. In October, 17S3,
Mr. Tennent was reguUorly or-
duned their pastor, and contin<»
lied so through the whole of a
pretty long life ; one of the best
prooft of mipisterial fidelity.

Although his salary was small)
(it is thought under 100/.) yet
the glebe belonging to the
church was an excellent planta«
tion, on which he lived) and
which) with care and good fiu^m^
ing, was capable of nvaintaining a
&mily with comfort. But his
inattention to the things of this
worid was so great) that he left
the management of his temporal
concerns wholly to a fiuthful ser<t
yanti in whom he placed great

••• •

t The following entiy in the re-
cords ofthe church at F^ehold, shows
the opinion of that church withregard
to Mr. John Tennent't usefulness.

«" Lord's day, April 23d, 1732.
The Reverend and dear Mr. John
Tennent departed this life between
eight and nine o'clock this morning.
A mournful providence, and cause of
great humiliation to this poor con-
gregation, to be bereaved in the How-
er of youth, of the most laborious,
successful, well qualified, pious pas-
tor this age afforded, though but a
youth of 25 yean« 5 mootha and 11
days of age."

confidence. After a short
he found his worldly affidra
becoming embarrassed,
steward reported to him thi
was in debt to the merchai
tween SO/, and 30/. and he 1
of no means of payment, i
crops had fallen short.
Tennent mentioned this
intimate friend, a mercha
New- York) who was on a vi
his house. His friend told
that this mode of life wcml
do, that he must get a wii
attend to his temporal afiin
to comfort his leisure houi
conjugal endearments. He
ed at the idea, and assured
it never could be the case, u
some friend would provid
for him, for he knew not 1m
go about it. His friend toM
he was ready to undertake
business ; that he had a sisti
law, an excellent womgi
great piety) a widow, of hii
age, and one peculiarly suit
all respects to his charactei
circumstances. In short)
she was every thing he oug
look for i and if he woul
with him to New-York the
day) he would settle the neg
tion for hin^. To this he
assented. The next ev<
found hini in that city, and b
^oon) the day after, he was i
duced to Mrs. Noble. He
much pleased with her ap
ance ; and, when left alope
her, abruptly told her, tht
supposed her brother had inf
ed her of his errand ; that n
er his time nor inclination n
suffer him to use much cer
ny ; but that if she approve^
measure he would attend
charge on the next sabbathi
return on Monday, be mai
and immediately taie her h

laOdJ Life ofRn. Wittiant Termcnt. S3

Hie Udyi viih 6oxne hesitation public worship. The design of

and fi&Gohjry at last consented) the walk was for religious mecU-

being convinced that his situation tation. As he went along, acci«

snd ctfcmnstanoes rendered it dentally casting his eye on the

pnyer. Tbnsi in one week, she child, a thought suddenly stixick

ioaad Jieraelf mistress of his him» and he asked himself this

boose- She proved a most in* question : ^^ Should God in his

Tshndile treasure to him, more providence take me hence, what

tban answering every thing said would become of this child and

rfher by an affectionate brother, its mother, for whom I have nev-

Sie look the care of his tempo- er taken any personal care to

nl ooncems upon her, extricated make provision f How can I an-

lam from debty and, by a happy swer this negligence to God and

uaion of prudence and economy, to them I** The impropriety of

IS managed all his worldly busi- his inattention to the rcl$ttivc du-

acss, ttnt in a few years his ties of life, which God had called

circumstances became easy and him to ; and the consideration of

comfortable. In a word, in her the sacred declaration, ^' that he

ms literally fulfilled the declara- who does not provide for his own

tion of Solomon, that " a virtuous household, has denied the faith,

VQinan ia a crown to her hus* and is worse than an infidel/*

bind, and that her price is fiu- had such an impressive effect on

above mbies/' Besides several his mind, that it almost deprived

children who died in infancy, he him of his senses. He saw his

bdby her three sons, who attain- conduct, which before he

cd thea^ of manhood; John, thought arose entirely from a

who studied physic, and died in deep sense of divine things, i]i a

the West-Indies when about point of light in which he never

thirty three years of age ; Wil- before had viewed it. He

Gun, a man of superior charac- immediately attempted to return

tCTiud minister of the Independ- home, but so great was his dis-

eat chuich qi Charleston, South- tress, that it was with difficulty

Canlinsi who died the latter end he could get along ; till, all at

of September or beginning of once, he was relieved by as sud-

October,A. D. 17 77, about thirty- denly recurring to that text of

icrea years old ; and Gilbert, Scripture, which came into hi;>

vho also practised physic, and mind with extraordinary force,

died at Freehold before his fa- ^'But unto the tribe of Le\i

ther» aged twenty-eight years. Moses gave not any inheritance,

Few parents could boast three the Lord God of Israel was their

SODS of a more manly or hand- inheritance." Such, however,

Mne appearance ; and the father was the effect of this unexpected

give them the most liberal scene on Mr. Tennent's mind

education that the country Could and judgment, that ever after-

afibrd. wards he prudently attended to

Mr. Tennent's inattention to the temporal business of lifcssti IK

earthly things continued till his however, in perfect subordina-

cldest son was about three years tion to the great things of cterni-

old, when he led him out into ty, and became fully convinced

the fields on a L|0rd*s day after that God was to be faithfully

Life of Rev. JViUiam Tenticm*

&ci*ved) as well by discharging
relative duties in his love and
iear, as by the more immediate
acts of devotion. He clearly
perceived, that every duty had its
proper time and place, as well as
niotivc ; that we had a right, and
were called of God, to eat and
drink, and to be properly cloth-
ed ; and of course that care
should be taken to procure those
things, provided that all be done
to the glory of God. In the du-
ties of a gospel minister, how-
ever, especially as they related to
his pastoral charge, he still enga-
ged with the utmost zeal and
faithfulness ; and was esteemed
by all ranks and degrees, as fai*
as his labours extended, as a fer-
vent, useful, and successful
preacher of the gospel.

His judgment of mankind was
such, as to give him a marked
superiority, in this respect, over
his contemporaries, and greatly
aided him in his ministerial func-
tions. He was scarcely ever
mistaken in the character of a
man with whom he conversed,
though it w^as but for a few hours.
He had an independent mind,
which was seldom saUsfied on
important subjects without the
best evidence that was to be had.
His manner was remarkably im-
pressive ; and his sermons,
although seldom polished, were
generally delivered with such in-
describable power, that he was
truly an able and successful min-
ister of the New Testament.
Jle could say things from the
pulpit, which, if said by almost
any other man, would have been
iiiouijht a violation of propriety.
But l)y him they were delivered
in a manner so peculiar to him-
sf if, and so extremely impres-
i^ive> that they seldom failed ^o

please and to instruct,
instance of this, the follow!
ecdote is given, of the li
which the writer was a w
Mr. Tennent was p
through a town in the s
New Jersey, in which he
stranj^er, and had never p
ed, and stopping at a £]
house to dine, was informc
it was a day of fitsling and
in the congregation, on a
of a very remarkable and
drought, which threaten!
most dangerous consequei
the fruits of the earth,
friend had just returnee
church, and the intermissl
but half an hour. Mr. T«
was requested to preach
with great difficulty com
as he wished to procped
journey, At church the
were surprised to see a pn
wholly unknown to ther
entirely unexpected, asce
pulpit. His whole appej
being in a travelling dress,
ed with dust, wearing an o
ioned large wig, discolour
his clothes, and a long r
visage, engaged their att
and excited their curiosit)
his rising up, instead of
ning to pray, as Mas thi
practice, he looked arou
congregation, with a p:
eye and earnest attention,
ter a minute's profound s
he addressed them with
solemnity in the following
" My !)eloved brethren !
told you have come here
to fast and pray ; a ver
woi'k indeed, provided yo
come v*ith a sincere dei
glorify God tliereby.
your design is merely to <
with a customary pract
with the wish of your chu

1806.J

Zi/eo/Rev. jnUiam Tcntienf.

^ccrs, you are guilty of the great-
est folly imaginable, as you had
much better have staid at home,
ainl earned your three shillings
anrf six pence.* But if your
minds arc indeed impressed with
the solimnitv of tlie occasion,
ind you arc really desirous of
hambllng^ yourselves before Al-
mighty God, your heavenly Fa-
ther, come, join with me, and let
us pray." This had an eftect so
uncommon and extraordinary on
the congregation) that the ut-
most seriousness was universally
manifested. The prayer and the
sermon added greatly to the im-
pressions already made, and tend-
ed to rouse the attention, influ-
ence the mind, command the af-
fections, and increase the tem-
per, which had been so happily
produced. Many had reason to
bless God for this unexpected
visit, and to reckon this day one
•f the happiest of their lives.f

* At that time, the stated price for
» «la>'» Ikbour.

t The vritcr, having requested of
^K present Kcv. Dr. William M.
Tcnncnt a uTiilen account of an an-
wJoie fiUtiv<^ to liis uncle, which he
feid once hcurtl him ivpcat verb:tlly,
itrtivcd in reply tlic following letter :

" Abingtoiu Jan. llfA, 1806.

"The anecdote of my rcncriJ)!e
relative, the Rev. William Tcnnt-nt,
•f Freehold, whicli you wished me to
Sfndtu you, is as follows .*
"During the great revivnlof rcli;3;'ion,
t'kich tiK»k place imJcr the niinl^.try of
Mr.WhiTcfieM.anJotl.er-idistiTij^aiiih-
•d for their piety and zcmI at that peri-
od, Mr. Temient was laboriously ac-
tive, and mucli eiig^aji^ed to ijclp for-
»-ani tJie work j in the peril »nnanc{i
•f which he nict v. ith slr'Wijc and
poweiiullCiTiptaiions. The fallowing'
i« rrhited, as rccjived, in substance,
fru.ii hi* own lips, and may bi:

While on this subject, we mav
introduce another anecdote of
this wonderful man, to show the

co!jsi»Iered as cxtr.ioriliiiary and .sin-
gularly ktrikinjf.

**Oii tli*.' cvcninj;* proci'din^L; nullic
worship, v.liich was to be tittciKhatlic
next «l:iy, ho soh.elcd a subject \ut
the tlisrour^r* wliieh was to be deliv-
ered, and made some proj^-rcss in liis
pri'p.irations. In the morning*, he re-
suuied. the same subject, with an in-
tention to extend his thoughts turthrr
on ii, but was presently assauUid
with a temptation that the Bible,
which he then held in his hand, \\:i*
not ot'di\inc authority, but the inven-
tion of man. He instantly endea-
voured to repel the temptation by
praMT, but his endeavours proved
unavriilitu^. The tcniplation contin-
ued, and fastcneil upf>n him witli
p'eater htri-nj^th, as tin* time advanc-
ed for public service. He lost all the
thou^lits, whieli )ic had on his sub-
ject tJie preceding- evening. He tried
other subjeet.s, but couUl j^et notliinj;:
for the people. The whole bnok r,*
G<m1, under that di^tressins: state of
mind, was a sealed bo«^k to him ; and
to add to bis af Miction, he was, to u:. •
his own words, "*/;;.; :./> in pyiUr^."
A cloud, dark as that at' Egypt,' op-
pressed his mind.

'• Thus a^'.ini/ed in <:p:ilt, Iif» : ri>-
ceeded lo tlie clnuvli, wbere be lwu:uf
a lartfii eonj^ivgation assembled, and
waiti.ig to hear the woni : and then it
was, he observed, that he was more
deeply distressed than ever, and es-
pecially for Uic dishonour, which Ji«*
feared wmld fall upon religion,
through him, that d.iy. He resolved,
however, to attempt tlie .service. He
introduced it by siu'-inii: a psalm, dur-
ing whioli time hii ajvltaiions wei-c
inci-eused to the hiifln-.^t lieKife.
When tlie moment for ;)rav«M*
conmiene-jd, he amse, :is one in llift
most pcriliius and painf.il *i1 nation,
and with arms extrmded lo the heav-
ens, began with this outcry, * Li/rJ^
haw 7turc\' upon tnc'* Upnn the u».
tcranee si 'dii.-% pt.liti 'n In- was h«*ai'il ;
the thick cloud in^Miitly br .!..#r
av»ay, and an un^peakabl} j«'>fnl liuli*
shon(f in upon !iis soul, so that bis
spii'it Suxm^d to be caught up to :h.*

Life of Rev. William Temuttt.

dealings of God with him> and
the deep contemplations of his
mind. He was attending the du-
ties of the Lord's day in his own
congregation as usual, where the
custom was to have morning and
evening service with only a half
hour's intermission to relieve the
attention. He had preached in
the morning, and in the inter-
mission had walked into the
woods for meditation, the wea-
ther being warm. He was re-
ilecting on the infinite wisdom
of God, as manifested in all his
works, and particularly in the'
wonderful method of salvation,
through the death and sufferings
of his beloved Son. This sub-
ject suddenly opened on' hi^
mind with such a flood of light,
that his views of the glory, and
the infinite majesty of Jehovah,
were so inexpressibly great, as
entirely to overwhelm him, and
he fell, almost lifeless, to the
ground. When he had revived
a little, all he could do was to
raise a fervent prayer, that God
would withdraw himself from

hravens, and he felt ai though he saw
God, as Moses did on the mount, face
to face, and was carried forth to him,
vitli an enlargement greater than he
had ever before experienced, and on
•very page of the Scripturca saw his
oivinity inscribed in brightest colours.
The result was a deep solemnity on
the face of the whole consregation,
and the house at the end of the pray-
er was a Bochim. He gave them the
subject of his evening meditations,
M hich was brouji^ht to his full remcm-
braiice, with an overflowing abun-
dance of other weighty ana solemn
Tia^ter, The Lord ble<:sed the dis-
c nirse, so that it proved the happy
iTteans of the conversion of about
thirty persons. This day he tpoke of,
iiver afterwards, as his harvest day.
•• I am yours with esteem,

" WXI.I.IAM M. TXtfHKVT.''

himi or that he must peri
der a view of lus ineffable
When able to reflect on 1
nation, he could not but
himself as a weak and desj
worm, and seemed to be
come with astonishment,
creature so unworthy and
ficient, had ever dated to a1
the instruction of his felloi
in the nature and attribu
so glorious a Being. Ovc
ing his usual time, some
elders went in search of
and found him prostrate t
ground, unable to rise, anc
pable of informing them <
cause. They raised hij
and after some time brougl
to the church, and supportc
to the pulpit, which he asc
on his hands and knees, to
small astonishment of thi
gregation. He remained
a considerable time, ear
supplicating Almighty d
he told the writer) to hid<
self from him, that he mi
enabled to address his p
who were by this time 1
wonder to know what ha
duced this uncommon
His prayers were heardj a
became able to stand up, b|
ing the desk. He now beg
most affecting and pathe
dress, that the congregatio
ever received from him.
gave a surprising account <
views he had, of the infinit
dom of God, and greatly d
ed his own incapacity to sp
them concerning a being ;
finitely glorious beyond i
powers of description. I
tempted to show somethi
what had been discovered 1
of the astonishing wisd«
Jehovah, of which it was in
ble for human nature to

ins.}

Life i^Rev. WWiam Tmruni.

iik(|intic conceptions* He then
broke out mto so fervent and ex-
piesaift s pnyeri as greatly to
mprise the congregation, and
dnv tears from erery eye. A
lermon followed, that continued
the solemn scene, and made very
Mng impressions on all the
tearerSa

The great increase of commu-
licants in his church was a good
efideBQe of his pastoral care and
poiwerfol preaching, as it exceed-
ed thai of most churches in the
lynod. Bat his labours were
Bot confined to the pulpit. He
vas iadefiitigable in his endea«
fouK Id communicate in private
fanilieaa savour of the know-
ledge of spiritual and divine
things. In his parochial visits
be med regularly to go through
lus coDgregmtion in order, so as
to carry the unsearchable riches
of Christ to every house. He
cnaestly pressed it on the con-
Kieoce of parents to instruct
Adr diildren at home by plain
■Id tasy questions, so as gradu-
dy to expand their young minds,
nd prepare them for the recep-
tion of the more practical doc-
trmesof the gospel. In this, Mr.
Tenflcnt has presented an excel-
lent eample to his brethren in
the ministry ; for certain it is,
tint more good may be done in a
congregation, by this domestic
ttodie of instruction, than any one
cu imagine, who has not made
the trial. Children and servants
■e in this way prepared for the
teachings of the sanctuary, and
to reap the iuU benefit of the
word publicly preached. He
made it a practice in all these
nnts to enforce practical reli-
gion OD all« high and low,* rich
and poor, young and old, master
ttid servant. To this he was
Vol. II. No. 3. I

particularly attentive, it l)eing a
favourite observation with him,
^ that he loved a religion that a
man could live by."

Mr. Tennent carefully avoid-
ed the discussion of controver*
sial subjects, unless specially
called to it by particular circum-
stances, and then he was ever
ready to assign the reason of his
faith. The following occur-
rence will show the general state
of his mind and feeling^ in re-
gard to such subjects. A couple
of young clergymen, visiting at
his hou^e, entered into a dis^te
on the question, at that time
much controverted in New Eng-
land, whether faith or repent*
ance were first in order, in the
conversion of a sinner. Not be-
ing able to determine the point,
they agreed to make Mr. Ten-
nent their umpire, and to dispute
the subject at length before him.
He accepted the proposal, and
after a solemn debate for some
time, his opinion being asked, he
very gravely took his pipe from
his mouth, looked out of his
window, pointed to a man plough-
ing on a hill at some distance,
and asked the young clergymen
if they knew that man : on their
answering in the negative, he
told them it was one of his el-
ders, who, to his full conviction,
had been a sincere Christian for
more than thirty years. " Now,"
said Mr. Tennent, '^ ask him,
whether &ith or repentance came
first, what do you think he would
say ?'* They said they could not
tell. " Then," says he, " I will
tell you : he would say that he
cared not, which came first, but
that he had g^t them both. Now,
my friends," he added, " be care-
ful that you have both a true
fiuth, and a sincere repentance,

Life of Rev. jyUHam Tentiait.

and do not be greatly troubled,
which comes first." It is not,
however, to be supposed by this,
that Mr. Tcnnent was unfriend-
ly to a deep and accui*atc exam-
ination of all imponant tbeolo*
gical doctrines. There were
few nven more earnest than he
to have young clergymen well
instructed and thoroughly fur-
nished for their work. This in-
deed was an object on which his
heart was much set, and which
he exerted himself greatly to
promote.

r»Ir. Tennent was remarkably
distinguished for a pointed at-
tention to the particular circum-
stances and situation of the af-
flicted, either in body or mind,
and would visit them with as
much care and attention as a
physician, and frequently indeed
proved an able one, to both soul
and body. But his greatest tal-
ent was that of a* peace-maker,
which he possessed in so emi-
nent a degree, that probably none
have exceeded, and very few
have equalled him in it. He
was sent for, far and near, to set-
tle disputes, and heal difficulties,
which arose in congregations ;
and, happily for those concerned,
he Avas generally successful. In-
deed, he sekloui would relin-
quish his object till he had ac-
complished it.

But while this man of God was
thus successful in promoting the
best interests of his fellow-crea-
tures, and in advancing the glory
of his Lord and Master, the
great enemy of mankind was not
likely to observe the destruction
of his kingdom without milking
an eifort to prevent it. As he
assailed our blessed Saviour in
the days of his flesh with all his
art and all his powcr^ so has he

alwavs made the faithful fi
ers of the Redeemer th
jects of his inveterate n
If the good man, of who
write, was greatly honouri
peculiar communications
on high, he was also very
the subject of the severe 1
ings of that malignant and
spirit.

The time of which w

now speaking was rcmai

for a great revival of relij

in which Mr. Tennent wa

sidcrably instrumental, ai

which a Mr. David \\o\

brought up with Mr. Te

at the Log-College, was al;

ry remarkable for his sugc

preaching' among all ran

people. Possessing a comi

ing eloquence, as well as

estimable qualities, he Ix

very popular, and was muc

ebrated throughout the coi

His celebrity and success

subjects of very serious I'eg

many careless worldlings,

placed all their happiness i

enjoyment of temporal ol:

and considered, and repres

Mr. Rowland and his brethi

fanatics and hypocrites.

was specially applicable to

of the great men of the

province of New Jersey,

particularly to the chief ju

who was well known for hi

belief of Revelation. Ther

at this time, prowling thi

the country, a noted man L

name of Tom Bell, whose k

edge and understanding

very considerable, and who y

ly excelled in low art and

ning. His mind was total)

based, and his whole co

betra^'ed a soul capable o:

* It was not far from ▲. d. 1

Life of Rc^, JVilUan^Tennent.

wending to every species of
iniquity. In all the arts of theft,
robber)-, fraud, cicccplion, and
clerimation, he was so deeply
^kiiied, and so thoroughly practis-
edt that it is believed, he never
had his equal in this country.
He had been indicted in almost
tven* one of the middle colo-
Jiies ; but his ingenuity and cun-
ning; ahvays enaljled him to es-
cape punishment. This man
unhappily resembled Mr. Row-
land in his external appearance,
M> as hardlv to be known fi*om
hkni, without the most careful
examination.

It so happened, that Tom Beli
arrived one eveninj*, at a tavern,
in Princeton, dressed in a dark,
parsfjn's gray frock. On his
cniiriiig the tavern alxiut <Iusk.
the late John Stockton, Ksq. o1*
that town, a pious and respecta-
ble man, to whom Mr. Rowland
▼as well known, went up to Bell,
and addressed him as Mr. Row-
land, and was inviting him to go
home with him. Bell assured
him of his mistake. It was witli
sMne difficulty (hat Mr. Stockton
acknowledged his error, and
then informed BelU that it had
uri&en from his great resem-
Wanre to Mr. Rowland. This
hint was sufficient for the prolif-
ic genius of that notorious im-
jHistor. The next day. Bell went
into the county of Hunterdon,
and stopped in a congregation
where Mr. Rowland had former-
ly preached once or twice, but
wlitre he was not intimatelv
known. Here he met with a
member of the con<;regation, to
whom he introduced hi nisi* If as
the Rev. Mr. RowUuul, who liad
preached to them some time he-
fore. This gentleman inunedi-
ateJy invited him to his house, to

spend the week ; and begged
■him* as the people were without
a minister, to preach for them on
the next Sabbath, to which Bel!
agreed, and notice was accord-
ingly given tolhc neighbourhood.
The impostor was treated with
every mark of attentioti and re-
spect ; and a private room was
assigned to him, as a study* to
prepare for the Sabbath. The
sarred dav arrived, and he was
invited to ride to church with the
ladies in the familv wacricon, and
the master of the house accom-
panied them on an elegant horse.
When thev had arriv(*d near the
church. Bell on a sudden discov-
ered, that he had left his notes in
his study, and proposed to ride
l)ack for tiiem on the fine horse,
by which means he should be
al)le to return in time for the ser-
vice. Tliis proposal was instant-
ly agreed to, and Bell mounted
the horse, returned to the house,
rifled the desk of his host, and
made ofl'with the horse. Wher-
ever he stopped, he called him-
self the Rev. David Rowland.

At the time this event took
place, Messrs. Tcnnent and Row-
land had gone into Pennsylvania
or Maryland, with Mr. Joshua
Anderson and Mr. Benjamin
Stevens, (both mcmhers of a
church contiguous to that where
Bell had practised his fraud) on
business of a religious nature.
Soon after their return, Mr.
Rowland was charged with the
above robbery ; he gave bonds to
appear at tlie court at Trenton,
and the affair made a great noise
throughout the colony. At the
court of oyer and terminer, the
judge charged the grand jury on
the subject with great severity.
After long consideration, the ju-
ry returned into court without

Life of Rev. fFilliam Tennent. Zj^^w '

finding a bill. The judge re-
proved them, in an angry man-
ner, and ordered them out again.
They again returned without
finding % bill, and were again
sent out with threateningg of se-
Tere punishment if they persisted
in their refusal. At last they
agreed, and brought in a bill for
the alleged crime. On the trial)
Messrs. Tennent, Anderson, and
Stevens appeared as witnesses,
and fully proved an alibi in fa-
vour of Mr. Rowland, by swear-
ing, that on the very day on
which the robbery was commit-
ted, they were with Mr. Row-
land, and heard him preach, in
Pennsylvania or Maryland* The
jury, accordingly, acquitted him
without hesitation, to the great
disappointment and mortification
of his prosecutors, and of many
other enemies to the g^eat revi-
val of religion that had recently
taken place ; but to the great joy
of the serious and well dispo-
sed.

The spirits hostile to the
spread of the gospel were not,
however, so easily overcome.
In their view, an opportunity
was now presented, fsivourable
for inflicting a deep wound on
the cause of Christianity ; and,
as if urged on by the malice of
man's great enemy, they resolv-
ed that no means should be left
untried, no arts unemployed, for
the destruction of these distin-
guished servai.'ts of God. Many
and various were the circum-
stances which still contributed
to inspire them with hopes of
success. The testimony of the
person who had been robbed was
positive that Mr. Rowland was
the robber; and this testimony
was corroborated by that of a
number pf 1ndJ.vidu4ds1.wbo h»d

seen Tom Bell personating Mr.
Rowland, using his name, and in
possession of the horse. These
sons of Belial had been able, af-
ter great industry used for the
purpose, to collect a mass of
evidence of this kind, which they
considered as establishing the
£ict ; but Mr. Rowland was now
out of their power by the verdict
of not guUty, Their vengeance»
therefore, was directed against
the witnesses, by whose testimo-
ny he had been cleared; andf
they were accordingly arraigned
for perjury before a court of
quarter sessions in the county ;
and the grand jury received a
strict charge, the plain import of
which was, that these good men
ought to be indicted. After an
examination of the testimony on
one side only, as is the custom in
such cases, the grand jury did ac-
cordingly find bills of indictment
against Messrs. Tennent, Ander*
son and Stevens, for wilful and
corrupt perjury. Their ene-
mies, and the enemies of the
gospel, now began to triumph.
They gloried in the belief, that
an indelible stain would be fixed
on the prefessors of religionf
and of consequence on religion
itself; and that this new^ti^ktf
by which they denominated all
appearance of piety, would ufoa
be extinguished forever.

These indictments were re-
moved to the supreme court;
and poor Mr. Anderson, living
in the county, and conscious of
his entire innocence, could not
brook the idea of lying under
the odium of the hateful crime
of perjury, and demanded a trial
at the first court of oyer and ter-
miner. This proved most seri-
ously injurious to him, for he
was pronounced guilty, and moat

i«06.} ' Life o/Rn, fTdliam Tetment.

cmdlj nd mjiistlf coadei&ned
(D itund one h«mr on the court
bome stcptf with a paper on hit
bicast» whereon was written^ in
hiKt leden» <" This it for wiliiil
«id corrapt perjury ;'* which
leotence wa|i executed upon him.
Mfiira Tcnnent and Stevent
vere tuounoned to appear at the
fiext court; and attended accord-
iigify depending on the aid of
Mr. lohn Cozey an eminent law-
fCTi who had heen previously
employed to conduct their de-
fcace. Aa Mr. Tennent was
vhoUy unacquainted with the na«
ture of forensic litigation, and'
did not know of any person liv-
ing who could prove his inno-
ceoccy (all the persons who were
vith him being indicted) his only
KMurce and consc^tion was to
commit himself to the Divine
villi and if he must suffer) to
tike it as from the hand of God,
vhO| he well'knewi could make
em the wrath of man to praise
Ub;* and considering it as
frobidUe that he might suffer, he
lad prepared a sermon to be
IKMihed from the pillory, if that
thooUhe his &te. On his arriv-
■1 tt Trcntout he found the fa-
nous Ifr. Smith of New York,
Uberof the late chief justice of
CiMdi, one of the ablest lawyers
is America, and of a religious
chsncter, who had voluntarily
attended to ud in his defence ;
aho his brother Gilbert, who
was now settled in the pastoral
charge of the second Presbyteri-
an church in Philadelphia, and
who had brought Mr. John Kin-
sey, one of the first counsellors
ff that city, for the same purpose.

* Hii affectionate confprjcation
feh deeply interested in his critical
fhuation, and kept a day of fasUng
aad prayer oa the occasion.

Messrs. Tennent and Stevens
met these gentlemen at Mr.
Coze's the morning before the
trial was to come on. Mr. Coxe
requested that they would bring
in their witnesses,that they might
examine them previously to their
going into court. Mr. Tennent
answered, that he did not know
.of any witnesses but God and his
own conscience. Mr. Coxe re-
plied, " If you have no witness-
es, Sir, the trial must be put ori* ;
otherwise you most certainly
will be convicted. You well know
the strong testimony that will
be brought agunst you, and the
exertions that are making to ac-
complish your ruin." Mr. Ten-
nent replied, ^^ I am sensible of
all this, yet it never shall be said
that 1 have delayed the trial, or
been afraid to meet the justice of
my country. I know my own
innocence, and that God, whose I
am, and whom I serve, will nev-
er suffer me to fell by these
snares of the devil, or by the
wicked machinations of his
agents or servants. Therefore,
gentlemen, go on to the trial.'*
Messrs. Smith and Xinsey, who
were both religious men, told
him that his confidence and trust
in God as a Christian minister of
the gospel, was well founded, and
before a heavenly tribunal would
be all-important to him ; but as-
sured him it would not avail in
an earthly court, and urged his
consent to put off the trial. Mr.
Tennent continued inflexible in
his refusal ; on which Mr. Coxe
told him that, since he was de-
termined to go to trial, he had
the satisfisiction of informing him,
that they had discovered a flaw
in the indictment, which might
prove favourable to him on a de-
murrer* Ue asked for an exr

*■*-

Ijfc of Rev. TViUiam Tennent. [

planatioHi and on finding^ that it
was to admit tht: fact in a leg^l
point of view, and rest on the
law arising from it, Mr. Ten-
ner t broke out with great vehe-
mence, saylnfr, that this was
anotlier snare of the devil, and
before he would consent to it he
would suffer death. He assured
his counsel, that his confidence
in God was so strong, and his as-
surance that he would bnnij:
about his deliverance in some
way or otiier, was so ^reat, that
he did not \^\\ them to delay
the trial for a moment.

Mr. Stevens, whose faith was
not of this description, and who
was bowed down to the ground
under the most gloomy appre-
hensions of suffering, as his
neighbour Mr. Anderson had
done, eagerly seized the oppor-
tunity of escape that was offci-ed,
and was afterwards discharged
on the exception.

Mr. Co?ce still urged putting
efTthe trial, charging Mr. Ten-
nent with acting the part rather
•f a wild enthusiast, than of a
meek and prudent Christian ;
but he insisted that they should
proceed, and left them in aston-
ishment, not knowing how to
act, when the bell summoned
them to court.

Mr. Tennent had not walked
far in the street, before he met a
man and his wife, who stopjx^d
him, and asked if his name was
•ut Tennent. He answered in
the afRrmativtf, and begged to
know if thev had anv business
with him. The man replied,
*' You best know." He told his
name, and said that he was from
a certain place (which he men-
tioned) in Pennsylvania or Ma-
ryland ; that Messrs. Rowland,
Tennenti AndersoU) and Steveus

had lodged cither at his 1
or in a house wherein he a
wife had been servants, (it
now cei-tain which) at a p£
lar time, which he named
on the following day the
heard Messrs. Tennent
Rowland preach ; that
nights before they left hor
and his wife waked otit
sound sleep, and each to
other a dream, which ha«
occurred, and which pro^
be the same in substance, I
that he, Mr. Tennent, v
Trenton, in the greatest p<
distress, and that it was in
power, and theirs only, to i
him. Considering it as
markable dream only, they
went to sleep, and it was
repeated precisely in the
manner to both of them-
made so deep an impress:
their minds, that ^hey si
and here thev were, and
know of him what they w
do. Mr. Tennent immec
went with them to the
house, and his counsel on \
ining the man and his wif
finding their testimony to 1
to the purpose, were, as
well might l)e, in perfect
i^shment. Before the tri
gan, another person, of
character, called on Mr. Tei
and told him that he was s
rassed in conscience, for th
he had been acting in this ]
rution, that he could get n
till he had determined to
and make a full confession
sent this man to his counse
Soon after, Mr. Stockton
Princeton appeared, and
his testimouv. In short,
went to trial, and notwith
ing the utmost exertions (
ablest counsel, who had bee

1806.J

Life of Rco. IViUiam Tvmient.

ployed to aid the attomey-gen-
cral ag;iin&t Mr Tcnnciit, ilic ad-
vocutcb on his side su traced eve-
ry iiiuvemciiL of tiic dul'eDdaiit
on I la- Saluriluy, Sunday, and
31ciKlay in ^ucsiion, una saiisti-
ed tlie jury so pcrlcclly on tiic
subject, ihul ihcy did nut hesitate
honourably tu acquit Mr. Ten-
iicnt, !jy liicir uiiuniniuus verdict
of noi guiiiy^ to the great conl'u-
sion and iiiortiilcation uf his nu-
merous opposers. Mr. Tcnuent
assured tiie writer of this, that
duving the whole of this busi<*
uc&s, his spirits never failed hini}
kiid liiat he conteniplated the
poaaibiliiy of his suite ring so in-
luntjus a punisiinieni, as stand-
ing in the pillory, without dis-
may, und had made preparation)
iaui Mas fully duterniined, to de-
liver a sermon to the people In
liiat situation, if he sliould be
pbccd in it.

He went from Trenton to
Fhilddclphia with his brother,
^!id on his return, as he was ris-
iii^ tliL- hill at tiie entmnce of
fruuion, without relkxling on
^lut had happened, he accidcnt-
ivlly cast his eyes on the pillory,
^^iiich suddenly so fdled him
\\\}1\ horror, as completely to
uniiian him, and it was with
great diftirulty that he kept liim-
H'Jffrom lalling from his horse.
He reached the tavern door in
considerable danger, was obliged
to be assisted to diamount, and it
Kas sume time before he could
^ get the better of his fears and
confusion, as to proceed on his
journey. Such ib the constitu-
tion of the human mind \ It will
often resist, with unsiiaken firm-
ness, the severest external prcs-
I ire and violence ; and some-
times it yields without reason,
vhca it has nothing tu fear. Or,

should we not i*athcr say, such is
the support which God sonk:-
tinies aHbrds to ins people in the
time ol their neces:>iiy, and such
the manner in whicii he lea\es
them to feel their own weakness
when that necessicy is past, that
all the praise iliay be ^i\ en where
alone it is due i

The writer sincerely rejoi«.es,
tliat though a nuuiber of tiie ex-
traordinary incicienib m the lii'e
of Mr. Tenneni cannut be vouch-
ed by pubhc testimony and au-
thentic docunicnts, yet the sin-
guliir manlier in wiiich a gra-
cious Cod did appear for this nis
faithful servant lii the time of
that distress, which has just
been noticed, is a iiu.itLi' ci pub-
lic notoriety, aiiil c^.p^a^ic oi" Oe-
ing vefilicd by the moVi. uiK;ues-
tionable testimony and records.

Ihis special instance of the
interferente of the riglileous
Judge of all the taith ought to
yield consolation to jiious people
in seasons of great diihcuky and
distress, where tlicre is none
that seems able to iieli\cr tiiem.
Yet it ought to afford no en-
couragenient to ilie eiithusiast,
who refuses to use the means of
preservation and deliverance,
whii:h God puts in his power.
True confidence in God is al-
ways accompanied with the use
of all lawful means, and wilii the
rejection of all tiiat are uniuviul.
It consists in an unshakeii ijeiicl,
that while right means aiv i::ad,
God will give tliat issuo, v.'i.ic h
shall be most for his glory aiu!
his people's good. The exliu-
ordinary occurrence heiv re-
corded may also serve iss a s( 1-
emn warning to the eiieiuieM . »
God's people, and to th.e advt -
cates of iniidelity, not to siiiw*
by wicked and deep laid mac lii-

Life of Rev. WlHtam Terment.

nations to oppose the success of
the gospel, nor to attempt to in-
jure the persons and characters
of those fuithful servants of the
Most High, whom sooner or la-
ter he will vindicate to the un-
speakable confusion of all, who
have persecuted and traduced
them.

Mr. Tennent was a man of
the most scnipulous integrity,
and though of a very g^ve and
solemn deportment, he had a re«
markably cheerful disposition,
and generally communicated his
instructions with so much ease
and pleasantry, as greatly to
gain the confidence and affection
of all with whom he conversed,
especially of children and young
people. In all his intercourse
with strangers and men of the
world, he so managed his con-
versation, that, while he seldom
neglected a proper opportunity
to impress the mind with serious
things, he always made them
covet his company, rather than
avoid it ; well knowing that
there is a time for all things,
and that even instruction and
reproof, to be useful, must be
prudently and seasonably given.

An instance of this disposi-
Uon occurred in Virginia. The
late Rev. Mr. Samuel Blair and
Mr. Tennent were sent by the
synod on a mission into that
province. They stopped one
evening at a tavern for the night,
where they found a munber of
guests, with whom they supped
in a common room. After the
table was cleared, our missiona-
ries withdi-ew from it. Cards
were then called for, and the
landlord brought in a pack and
laid them on the table. One of
the gentlemen very politely ask-
ed the missionaries if they would

not take a cut with th<
knowing that they were
men. Mr. Tennent ver
antly answered, " With
heart, gentlemen, if you i
vince us, that Uiereby
serve our Master's cat
contribute any thing towi
success of our mission.*^
drew some smart reply fi
g^entleman, when Mr.
solemnity added, " We m
isters of the gospel o:
Christ. We profess o\
his servants ; we are sen
business, which is to p
mankind to repent of thi
to turn from them, and t<
of that happiness and sa
which is offered in the (
This very unexpected r<
livered in a very tender,
solemn manner, and wit
apparent sincerity, so <
the gentlemen's attenti<
the cards were laid aside
opportunity was aflbrdi
cheerfully embraced,
plaining in a sociable cc
tion, during the rest of tt
ing, some of the leadi
most important doctrii
the gospel, to the sati
and apparent edification
hearers.

Resignation to the will
in ail his dispensations, 1
durk and afflictive, was
the excellent graces that
the character of this man
He had been tried in the
of God's providence in
ways ; but domestic afl
as yet, had not been la:
him. The time, howe^
now come, when his c!
was to be brightened by
test of his resignation a
dience, a test attended v
ny peculiarly distressing

JW&J

Life of Rev. fniHam Terment.

tfinceft. Hu f ouDgest son, who
was one of the hiuidsomest of
meoy had juat come into public
life; had commenced the prac-
tice of physic ; was married, and
had one cluld. To the great
distiess of the parents, he dis-
coferedf though possessed of
the sweetest temper, and most
igTteahle mannerai no regard to
the things that belonged to his
cieniai peace. Wholly negligent
of icIigioD, he indulged without
Ritimint in the gaiety and follies
of the world. The pious father
wu inoeaaant at the throne of
gmce in behalf of his dissipated
SOD; and was continually enter-
taioing hopes that God would,
by the influences of his Spirit, ar-
rest him in his career, and bring
Mm into the church of Christ,
bddre lus own summons should
UTife; that he might die in
peace, under the consoling hope
of meeting this dear child in a
bener world. God, however, had
determined otherwise ; and the
MQ, wlule engaged in inoculating
i number of persons, in a house
he had obtained for the purpose,
near bis fither's neighbourhood,
wu seiied in an unusually vio-
lent manner, with a raging fever.
Wdi the disorder, he was
brought to a sudden and alarming
Tiewof his lost condition by na-
ture, and the grievous transgres-
lioDS of his past life. His sins
were all set in dread array against
him. A horrible darkness, and
sa swful dread of the eternal dis-
pleasure of Jehovah, fell on him,
io u tb make him the dreadful
cx«niple of a convinced sinner,
trembling under the confounding
presence of an angry God. The
affectionate and pious father was
Qonstantly in prayer and supplica-
tion, that God would have meixy
Vol. II. No. S. I

upon him. He seldom left the
side of his bed. For many days
the fever raged with unabated iu-
ry ; but the immediate distresses
which it occasioned, were lost or
forgotten in the severer pains of
an awakened conscience. Such
was the height to which his an-
guish at last arose, that the bed
on which he lay was shaken by
the violent and united convulsions
of mind and body. The parents
were touched to the quick ; and
their unqualified submission to
God, as a sovereign God, was put
to the most rigorous proof. But
in due time they came out of the
furnace, as gold tried in the fire.
God, in his infinite and conde-
scending grace and mercy, was
at last nleased, in some measure,
to hear the many prayers put up
by the parents, and many pious
friends, for the relief of the poor
sufierer. His views of the lost
state of man by nature ; of tho
only means of salvation, through
the death and sufierings of the
Saviour ; of the necessity of the
inward regenerating grace of the
Holy Spirit, became dear and
consistent, and the impo^ance of
a practical acquaintance with
these things was deeply and ra-
tionally impressed on his mind.
He now saw that salvation, which
he had deemed almost or alto-
gether hopeless to him, was pos-
sible. His mind became calm,
and he attended to religious in-
struction and advice. In a short
time he began to give as much
evidence of a change of heart as a
death-bed repentance (rarely to
be greatly relied on) can easily
aifoi'd. He sent for his compan-
ions in iniquity, and, notwith-
standing his disorder, exerted
himself to the utmost to address
them^ which he did in the piost

Life of Rev. IPlUiam Teitnent.

solemn, awful, and impressive
manner, as a person, who, by the
i\finitc mercy of a prayer-heannj^
God, had been delivered from a
hell gaping to receive him. lie
besought then, by ull the terrors
of everlubliiig destruction ; by all
the love they ought to bear to
their own immortal socrls ; by
the love cf a crucified Jesus, who
poured out his soul unto death,
that they might live forcvel* ;
by his own awful suflcrings and
terrible example ; that they
^ould repent and turn to God.
This happy change was a reviv-
ing cordial to the distressed and
suffering Either. His soul was
overjoyed, and his mouth was full
of the praises of redeeming love.
His mind and spirits were hereby
prepared with true resignation,
to surrender the son of his ad-
vanced age to the God who gave
him. After a few days more of
severe suffering in body, but re-
joicing in mind, the son was re-
tivoved from time to eternity.
There being no minister in the
neighbourhood, the father under-
took to preach a funeral sermon.
All the sou's old companions that
could be sent to, were specially
invited, and the old gentleman
preached in such a manner, with
a particular address to the young
men, as lo astonish every hear-
er : and while the seriously in-
clined wondered and adored, the
careless were confounded and
greatly alarmed.

Scarcely had Mr. Tennent got
over this heavy allliction, and re-
turned to an active and useful
course of life for a few years,
when God again called him to
another severe and arduous strug-
gle of the same nature. His eld-
est son, John, promised fair to
make a distinguished figure in

life, had possessed a large
in the affections of both
and mother, and was mor
to their hearts than ever,
the death of his brother,
happened, that the father w
ed to Xew York to heal soi
ferences between the mem
the church tlierc. Th<
morning after his arrival, \
into abookslorc, when one
uiinistci*s of the episcopal *
came in, and on beiiig intP
to him, after the comsnon
tions, told him that he cc
with him on the death of 1
est son in the West
The old gentleman was
struck dumb. With diffic
soon inquired how the
came ; and being infonni
it was by a circuitous roi
suddenly turned, and said-
will of the Lord be done.*
clergyman observed, that
happy for him to be able
dially to submit lo it. M
nent replied, " The Lor
God, his will be done."
hig asked by the booksell
was hispanicular friend, t
into the house, and endes
settle his mind, he answe
am come on the Lord's b\]
my duty requires that I
finish it ; wlicn that is
shall Jiave lime enough tc
for my son." lie imm
set off to attend his appoi
finished the business to h
faction, and next day i
home, where he found th
ter had been received by ;
hour, containing the sam
mation which he had be
ccived. Thus, on the n
inpf occasion, he showed t
submission to the allotmc:
vine Providence that was
erable in all his formei;: <

im]

Religious Comynunications.

The following extract from a let-
ter, written at this time to the
writer of this narrative, will show
the temper of his mind in his
oim language. *' Freehold,
March, 1776. My dear Sir, Pcr-
iiaps before this comes to hand,
/ou will be informed, that He
vho gave me the honourable ep-
ithet of a father, has, in his wise
md unerring prpvidence, written
me childless.* My son is dead.
This acconnt I had yesterday
from a letler written to a friend ;
die aqcbunt is so straight (though
not circumstantial) that I cannot
doubt its truth. The tender mo-
ther has not heard it, nor do I in-
tend she shall, until autlienticat-
ed. This I mention as a caution
to you, in case you should write
me before the matter is publish-
ed. Let the dear heart have all
possible ease, before the loud,
itich it is likely will try her life,
idls upon heri I know her at-
tKhment to that child ; his con-
duct has been such as greatly en-
deared him to us. Our pains
•od expense in his education
han been great, but infinitely
•boit of what God has done for
Wm. He has, therefore, the best
n^iit to him. ' Should we then,

• • . .

• He icem.s, in the depth of his dls-
t^m, to have forjyoitcn, that ho yet
U one 9on left, althouf^h lie waii bOO
iHikf diftant from him.

were it in our power, obstruct his
taking full possession of his own
property ? God forbid ! This,
Sir, through God's goodness, i|i
not only what I say, but it is the
temper of my soul, for which
God only deserves the honour.
It is now above fifty years since
my soul resigned itself to God in
Jesus C'hrist. I had then neither
$on nor daughter ; I was com-
pletely salished with him, and,
blessed be his name, I am so
now. Have I then reason to cry
out as if ruined ? O I no : on the
contrary, I have the utmost rea-
son for thanksgiving, tliat he has
not, in righteous judgment, de-
prived me of himself, in whom
all fulness dwells. My wife and
myself are now hastening to
childhood ! if spared a few years,
we shall need one to lead us ;
and we shall look to you under
God. All the benefit you can
expect from so doing, will con-
sist in the satisfaction of your
own mind, that you have helped
two old people through the last
steps of their pilgrimage." Thus
did this pious roan turn every
event of life, however afflictive,
to the praise and glory of God,
and he seldom omitted an oppor-
tunity of inculcating the same
disposition on all his acquaint-
ance.

{To be continued.)

IReligioujec CommuntcationjGr^

DISSERTATION OTf JOHn's
SIXTH VIAL.

jVo, 2.
Revelation xvi. 12—16.

If we have found the dragon^

ccming the brant. This cannot
be xXxoJirat beast, which came up
out of the sea, and to which the
dragon gave his power ; for this,
we have seen, is become one

•ur next inquiry will be con- with the dragon^ and was sO|

Dissertation on JohtCs Sixth Fial. [J

long before the period designa-
ted hj the sixth vial. There»
fore) the beast here intended^
must be the second beast} men*
tioned chap. xiii. 1 1, &c.^ which
came up out of the earthy and
which exercised all the power of
the first beast, and caused ^
them, that dwell on the ea^, to
worship the first beast.** The
question then is, What power is
designated by this second beaat ?

Some have supposed this* to
be the Roman hierarchy y or fiafial
clergy. But tliis interpretation
confounds the beast wjth the
faUe firofihetj and makes but two
mouths, instead of three^ out of
which the frogs issue ; ibr tlie
false prophet is that hierarchy,
as will soon be shown.

Others have supposiiA the
second beast to be those German
firincifiaUtieMy in which the civil
and ecclesiastical powers are
-united, a^ they are in the pope.
But against this interpretation
there are weighty objections.
These principalities are parts of
the German empire, and so
members of the body of the
dragon, or first beast, rather than
a distinct beast. I do not find
that these principalities have
been so associated among them-
selves as to form a separate body,
and act a part distinct from the
empire, in the persecution of the
church. And they have never
been, either separately or con-
junctly, so respectable, as to
merit a distinct character in this
great prophetic drama. I rath-
er prefer the opinion of a late
English writer, who supposes
that the second beast is the
French monarchy^ especially un-
der the government of the fami-
ly of the Cafiet%.

The French monarcbji in the

first, or Mercrviman line of 1
began not far from the
when the bishop of Rom
sumed to be the &ther, or
or universal head of the ch
Pepin, the first king in the
or Carolinian line, granted i
pope, about the middle p
eighth century, the exarch
Ravenna, and thus made )
ten^poral power. In the
century began the late o
Cafietine line of kings, i
whom France has been* reii
bly ambitious, and pften
powerful, has been greatly %
ed to the see of Rome, hai
tributed more to its suppor
any qdxer kingdpm, and hai
secuted the Protestants wit
tinguished cruelty and wi
ness as far as her power es
ed. The inhuman torture
massacres in the time of ]
XIV. have never been exc
in any part of the papal d<
ions. And, which is Tei
markable, the spiritual tf
of France was a system <
own. It was independent <
pope, and yet administerc
subservience to his views^ a
support of his power. «
other kingdoms, where pi
prevails, the spiritual po^
exercised by the pope. J
tics, as they are called, are i
ed, tried, and condemned i
courts, by laws issuing
A/m, and by hia ministers. 1
are only his executioners
was otherwise in France. 1
the king issued edicts, and i
ed and appointed offices fo
trial and punishment of his
testant subjects. Bv virti
power derived from the
not from the fiofie^ Protei
were harassed, drag^ned,
ishedy then forbidden to

1806. J DissertatiM on Jokn^s Sixth Fial.

tlM kingdom, giTen up to the
brutal ferocity of the soldieiy,
impriaonedy condemned, and ex-
ecQted. This'waa a tyranny per-
fect in its kii^d, unknown in oth«
er kingdoms, and perfectly re-
sembling that of the papal beast.
It vas property an exercise of
tbe V power pf the first beast.**

If we have foiyid the dragon
ind the beast, t^re wil) re^nain
DO do^bt concerning the faUe
ftr^hei. This m^st be itbe /ta^
pd cUrgyj* or the hierarchy of
the church of Rtnne, Ip this inr
terpretation,. Protestant writers,
are, I suppose, generally agre^ ;
and to this we are indubitably
led by St John hin^self. |Ie
nys, chap. ux. ?0, ^ The beast
was taken, and with him the
&]ie pipphet, that wrought mwT
ides before him/' (or did wonr
den in the presence of the
bcait) '^ with which he deceived
tbcniy that had received the
mriL of the beast, and them that
vmhipped his image." The
Use prophet is here described,
isacdng in subservience to, and
in concert with the beast; as
makiDgan ostentation of mirar
cks, ukd aa using every argu-
ment and artifice to support tlie
cnspof the beast, and to pro-
aoCe idolatfous worship, He
cm therefore be no other, than
the Raman hierarchy »

Mahomet is by his followers
called the ftrofihet ; ai^d he is
folgarly called the faUe firofihet.
Bvt be is nevev so called in sa-
cred prophecy. John, in his
prediction of this impostor,
makes no mention of him under
such a title. Indeed, John's de-
fcripdon of the false prophet is
quite inapplicable, and in some
lespecis wholly opposite to the
character of S^oinet and his

successors; for they Detract-
ed in concert with idolatrous
powers, but invariably opposed
them. Besides, it should be re-
membered, that John never gives
names to persons or things by
anticipation, but rather by allu-
sions to names in the Old Tes-
Mmnent^

We have endeavoured to as-
certain the chfiracters, intended
by the dragoriy beastj and fatse
ftrofihet. "From their mouths
issued three unclean spirits,**
foul, odious, and clamorous,
"like frogs. These are the
spirits of devils, which go forth
unto the kings of the earth, and
of the whole wprld.'*

As by the dragon, beast, and
fidse prophet must be under-
stood, not single persons, but
communities ; so by the three
spirits, we must understand
com/ianiee of spirits or personsi
not merely three individuals.
The work here ascribed to the
three spirits, is too gr^at to be
accomplished by three single
persons.

They are called unclean spir-
its, and the spirits of' devils^ to
signify their wicked and irrelig-
ious principles, and their impure
and turbulent disposition^ ; or
their opposition to the faith and
purity of the gospel, and to the
peace and happiness of mankind.
They are men, engaged in the
cause of error and vice, which is
the cause, in which the devil
acts, and in which he employs
his agents.

" They go forth to gather the
kings to battle ;" to foment se-
dition in society ; to excite op-
position to government ; to urge
the powers of the earth to mu-
tual destruction, and all with a
view to exterminate the religion

Dissertation on Johns's Sixth Fial. {.J^tfy^

of Christ, which is " their tor-
ment."

These impure spirits, if our
interpretation is just, proceed,
in an eminent manner, from the
German empire, from the French
monarchy, and from the papal
hierarchy.

Now, if the battle here men-
tioned, is to be understood of a
literal war, and if we are now
under the sixth vial, then we are
to look for the causes of this
last, and of the next preceding
European wars, in these three
sources. And were not these
vars, especially the former, first
excited, and afterward encourag-
ed and continued, by the influ-
ence of the German court, the
French royalists and nobles, and'
the papal clergy in France and
other countries ? This was the
general opinion in the time of
the French revolution. These
wars, contrary to all human poli-
cy, have had a great effect in
drying up the mystical Euphra-
tes, and in opening the way
for the subversion of mystical
Babylon ; . and the horrors of
these wars have been, though
not exclusively, yet principally
felt, in those parts of Europe,
which are subject to the papal
beast. Even France, which has
been a distinguished agent in
this subversion, has had her
«hare in the common calamity
and distress. All this is man*
ifeslly agreeable to prophecy.

Or, if by the battle of the
great day of God Almighty, we
understand a metaphorical war,
a wiir against relit^ion, we shall
still find the prophecy verified.
It is well known, that for many
years, there has been in Europe,
and especially in France and Ger-
many, great opposTtio& to the

religion of the gospel ; and that
of late years this opposition has
increased and become more open
and active than it was formerly.
Not only tlie peculiar doctrines
of the gospel have been denied^
but the essential duties of moral-
ity and the very principles of
civil society have been treated
with contempt. That the war
against religion might be con-
ducted more sytematically and
successfully, its enemies in somp
parts of Eiu'ope have formed
themselves into societies for
that purpose.

This opposition has in a greaf
measure been owing to the
causes already mentioned ; th^
tyranny of the German empirci
the despotism of the Frencll
monarchy i and the foolery, bigr
otry, and intolerance of the
Catholic church. In thosip cpunr
tries the most arbitrary and rig-
orous restraints have been laid
on men's natural, social, and re-
ligious liberties. From such
restraints naturally arise preju-
dices, discontents, apd impatient
and restless passions, whichi
though for a while repressedy
will sooner or later give them-
selves vent in some way or oth-
er. Hence it was, that many
men of learning and talents, find-
ing it dangerous to speak open«-
ly in ordinary conversation on
certain things relative to the esr
tablished religion and govern-
ment, instituted clubs and organ*
ized societies for free discussion
of such matters. It is natural to
suppose that men associating and
conversing under the influence
of strong passions and prejudices*
should overlook the laudable obr
ject of reformation in religion
and government, and contem*
plate the subversion of both. I^

1806.J

The Decalogue.

U not the nature of passion to
Tiew thtng^s candidly, and to sep-
arate the precious from the vile ;
but to confound the goud with tlie
bady and to destroy both promis-
cuously.

Bigotry in religion, like des-
potism in government, may en-
dure for a season, somecimcs
lon^r than we should have im-
agined ; but, by overacting its
part, it will in time destroy itscrlf.
As a revolution in despotic gov-
ernments often produces anarchy
in the Erst instance, but may ter-
minate in something more rea-
sonable ; so a revolution in big-
otry and superstition may be im-
mediately followed with an ap-
parent increase of ir religion, but
be ultimately productive of a real
reformaUon. Prophecy teaches
us to expect, that, on the demoli-
tion of the papal superstition,
there will be a remarkable preva-
lence of infidelity ; but in a short
time there will be a general
iprcad of pure Christianity.

John farther says, '^ Ttie kings
of the earth are gathered to battle
into a place, called in the Hebrew
tongue Armageddon^'* or the
mountain of destruction. The
name is taken from the ancient
Mcgiddoy or Megiddon ; a place
fiunous in the Jewish history for
mt and slaughter. The late ex-
traordinary wars in Europe have
had their principal seat in the
Netherlands, and adjacent parts,
which, like the Megiddo of the
Hebrews, have long been fields of
blood and slaughter.

The battle, to which the kings
ire gathered, is called " the bat-
tle of the great day of God Al-
mighty ;" a day, in which the
cause of religion is assailed, and
In which God is about to perform
Mine gr«at work in its support ;

a day which will nearly precede
the effusion of the scventli vial,
& the total destruction of the njys-
tical Babylon. The two last wars
in Europe have had a more re-
markable effect, than any pi*eced-
ing wars, in subvertmg the papal
power.

(7a be continued.)

THE DECALOGUE.

jSi'o. 5.

Fifth Commandment.
"Honour tliy father and thy
mother, that thy days may be
long upon the land which the
Lord thy God givcth thee."

From father and mother all
other duties originate. Duty is
reciprocal. Parents must not
provoke their children to wrath,
but bring them up in" tlie nurture
and admonition of the Lord ; and
children must honour their pa-
rents. The command is a little
varied in Leviticus. Te shall fear
every man his mother and father^ and
keep my Sabbaths, Honour in that
passage is explained by fear in
this. Father is mentioned first
in the one, but mother in the
other, probably intimating that
both have an equal claim upon
the honour and fear of children.
Instruction of a delicate nature
may be invplved in the appendix
to the command ; " ye shall fear
every man his mother and father,
and shall keep my Sabbaths,**
The command of a mother and
father is binding ; but if It inter-
fere with the commarid of God,
obey God rather than man.
Should parents require that chil-
dren break the Sabbath, or throw
contempt upon any of God's or-
dinances ; obedience, otherwise
indispensable, must be withheld.

rJi

The Decalogue.

Uufy,

that we may discover proper re-
spect to the highest of all author-
ities.

Grateful and affectionate ought "^
we to be to our parents. They
watched over our infant years with
anxiety, and have been unremit-
ting in their friendly offices.
Their kind attachment to us, their
mature judgment, and their au-
thority over us, lay the founda-
tion of dutiful attachment to their
persons, deference to their judg-
ment, and obedience to their com-
mands. If they are in circum-
stances which require our sym-
pathy or service, how can piety be
better expressed, than by returning
the sympathy and service which
we received from them, when in
infancy we were thrown helpless
upon their care. The profligate
Jews had a strange contrivance for
satisfying their own minds, while
they neglected this duty. Our
Lord severely animadverts upon
their conduct. Matt. xv. 3, 6.
The supply, to which parents
were entitled, they devoted by a
rash vow to the sacred treasury,
and thereby vainly imagined, and
were confirmed in the imagina-
tion by an avaricious priesthood,
that they were absolved from any
further obligations to eirher of
their parents. Such evasions are
in the highest degree criminal.
Chlldrsn^ says the apostle, obey
your parents in the Lord^ for this is
ri^ht. Obey your parents in all
things y fur this is ivcll pleasing in the
sight of the Lord, I'Tie child Je-
sus was subject to his parents ;
and he ended a useful life by an
act of duty to his mother, provi-
ding for her future sustenance
and comfort.

All nations have had some
sense oF the duty, which children
owe to their parents. It was

enacted by the Athenian legisla^
tor, that whoever refused to
maintain his aged parents (hoold
be deemed infamous. The lawt
of Romulus carried the matter
much too far, subjecting the child*
of whatever age, or however dig-
nified by talents, office, or reputa-
tion, so entirely to the power of
the parenu, that of his own
authority he mieht imprison or
enslave him, and even put him to
death. The youth of Sparta
were obliged to rise up, whenever
their superiors in age appeared,
to give place, meeting them in
the street, and to be silent in
their presence. This duty, as aU
others, was taught very deficient-
ly, in the systems of morality
known to the Gentiles. In tJie
sacred page it appears in its fidl
extent, and is enjoined by proper
motives. The command before
us includes relative duties of
every kind, requiring us to be
dutiful to superiors, whether in
the family, die church, or the
state.

This commandment is the
first, to which a promise is annex-
ed. In the second command-
. ment, indeed, there is a general
declaration of mercy toward
them, who love God, and keep
his commandments. But this is
the only precept of the decalogue,
which contains a promise peculiar
to itself.

Let children honour their fa-
ther and mother, that their days
may be long upon the land*
which the Lord their God giveth
them. Under the Jewish dispen-
sation, to curse, or to strike a
parent was punished with death*
The same punishment was in-
flicted on those, who continued
in stubborn disobedience to s
parent's command. But obedi-

18060

On Religious Sincerity.

CDC children dwelt in safety.
The blesHOg of God visibly at-
tended themt securing such tem-
poral prosperity^ as would be for
their leal advantagr. Such per^
sons live in honour and peace.
They Aall come to their grave
in a full age, as a shock of com
comedi in its season. The hea-
then encouraged obedience to
parents by the same argument.
£nripides says* that chUdren^ who
iamyr thnrfanniSf are dear io the
f§drpSaihBvn^ amdJead^ Scnar-
ios is mentioned by Stephanius as
saying % ^ Thou shalt live as long
as tfaoD canst desircy if thou nour-
ish thy aged parents." Hence
Xenophon's description of chil-
dren who deserve praise ; thoje
«i# aswitt the aged. The daugh-
tttp whose breasts supplied nour-
ishnifm to an aged fsuher, arbi-
trarily condemned to die by hun-
ger, has acquired fame which
^ges dull listen to, and respect.
Soch actions perpetuate the
name, and give a kind (^ immor-
tality on earth.

PhiLO LOGOS.

cm EKLIGZOUS 8ZNCXRITT.

Tms insincerity of many, who
profess to be Christians, is to be
deeply lamented, as the bane
of thor own salvation, as well as
die cause of exposing religion to
ftequent though unmerited re-
proach. It is of the last import-
ance, therefore, for all who have
the form of godliness, to ascer-
tain to their own convictioa,
whether they have sincerely em-
braced the gospel, or have only a
name to live, while they are still
dead in trespasses and sin. With-
out this conviction, it is impossi-
V«1.1I. No. 3. ^

ble they can enjoy either solid
comfort or joyful hope, as crea-
tures formed for eternity, and
hereafter to be judged according
to the gospeL To assist them in
this interesting inquiry, their at*
tention is earnestly requested to
the following observations.

I. Sincerity in the frofession tf
Chriitiamtj it inseparable from just
and impressive views of Christiatk
truth.

The whole value of Christian-
ity to men ultimately rests on the
truth of this principle. If sincer-
ity, unconnected with any partic-
ular views of religious trutli, be
all that is necessary, of what use
is the gospel, as the means of sal-
vation ? We may with impunity
.believe any thing we please, and
our final happiness not be endan*
gered, = though we know not
whom nor what we adore. Sin-
cerity considered in itself, in«
deed, is perfectly compatible
with the most pernicious errorst
both in religion and in morals ;
with the rejection of the most es-
sential doctrines and precepts of
Christianity ; nay, with the dis-
belief of the existence of God.
It has been combined with igno-
rance and idolatry ; and the his-
tory of the world loudly attests
the atrocity of the deeds, which
its spirit dictates, and its authori-
ty sanctions. It erected the
stake, and lijghted up the faggot
of persecution in popish coun-
tries. It unsheathed the sword
of exterminating violence, and
brutal sensuality, where the cres-
cent of Mahomet was raised.
Apd still, it kindles the fire that
consumes the widow on the
plains of Hindostan ; raises the
knife that is plunged in the trem«
bling victim, and gives vigour
to the unrelenting arm that sac-

74 On Religious Sincerity. LS^^lfr

rifices a son or a* daughter on the forming the duties* which be has

bloodstained altars of frantic su- enjoined, this religion cannot be

perstition. Separated from the sincerely embraced if we regard

principles of ,truth, sincerity, God in any other light, than that

therefore, instead of being valua- in which he has been pleased Xm

ble, is dangerous in the highest . make himself known to us ; or

degree. It fosters the spirit of neglect the performance of these

superstition, and is the parent of duties. For instance, thougb we

the most enormous crimes. should succeed in persuading

But whac is truth ? or where ourselves, that God is altogether

is it to be found ? To men, who such as we are, indifferent to the

ackno\vlcdgc the inspiration and principles and conduct of his

au. hority of Scripture, the answer worshippers : we may be perfect*

is obvious. Th-at God is holy ly sincere in this persuasion, and

and just ; that men are depraved under its influence be guilty of

and guilty, and therefore obnox- the most aggravated sins. But

ions to punishment ; but that if we have received from him*

God sent his Son, and he volun- self an unequivocal assurance

t.-irily came into the world, by that he looketh on the heart afld

his obedience and sufferings as a triech the reins of the children of

propitiation for sin, to reconcile, men, and that whosoever com-

Tncn unto God by his own blood ; mittcth sin is worthy of death*

that repentance and faith, both though we should forvet or de-

commimicated to individual sin- spise this truth, or not reel its in-

Ticrs by the influence and energy Huence, if it has been made known

ef the Holy Spfrit, are the only to us, our sincerity in a contrary

effectual means of berng interest- conviction will never be sns*

ed in the redemption proclaimed tained as a satisfactory npology

through the Saviour ; and that for our disobedience. Or, if we

holiness, or a transformation of should believe that our supposed

the heart and character into the good works will procure the par*

resemblance of the divine image, don of sin and acceptance with

is the only sm'e preparation for God, while he has made a dia*

the lieavenly state. These are metrically opposite declarationt

the few simplo truths, which the that *' by the deeds of the law

gospel reveals, a^; the object of a no flesh living can be justified/'

sinner's knowledge and belief, though we should namtain our

These, known and believed, are own opinion, ever so flrmly or

the foundation of Christian sin- sincerely, we must be regarded

cerity : so essential to its exist- as real, though perhaps not

encc, that whoever disbelieves avowed enemies of the cross of

^nd rejects them, practically pro- Christ, and as such, be jusdy

nouncesagainsi himself a sentence chargeable with neglecting the

of exclusion from the blessings of great salvation. In a word, if

the gospel. we have received the revelation

The danger of mistake on this of truth and duty* if we acknowl*

point is so imminent, that some edge its authority, and have ac«

illustration of ft may not be un- cess to know and read it for

necessary. If then religion con- ourselves, or to hear it explained

sist in worshipping God, and per- by others} unleu we sincerely

1806.J

On Religious Sincerity.

lidicTC and cordially obejr it,
Jiowever much we may deceive
onrsclves or impose on odierr,
we are only almost, not altogeth^
er Christians. The truth is not
im uSf and our sincerity in errors
when we have the nieans of be-
ing undeceived, instead of excus>
ing US, must aggravate our con-
demnation before God.

2. SiMceriiy im the pn^tttiun of
duuhaaky u mseparabUfrom ardor
mmd Sttgoice i» diicoverimg whal is
indh tmdJtUym

The situation of some men is
unquestionably much more fa-
vourable than that of others, fo»
acquiring Christian jKBowledge.
But if the mind is at all capable
«f reflection, and interested in in-
quiring after truth, even in the
inost unfavourable situation, sin-
cerity will lead 20 themost earnest
desires, and issue in the attainment
of considerable knowledge on re-
ligious subjects. 'Sincerity in
what u known, is all that is or
can be required ; yet, it will not
illowaman to be satisfied with a
low degree of knowledge, but
wiU powerfoUy incite him to se-
nouneu and diligecKe in exam-
ining idiat is revealed, that he
nay be ihwougUy iumished unto
every good word and work. Ig-
norance is often the source of er-
ror in opinion, corruption in
Bonis, and ruin to the soul.
And if the opportunity and
BKans of knowledge be delibe-
rately and wilfully neglected, it
is impossible that the plea of
lincerity can be of any avail.

Shuerity^ tlicrcfore, is directly op»
p9sedu indifereace. It is indeed
altogether incompatible wiili such
a spirit. To him, who submits
io the influence of religious in-
^nsibility, tlic most alarming

prospects of approaching miser}*;*
and the most alluring invitaiious
of promised mercy, are present-
ed in vain. The profession uf
religion may be made, the con-
duct may be free from open un-
godliness ; but a lifeless form is
all that exists. But he, who de-
sires in sincerity and truth to serve
tlie i.ord Christ, is all ardor and
alacrity. Constitutional tcnipq^r
may incline him to sloth, but if
he feels tlie importance of relig-
ion, he vn\\ shake off this dispo-
sition so unfavourable to every
dignified pursuit, and make sal-
vation his chief concern. Unac-
quainted Muth arts <ind sciences
he may be ; but he will study the
word of God, and derive from it
a knowledge and a wisdom, as
much more excellent and valua-
ble than that, which cartlily
learning can sifford, as the soul
is than the body, and the glories
of heaven than the pleasures of
the world. He is anxious to
know the will of God concerning
idl his faith and duty, tliat he
may cordially embrace the one,
and diligently perform the oth-
er. Having an object of ever-
lasting imporunce .before him,
he pursues it with ardor, and is
daily advancing toward its pos-
session. His heart is engaged ;
his affections seek a reconciled
God in Christ, as their supreme
good ; and by diis he is distin-
guished boditrom the hypocrite,
and from the formalist.

His mind being thus under the
power of the truth as it is in Jc-
sus, opened to discern the im-
portance not only of acting
conscientiously in >vliat is alrea-
dy known to be right, but of ac-
quiring more extensive and ac-
curate knowledge concerning tlic

On Religious Sincerity.

O^,

path of dntjf snrveys every ob-
ject> from which this knowledge
may be derived, with a look of
earnest desire, atnd animating
hope. The Scriptures are exam-
ined, and both the precepts,
which it inculcates, and the char-
acters, which it describes, are se-
riously and attentively studied.
The conduct of Providence to him-
Klf and others; the privileges,
which he enjoys; the talents,
which he possesses, and which he
ought to cultivate ; and the situ-
ation into which he has brought
himself, or has been unintention-
ally, or unexpectedly led, are re-
viewed, and the duties, which all
of them require, deliberately and
devoutly considered. He may
have acted improperly in the
past, and may see abundant cause
for the deepest contrition ; and
the courseii which is now marked
out for him, may be painful to
natural feeling and beset with
numerous difficulties or dangers ;
but sincerity will impel him, nei-
ther to revolt from the one, nor
to shrink at the other, tie will
not be deterred from inquiry, by
the fear of having his prejudices
shocked, his sentiments altered,
or his habits reproved, for he is
willing to renounce every thing
that he has maintained most ob-
stinately, or cherished most fond-
ly, if convinced that it has not
been the will of God.

Having obtained information*
he will not consult with flesh and
blood, but resolutely obey the
call of duty, and *• follow on"
with increasing ardor " to know
the Lord." He wishes -to be
guided by a conscience enlight-
ened in the mind of God, and is
therefore open to conviction,
though the truth, which produ-
ces it, sliould be karned from an

enemy, or obtained from a sourcei
to which he had formerly the
strongest aversion. Points of
difficulty he will bring before the
Lord ; and though he does not
neglect the ordinary means of
direction, he will look upward to
Him, whose wisdom can guide
in the most perplexing padif
whose power can remove or
overcome the most alarming dif^
ficulties. **Lord, i»bat wilf
thou have me to do! Spenl:.
Lord, for thy servant heareth f
It is as my meat and drink to do
thy will." These are the ei*
pressions of a mind, wlurre relig;
ious sincerity reigns ; and mark
a spirit essentially opposite to that
self satisfaction and confidence^
yhich formalists feel ; and to
that constant struggle between
their real and their assumed charw
j^cter, which hypocrites expei»
rience.

3. Sinceriiy in tie frofeisiom uf
C^iiliamiy u umfermhg comuete4
fvith a minute and univertal regard
to duty, •

There may be little external
difference between the religiouf
conduct of the «nce^ and that
of the hypocritical Christtaa;
Both are punctual in attending
the house of God, in performing^
the private exercises of devotion*
in reading the Scriptures, and
offering up the forms of prayer
and praise. They both profess
an attachment to the doctrines o^
godliness, and seem to be equal-
ly circumspect in their moral
conduct. Yet, on attentively ex-
amining their characters, we dis-
cover many unequivocal marki
of an important and essential di£>
ference.
The hypocrite or the formalist is
satisfied with observing the etate4
solemnities of reUgions worship t

1906,]

On ReRgioia Sincerity.

vJtt % giintm cofifjbniitty of con*
dnct to the divine law ; aodwidi
nternal decency of manners i
even wbikfaij heart is filled with
the flMst angodly princif^lesy and
nannctified desires. His chief
uuciery is to secuyv himself from
the cbairee of that ytfj hypocrisy
of whicE he is inwardij con-
sckms; lo enjoy the reputation
of a aainCf vbUe he is in truth a
detcnnined sinner ; to reconcile
Qod and Blammon, religion and
tbe world. If this can be par-
tially att»ned» he does not hesi-
tate in secKt to commit the most
Bagraot sins. Like an actor on
the stMB^ Us character is assum-
ed* and he la]>onrs to support it i
but bohind the sceneSy he is desti-
tnto of all that eicellence and
digaity, which in the eye of the
paUiCy lie SQ soccessfolly imi-

Not so the man^ who sincerely
lad from tbe heart, engages in
ibo service of God. His public
jefaaracter is indeed externally the
; but this character is not
tar a season only, or to
■Dfome urorldly end. It is
feal» and therefore continues
iviica be retires to his private
pislt He imows that the dispo-
skioas oaeht to be pure, as well
as Ac qftions blameless ; that to
fed DO solicitude to have the
htut sanctified, is to cleanse only
*tbe potside of the cup and
platter," to substitute appearance
far reality, and shew for worth i
to have a greater regard to the
bpinioa ofthe world than to the
jadgment of GodI It will,
therefore, be his anxious desire
and habitual study to have the
principles of godliness strength-
fBcd within him, that when he
presents to the Lord the sacri-
ice of Christian conduct, it may

indeed be a reasonable, a living,
and a holy ofiering. He wui
deeply lament, and ingenuously
confess in his secret devotions,
those plain omissions of duty*
those open acts of sin, those com*
pliances with what he perceives to
have been inconsistent with his
character, those ebullitions of
passion, and those intemperances
of language of which he is con-
scious; nay, even those unholy
thoughts and impure desirest
which, though unknown to the
world, are not concealed from
the eye of Him, who searchetb
the hearts and trieth the reins of
the children of men. These^
the hypocrite never thinks of, and
to their crimiDality the formalist
is insensible i but the truly sin-
cere Christian views them in the
light of the gospel, as the re-
maining members of the old
man, which is corrupt with his
deceitful lusts, which must be
resisted and ciucified, to enable
him to serve God in spirit and in
truth. He therefore labours to
maintain a conscience void of of-
fence towards Gcd as well as to«
wards men ; guards against sins
of the heart ; watches and ret
sists those risings of unbelief by
which the Holy Spirit is griev-
ed ; and which are the begin*
nings of desires and resolutions,
which, if carried intfv action,
would destroy his comfort and
disgrace his profession. He de-
sires to love God more and
serve him better ; and mourns
on account of the coldness of his
love and the imperfections of his
service.

It is evident that this lender*
ncss of conscience must influence
his conduct in his private retire-
ment and domestic intercourse,
when secluded from the compile

On Religious Sincerity.

ny and oecnpations of the world*
As Christian sincerity is inimical
to every art of injustice and
fraud in tlie transactions of busi-
ness> even when there is little
probability or evea possibility of
detection ; it is equally hostile to
every thing that encourages self
deceit or hypocrisy » in his secret
intercourse with God. It re-
provesy and represses languor in
devotion : excites to fervor of
spirit and cheerfulness of service :
removes and prevents carelessness
in duty ; and aims at the total
destruction of that deceitfulness
of sin, which endeavours to com-
pensate for the commission of one
trespass by abstinence from anoth-
er, or by diligence and fidelity in
chose parts of obedience, where
neglect or unfaithfulness would
be more easily noticed, and more
certainly condemned.

Finally, sincerity will not ad-
mit either of reserve in the obedi-
ience that Christianity requires,
or of palliation for neglecting it,
but embraces the whole extent
and every particular instance of
duty arising from the circum-
stances, the station and the rela-
tions, in which a Christian isplac«>
ed. All that is known to be du^
ty, he must study to perform,
whatever hazard may be incur-
red, or difficulties encountered,
or trials endured. In all places
and at all times sincerity should
animate the heart, and direct the
conduct. Imperfection, indeed,
is inseparable from the present
service, even of the most advanc-
ed Christian. There is always
something which he ought to
have done, which he has neglec-
ted ; or something from which he
ought to have abstained, wliich
Jic has performed ; but sincerity,
instead of viadicatingi condemns

this misconduct, and nnif
leads the mind to humil
and repentance when concu
being thus guilty. Like the
tie Paul, he " counts not tl
has already attained, either
ready perfect, but this one
he does, forgetting those 1
which are behind, and re^
forth unto those which are b
he presses towards the mar]
the prize of the high calliJ
God in Christ Jesus."

Reader ! examine thy
heart. Withdraw thy att<
from the scenes of life : froi
character of other men ;
the thousand objects which y
interrupt the intercourse
thyself; and survey die [
pies by which thy heart is s
t«d ; compare thy conduct
thy professions^ and both wi
standard of truth anddutyi'
the gospel contains.

Reader! Art thou tn
that thou art righteous and \
sing otliers ; or satisfied wit
ward decorum of mannen
ignorant of the devices of a d
ful heart, or led away by
from the path of Christiai
trine I Thy condition is da
ous, thy hopes of heavei
fallacious ! Hast thou never
ed ; or dost thou neglect
prayer for grace to guide th
into the way of peace ?
must be treading in the ir
death ! Destruction awaits
in the land of spirits, except
repent !

Reader ! Hast thou neve
pec ted the danger of tliy st
a transgressor of the law of
or dost thou not with an ea
ness of mind proportion^
some measure to the impoi
of the snbject, ask the diri
and blessing of God, that

1806.]

Mr. Gibbon.^

myest koow thyselfy and live
bj the ^th of the gospel?
Dost thou never say from the
heart with the Psalmist, ^* Search
oie, 0 Lord, and know my heart,
try me and know my thoughts,
and Kt the wioked way that is in
me, and lead me in the way ever-
lasting V^ Consider, 1 entreat thee,
the danger of insensibility, the
daBgerof insincerity.

By the gospel thou must be
judged in the great day of the
Lord; self-deceit will then be
vnav^ing, when every thought
will be brought into judgment,
and every secret work, whether it
be good or evil. Examine, then,
thy heart ; thy conscience must
be porified from dead works, in
order to enable thee to serve a-
nght the living and the true God.
lie hlood of the Son of God
alone has this efficacy ; and if
thou despise it, there remaineth
no more for thee a sacrifice for
an, but a fearful looking for of
jadgment and fiery indignation,
vmch shall devour the adversa-
ries.

The Lord give thee under-
ttaa&ig in all things to do his
will So dialt thou in simplicity
nd godly sincerity fulfil his plea-
snrei Remember the words of
Solomon. **He that >valketh
Bpriffhdy, walketh surely; but
he that pervcrteth his way shall
be known.** D. D.

Manhj 180S.

MR. GIBBON.

On reading the life of Gibbon,
and observing tlie cheerless
gloom, which shrouded his mind
at the hour of death, I was
itruck with the confirmation of
truth horded by this circum-

stance. The way of the wehed ii
€U darkness. The sick bed tries
the correctness of principles, and
the king of terrors, as he ap-
proaches, sweeps away all the
false hopes of the unbeliever, and
scatters them to the winds. In-
fidelity may give her votaries th«
lati&faction of being free from
enthusiasm and superstition ; she
may harden their minds ; but she
furnishes them with no support
under the various evils, which
we are called to suffer.

The deatli of Mr. Gibbon was
such as we might expect from the
principles, which he professed*
Speaking of the decease of lady
Sheffield, in a letter to her hus-
band, he observes ; " She is now
at rest ; and, if there be a future
state, her mild virtues have surely
entitled her to the reward of
pure and perfect felicity. — Tht
only consolation in these melan-
choly trials, the only one ai least im
which I have any confidence^ is tne
presence of a real friend.'^ In
these passages the writer express-
es a doubt respecting his future
existence, stumbles upon the error
of the self righteous, that the ordi-
nary virtues of social life merit the
reward of everlasting blessedness^
and gives up at once all the rich
consolation, which a belief in the
righteous government of the Fa-
ther of mercies is calculated to af-
ford us under afflictions and trou-
bles.

In his memoirs he says, ^ I
must reluctantly observe, that two
causes, the abbreviation of time
and the failure of hope will al-
ways tinge with a browner shade
the evenmg of life." This is the
gloomy sentiment of an atheist,
whose views terminate with this
world, who considers himself as
the ofispring of chance, and wh«

Exercises of Miss A. JD.

U^,

is cheered vnxh n6 glad ezpecta-
li(^n, that " the evening of life"
■vt'ill be succeeded by a glorious
morning.

It is true that the aged are fre-
quently peevish and unhappy.
The acuteness of their senses is
blunted by long action. Their
eye is no longer delighted witli
beauty, nor their ear enraptured
by melody. The agitation of
business no longer exhilarates
their minds. Besides this, they
find few or none of their early
companions, with whom they
nay recal the days that are past.

These are the causes, and not
those assigned by Mr. Gibbon,
which will always operate in a
greater or less deeree to diminish
the enjoyments ofthose, who have
travelled far into years.

But to the aged saint, whose
gray hairs are found in the way
of righteousness, ** the abbreviation
cf time'* is a subject of joy, not a
source of grief; and with **the
failure of hope'* he is unacquainted.
He exclaims in tlie language, and
with the exulting anticipation of
St. Paul, " The time of my de-
parturc is at hand ! I have fought
a good fight, I have finished my
course, 1 have kept the faith.
Henceforth there is laid up for
me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, shall give me at that day,
and not to me only, but unto all
them also, that love his appear-
ing." Had not Mr. Gibbon been
fearful of this appearing of Jesus
Christ, when ** he shall decend
from heaven with a shout, with
the voice of the archangel, and
with the trump of God," to pun-
ish tlie despiscrs of his words ; or
had he not looked upon all be-
yon J the grave as one hideous
night, whose silcAce will never be

disturbed by the footstqM of lir*
ing beings, he would not have ex-
pressed his conviction, that hope
znust necessarily fail, as life ap«
proaches its termination. If he
had not been destitute of the joj*
ful hope of immoria/iiyf which onljr
is the glory of man, such a send*
ment his pen never would have
recorded.

And what was the death of IStm
Gibbon ? It was cheerless and aw-
ful. We hear no expressioDt of
resignation or hope. We behold
no delightful anticipations of
blessedness. We see not eren an
intimation of his beliefi ditt
another sute of existence would
succeed that, which was approach-
ing its end. All was silent as the
grave, to which he was going.

He said to his servant, just be*
fore his death, ** Pourquoi eft ce
que vous me quittez ?*' H^ty doy^m
leave me? And the last words
which he uttered, expressed his
desire that his servant would not
leave }iim.

Thus perished this insidMms
enemy ofChristianity. I said to
myself, if infidelity can throw no
ray of light upon the darkness of
the grave ; if she can give no sup-
port to the sinking spirit j if she
can administer no consolation,
when this world has lost its pow-
er to please ; if she can stamp up*
on the pale countenance of the dy-
ing no impressions of hope, of
joy, of triumph ; then, ** O mj
soul, come not thou into her te*
cret," and let not her delusions
beguile thee 1 W.

SRITCH OF THE CHARACTER AM»
EXERCISES OF MISS A. D,

*< Religion," says one of its
most distinguished champi

1806.] CtKvrcxter and Exercises of jihs A. D.

and ornamentsy ** dispenses its
choicest cordials in the seasons
of exigence, in poverty, in exile 9
tn sicknesH, und in death." It
can not only rciine iind elevate
all earthly enjoyments, but
supply their loss. It can do
more. It can convert the great-
est outward calamities into posi-
tive, substantial, everlasting bles-
«iags. Nor can any thing be
more truly honourable to the
gospel and grace of our divine
KcDECMER, than the b>\L-ct
peace and cheerfulnfes with
which they have inspired thou-
sands, on whom a thoughtless
world has looked down with pity,
mixed with horror.

Among these happy sufferers,
few occupy a more conspicu-
ous place, than Miss A. D. a
young woman recently deceased.
For several of the lust years of
her life, she was confined by a
complication of maladies, to a
bed of unutterable, and almost
unparalleled distress. In the
early period of her sickness, she
«eemed a stranger to religion,
and its comforts. But between
two and three years previous to
her decease, she exhibited a re-
markable revolution in her senti-
ments and feelings. Of this
happy change, her afflictions
were, under the divine blessing,
the principal instrument. Un-
der their pressure, she was led
into very distinct and evangelic-
al views of the evil of sin, the de-
pravity of her heart, the glory of
the Kedecmer, and the infinite
worth of gospel blessings. Her
heart seemed gradually moulded
into a temper of sweet suhmis-
lion to the divine will, of hum-
ble confidence in the divine mer-
cy, and of joyful complacency in
the perfections and government
V«l. II. No.3. M

ol God. Often, in the latter
years of life, did she express her
wonder and astonishment at her
former insensibility, at the pa-
tience of God in waiting tjuis
long upon her, and at the over-
llov.ings of that condescension
and goodness, which could par-
don and save one so unworthy
and vile as she. Her patience,
serenity, and even cheerfulness
uTider her sufferings i.h^*'' ps'^^
beini';, for years, literally witliout
intermission) were remarkable
indeed. Some, who f-unilinrly
knew, and often visited her, have
declared, that they never wit-
nessed a solitary instance of im*
[Kiticnco, manilested either by
her countenance or lips. Not
unfrcquently, when every nf*rve
of her frame vf^s agitated by ex-
tremity of pain, and when her
bed trembled underiicatn her,
has she conversed a: itngtii on
religicn, and on the many mer-
cies vouchsafed l:er, without
once advcrtiii;^* to lier sufferings.
It was remarkab!e that some of
her best enjoyments seemed to
occur in seasons of this kind.
She once ren...rkcd to a friend*
that fur a tew preceding days, she
harl tnjoycd a sweeter savour of
divine tiing^i, than i\cr l)eforc.
** Every thni;.,;," she suid, '* seem-
ed sweet. (3h," she exrlaimed,
" there was such a sweetness in
Jesus ! My soul ran out in love
to a c.b.asiening God, and rejoic-
ed in him I He was all in all.
Oh, that all would praise him !
My soul delights in him. Oh,**
she added, *' my body >\as filled
with puin, but my soul was more
filled with comfort. Compared
to one view of such glories, and
the enjoyment of one half hour's
communion with God, these af-
flictions are not worth mention-

ph.iractcr and Excrchcs of Miss A. D. \^

iiig, ought not to be named ;
nay, are not wortUy to have u
thought of them puss tl:rough
the mind. Oh," said she, ** en-
tertain hii^h and honoanible
thoughts of Govl eonrerning this
thing. I now place this distress
among my choicest mercies.**
JSoon after her happy change,
she said to a friend ; ** How ma-
ny nights have 1 kept myself
awake in thinking on and pursu-
h>g the vanities of the world ;
and it is but just that I should
now be kept awake, and smait
for it." When exercised with
excruciating puin in her side,
she once said ; '* I have beeii
thinking tliat my sitie was only
pierced witli pain, but CliristVi
side with a spear. My smart
cannot benefit others ; but bv
Christ's stripes are many heal-
ed." She added, that tho\igh
health was such a great blessinvi;,
vet if lier's could be restored,
and she must in that case be as
vain and worldly as she once was,
she would greatly prefer her pre-
sent painful situation. On anoth-
er occasion, she remarked, that
she had experienced more en-
joyment on her sick bed, than in
all the former vears of her life.

On a certain occasion, she said
to a friend, that in the night sea-
son, she was in an agony of dis-
tres:i,and much wished for half an
hour of sleep ; but immediately
u new thou;.jl:t arose ; O, how
good v/as (iod to permit her to
Xif^ awake, and contemplate on
his perfections ! O, it was sweet -
ir than sleep. At another lime,
aller a i;ight of excruciating dis-
tress, she said, " For a few hours
mv room was a little heaven.

Oh, it was sweet being awake,
and receiving pain from such a
hand. Oft, how the glory, pow-

er and goodness of God

in this aiUiction. Once I

goodness in it ; but no

sharper the pain, the b:

his goodiJtess appears." lit

er season of exquisite su

she expressed herself

'* When one pain is gont

welcome another. My 1

Iv I'ather waves his rod o

body, but smiles upon mj

Sh.e frecjuently manifi

very tender anxiety le

should mink the less li<

bly of CSod atid religion

Count of her sviiFerings.

of her friends having i

\N ith lier in a night of rem

distress, one remarked

other, that probably she I

fered more than martvrd

night. This she overhca

in a feeble and verv a

maimer s.iid^ ** O do no

hartl of Cod on account

sufi'erings. Think how g

consolations are which he

me. He might justly s

these aiilictions, and non<

consolations. The one I <

and the other I do not.

good. He is kind."

She often expressed
concern for the honour ai
perity of religion. She n
ed a most tender pity for \
tiludes around her, wh
without its blessings, sin
dent desire that they xxa\
and see that the Lord
Whatever tended to bi
proach on the name of
gave her great pain. 5
quently mourned over t
ness of Christians, and
all, over her own.

She was remarkable fc
ing of divine things in a
equally distant from Ic
ostentation, and which

1806.J

Thoughts on the late EcUpr,e.

thai her very heart was pencti-at-
ed by what sJic uttered. Amid
^er highest consolations, she
seemed deeply sensible of her
anworlhiness. Being asked, a
few weeks before she died, how
death appeared, she replied : '^ It
is a solemn thing to die : I wish
to examine myself; but I cannot
make the thought $eem terrify-
ing." At other times, she ex-
pressed great desire* to die. She
was once heard thus to express
herself in prayer : '< Why are thy
chariot wheels so long in coming ?
hasten them in thy time :'* still
adding;, *< not ray will, but thine
be done." At another time, she
told a friend that a few nights be-
fore, she viewed herself upon the
verge of eternity, and it was de-p
lightful entering. IJeing asked,
what made it njost delightful, she
replied, « the glory, and the holi-
ncss-rto be freed from a body of
8in :" aqd added, « Christ is pre-
cious." She once declared, that
the night preceding, her distress
^s very severe ; but the glory,
holiness and justice of (Joii seem-
ed so dear, that it was sweetly
consoling to her mind ; and it
seemed a favour to be kept awake,
and contemplate upon his justice ;
and the sharper her puins, the
wore faithful his charactir ap-
peared, and the stroni^t!- was the
evidence of his lovo. *^ I long,"
laid she, *' to die ; but iVil willing
to live and suffer." When death
artually came on, her distress
and weakness were such that she
could say but little : yet that lit-
tle manifested her mind to be in
the same humble, truncpiil, cheer-
ful frame as ever ; till, with scarce
a struggle or a groan, she yield-
ed up her spirit into the hand of
her God.

The writer of the above cn.ov-
ed the privilej;e of trLV|ueniiy
witnessing the piety, the sufter-
ings andr.onsojdticiisof this high-
ly favoured young woman. He
oflVrs this imperfect sketch, in
the hope th<it so animating a tes-
timonv to the truth and excel-
lence of religion, may be instru^
mental in confirming the faith cf
the Christian, and producing
some salutary impression on the
mind of everv reader. Z.

The rare phencmenon of a t r-t. il
eclipse of the sun happened on the
16th of June, 1806. A mon* awfully
siiblimo, intcrestir.g and impressive
phenomenon can hardly ln» eonct ive<I..
It seems impossible that an .it]ici:»t
could have witnessed it without <lccp
conviction of the existence of a Gov-
A valued corrchpondent has favoured
us with the following extract from a
discourse delivered the Sabb:.th af^ir
this event, which we insert with
pleasure.

SERIOUS THOUGHTS KXCITF.i:
BY TIJK LATK KC I.I VoC.

A total rcif'fise of that Imuina-
rv, which is not onlv ilic i-i-vin e
of light and heat to the ivlubc we
inliubit, hut the life ;jul s(iiil of
our system, is an event of such
rare occurrence, as v. ell j>.s so
grand and sublime in ilseif, as
naturaliv to command a serious
and interested noiicc. It would
be well, if the idea** and fcelin'/s.
v,hich such events are calculated
to excite, might oftennr rr*/
on the mi lid ; :tnd espc'i.iii)*, if
thev miirlit i)ecome su"')''...rvient
to our moral and reliirious im-
provemeni.

J'.clipses, particrdarly tho'-e ot
the sun, :ire amonp; the nio^;
voir:rii and iniPixssi\e sneclu-

84 Th&ughxs en the late Eclipse. {.J^fyw

cles, which the vrorid of nature that they can be previously cal*

pretents* In ages of ignorance culated with the greatest cet*-*

and superstition, they huve been tainty and precision. Instead of

regarded with surprise and hor- violating the arrangement estab-'

tor. They have been converted lished by Heaven, they stvongiy

into presages of wars and desola- confirm and display it. Thejr

tionSf of public calamities and in- are constant monitors of an ev-

dividual disasters. Nor does it er presenti overraling Power,

appear strange* either that a sustaining ihe world*, and prei*'*

gloomy imaginationy or thai con- serving unimpaired that perieet'

scious guilt, should have made order and harmony, which It-

this use of them. It is not a originally established; Nor ham

thing unknown, or unusual, even we any reason to confine tfaia

in our own enlightened age and sustaining and governing Provt^

country, that they have been dence to the system of which

productive of terror and conster- our globe makes a part. It can--

nation. Nor indeed, bec|U9e liot rationally be believed that

they are perfectly agreeable to those numberless stars, wMdi

the regular course of nature, and occupy the vast expanse of hea-

can be demonstrated to result ven, were made only to dart a'

from established laws, does it few feeble rays of light on car

follow that they claim no special earth. It is much more natural

and serious notice. AH the to consider them as suns, sur^-

worka of the Lordy as they are rounded by inhabited planetSy

great^ so they arc nought cut of and communicating to them the

thoscj vfho have pleasure therein, blessings of light and heat.

Nor would it be didicuit to shew '^ What an august, what

that these, more particularly, are amazing conception,** says one« '

calcululcd to lead us into a field '^ does this give us of the works

of profitable and pious coatcni- of the Creator ! Thousands

plntion. As this is my present of thousands of suns, at hn«

clesi:2,Mi it will not be expected nieuso distances from each oth-

that i!.c oubjoct be handled in a or, attended by ten thouaancT

way 01 piillosuphlcal disquisi-> times ten thousand worlds,' all in

tiuu. Such specuAUtious would, rapid motion, yet calm, I'egulart

in every view, be unsuitable to and harmonious, invariably keep-

the place and occasion. ingthe paths prescribed them ;

May it not, however, be prop-« and these worlds peopled with

erly remarked, in the first place, myriads of intelligent beings,

tiiat the lutu pl.cnonieuon culls formed for endless progression

our admlrinjr attention to the in perfection and felicity." Rapt

perfect re)!;uJuL'ily and harmony, into such contemplations, we

which reign in the natural may well add, in the words of

Morld ? It is true, that many of the same writer ; " If so much

the less informed consider |p- power, wisdom, goodness, and

pcaranccs as ]>reteraatural and magnificence is displayed in tbo .

miraculous, liut the fact is, that material creation, which is the

they taku place according to least considerable part of the

ftlated and invariable rules ; cs is universe, how great, how wise,

CviUur.L from this circuui stance, how good , must He .bc^ ^^vha^

l«6.]

T/iMghts tm the late Eclipse.

made nd gofcrn^ the whole !"—
^hift leadi ui>

a. To a very mortifying and
humbliiig thought. How deplor-
able is the inattention and insen-
ubilily of man 1 We are aur-
nmndedton every sidet and in
cvciy moment of our ezistence*
with niiiiiberleaa demonsirationa
of tbo bongi the per&etiona and
bencfi^ciice of IJeity ; and yet
oA^^rlook and nei^t them.
Soch an oxtnordinary phenome*
noB as we aaw the laat week*
rouaea oor attention for a mo-
ment* aadf aa it wevei forces a
Gfid ufoa our thoughta. But
noat Che aua be Teil«i ia dark-
11C8B1 to make ua feel there is a
God ? Doea not the same sun,
riaing in cloudless majesty, tri-
^rrr***"C in meridian splendor,
andaeSting with a softened effuU
g^BOOi emphatically proclaim
)ua llaker and oursytand call na
to the firelieK sentiments of
Tcvention and love I Is not the
whole fibril of nature a stupen-
dow and^ beautiful temple, in
wUcV every rational creature
tho^ld he found a prostrate wor-
ahigpcri glowing with every ten-
deTf gntei'ul sensibility \ Whith-
er can we turn our eyes, and not
behold the brightest evidencea
. of the Creator*a goodness, and
our own numberless obligationa \
Hia ia the air we brcathet the
gnmwi we tread, the food we
eat, and the stream that slakes
our thirst. In thee, O God, we
live; and auch is thine over-
sowing bounty, diat

*>.-iiot content
With every Ibod ^f life to nourish

maui,
Tbea mik'st all nature besuty to

hu cjre.
And music to his ear !

Whore then are the humble,
gratr&i) returns, whkh we owe ?

Where the love, the devotion,
the obedience, which creatures
should render to their Creator,
and beneficiaries to their infin-
ite Beneftctor I Alas ! the very
profusion of our blessings con-
ceals from our inattentive, stu-
pid minds, the Giver's hand. In
the unvaried, uninterrupted ten*
or of our mercies j we basely find
a pretext for thoughtlessness and
ingratitude. A great portion of
mankind, we have reason to ap-
prehend, would sink into abso*
lute atheism, were they not re-
minded, in methods awfully in-
telligible and impressive, that
there is a God, who rules above,
and who holds the universe in
his hands.

3. Should not the late solemn
appearance of the heavens call
back our minds to contemplate
the most solemn and interesting
scene ever exhibited on this
earth ; I mean, the crucifixion
of the Saviour, with the dark-
ness, which attended it ? That
darkness, it is true, was alto-
gether supernatural. As it took
pUce at the time of the Jewish
passover, which was celebrated
9XfuU moofh it could not proceed
from a proper eclipse of the sun.
Beside, it is well ascertained,
that in no solar eclipse, does the
total obscurity continue beyond
four minutes; whereas, at the
crucifixion, the darkness lasted
three hours. Whether this
darkness were greater, or less,
than that which we recently wit*
nessed, cannot be easily deter-
mined. But doubtless, some of ui
were led by what we saw, to revert
back to the amazing scene, and
assisted to attain a livelier idea
of It, than we ever had before.
It is proper that we should all
thus improve Jt. O my brelh'-

Selections.

Ten ! let us this dayi in solemn
contemplationy pay a visit to
Calvary. Let us endeavour by
faith to behold a scene, which
yonder sun refused to witness.
Ah,

Well might the sun in dftrlmeis hide.

And shut his g^lories in.
When God, the mighty Mtker, dy'd

For man, the crcature^s tin.

Doubtless, the darkness, which
overspread the sun, was em*
blematical of that horror, which
filled the human soul of the im^
maculate Jesus. His heavenly
Father stood aloof. Not only
did earth refuse its pity, but hea**
vcn withheld its consolations.
This was the bitterest ingredient
in his bitter cup. What tongue
can describe, or imagination con^
ceive, the sensations of the di-
vine Sufferer, when, during
three hours of silent horror, he
retired within himself, received
in his spotless soul the awful
impressions of that wrath, which
was due to sin, and at the same
time, mainuined a conflict with
all the principalities and powers
of darkness ? Oh, what a critia
was that, in human destiny !
How pregnant with salvation
and felicity to millions of hum-
ble believers, and with aggravat-
ed, intolerable perdition to every

stout hearted, impeniten
O Christians ! meditf
with wonder, love and |
on the suffering Savii
drank the cup of tremb
he might put into yoi
the cup of consolation,
auishcd the powers of
that you too might evei
triumph over them, j
agonies of crucifixion, 1
ed the hidings of hi^
ffice, that you might c
beatific smile of his cot
in death, and to all etei
ye, who reject the Savii
you hear these things u
Are they nothing to yc
the Son of God expii
ony ; shall the very ho
on the attire of moumii
yonder luminary avert
from the awful scene ;
earth tremble with am
and the solid rocks re
der ; and can you stil
unmoved ?*— O, at lei
lent ! Flee from that ..
heard of wrath, which
not sustain ; and rej
your repentance, the
that compassionate
whom you have so Ion|
by your sins.

( To be continued

^electionier.

fra(;mi:nts.

AViiir.n Israel marched thro'
the wilderncsfi, the blackest
iu|>ht had a pillnr of lire, and the
l»i'ightcsi day a pillar of cloud.
So, in this world, things never
^ so well Tilth Choirs Israel, but

they have still ^ome
groan under : nor so ill
have still some comf<
thankful for. In the
militant, as in the ar]
there are both a rod an<
iimnna.

Dr . Afov}tnuth*t C^ain of

iM.]

Selections. . . . Anecdote.

Ir we would veil understand
the Scripture!, we must beitovr
pains 10 comparing one part with
another ; for the Lord seems to
hare amnged theniy as they are,
parpOKlfi to exercise pur dili-
gence, and to distinguish thosey
who Value the knowledge of the
truth from such as do not.
(ProT. H: 1 — 9.)

Sooft't yotes on thi B'lbltt
■ JTmr. chap, 32.

ancDOTB.

* -

Tn fallowing communication
is tm a gantlemany on whosii
aolhsrilf the reader may place
theiAost unreKrved reliance.

It was my lot, some years ago,
■coHiflMlly to meet a disciple of
ththle Dr. Darwin, who liad
4ni«k so deeply into the system
aadipiriliif his master, that he
miijsrsd him the very first po^
a.ind philoaopher of the age.
ihsvc heard him expatiate with
Mtfhmiasm on the writings and
thiisdai of that deist, and, in
fhcniM conreraation revile the
Holf Scriptures, with all the
>SBt of vulgar blasphemy.

Of all the examples of a mind

mncipaEed from religious and

oonl restraint I ever met with,

tUs unhappy man was the most

^SBOsive. His conversation,

tlMNigh abundantly larded with

tbe cant and slang of the new

philosophy, was lewd, profane,

|mI conceited \ and when infuri*

9lod by aeal for his principles,

(which happpened as often as

they were opposed) every rule of

deconun was trampled under

fcot^ he appeared on such oc-

casions, neither to ^' fear God, nor
to regard mi^."

A few months after my last in*
terview with him, I was informed
that he was no more ! Struck
with the event, I was solicitous
to know how such a man would
die ! The amount of my inform-
ation was, that, as death approach-
ed the confidence he had before
expressed in his deistical opinions
forsook him, and in its place a
deep horror seized his mind ! A
short time before his departure,
supposing himself quite alone,
he was overheard by an unobserv-
ed friend, giving vent to the ago-
nies of a tortured conscience.
With furious despair he expostu-
lated with the man, (Dr. D.)
whom he noW reproached as his
deceiver ; and, afler loading his
name with execrations, which I
dare not put upon paper, he
closed the horrid remonstrance
in such terms as the following ;
" Monster ! wretch ! Is this the
end of your boasted philosophy \
Have you brought me to this ?'*

Reader I though such exam-
ples are seldom brought for-
ward, you are not hastily to in«
fer that they rarely happen, or
that the principles of modern
infidelity do not lead to such
melancholy issues. The ten*
demess of survivors may oflen
coAceal the dismal story ; and
even when such men leave the
world with composure, we should
remember there are such judg-
ments denounced against obsti-
nate opposers of revelation, as a
** seared conscience,** and a
** reprobate mind !" How diflcr-
ent the end of those, who
^ sleep in Jesus V* M.

Chris linn Ahg.

Mr. Hookcr^s Sermon.

EeDteto of Beto putUcattonjer.

Tlic immoral and fiemicioua tc7i'

dcncy of error, lUuttratcd in

a aermon at the ordination of

the Hex*. Jamea Beach, to the

fiaatoral care of the church in

Winated. Jan. i. 1806. By

jisAMEL Hooker^ A. M, Paa-

tor of the church in Goahen,

Hartford, Lincoln Sc Gleason.

Feb. 1806.

Evil communications corrupt good
manners, 1 Cor. xv. 33.

After a very proper intro-
duction, the author gives this as
the doctrine of the text. Aa groaa
trrora are deatructive of good
morals^ they are neceaaarily hoatile
to true religion,^ It is a rule laid
down by the most approved wri-
ters on sermonizin^r, that the
doctrine, or leading sentiment
of the discourse be expressed in
as few and simple terms as possi-
ble. It is, therefore, queried,
^whether the great sentiment of
the text, and of the discourse
might not, with more propriety,
have been expressed in some
such manner as this ; wrong the-
%ry ia productive of wrong /irac-
tice ; or thus, erroncoua acnti-
fncnta lead to vjtcked actiona.

The author's plan is to illus-
trate the doctrine, not by ab-
stract reasoning, but by examin-
ing several gross and dangerous
errors, which abound at the pre-
sent day. This method is not
without its advantages. The
author governs himself by the
favourite maxim of a divine,
whose memory is highly respec-
ted in New England ; that it ia
tn# important branch qfminiutcrial

faithfulneaaj to ofipoae tht
of the timea. Still we ar
to wonder, that the writ
tents himself before tii<
doctrine of the apostle, wi
examining a few gross a
gcrous errors. It woul
contributed much to the i
the sermon, already exce
the ingenious author had
taken to prove, by some
arguments, the conncx
twecn wrong theory and
practice . This conne x ioi
have been invincibly argu
the proneness of mankim
what their judgment a[
or to act according to thi
viction. It might have 1
gued from the vigilance
spi ration to guard us
erroneous sentiments, as
a^;ainst wicked actions. ]
have been argued toe
the conduct of many ind
both in the churchi and
world.

Though we suggest
additions, we do not for
narrow limits of a sin]
course.

The plan adopted is e
with ability. The fin
mentioned, as of a pc
tendency, is Deiam. Th<
is the error of the Univt
It is satisfactorily provi
mankind, as they are, v
occasion from this sch<
believedy to sin with the
greediness. This is, i
the spirit of his reason
the hearts of men arc ful
them to do evil, bccau<;e f

1806.J

Nf\ Hookcr^s Sermon.

against them is not speedily
executed ; hovr much more will
they be set on evil» if they be-
lieve the sentence will never be
executed.

"The Most Hiffh said of the false
pmphet* of r>ld, they have ttrengthened
the /udhU ^ the tcicM, that he thoiUd
wt rkpart from hin xsicM xvaj, nv
rtoxisixo HIM LTFK. Nor IS it ca-
iy'to pcTceive in ^*hat Ttspccts the
doctrinea which teaches the salvation
of all men, of all characters, and
vhicb, of coune, makes it d(!]>eud on
■0 cooditions, is a \ihit less iniinurul
ind pemicious in its tenvlmcy, than
tile doctrine of the foors hrnrt, r/rrre
if no God, The lather of lies, who
was a nunlerer from the bci^-inning*
and ibode not in the trutli, doubtless
apprehended the real tciidi.Mir\ of the
doctrine in question, anil Hi*st pre:ich-
cditlD mankind with dire eKcct. The
WMWqiii lite of their beiie\iii|7 it» and
•ctiay on a presumption uf its beinc
true, wu the apo&ta>y and luiki of ihc
httmin race."

The third false opinion men-
tioned isy that the dt/ucvifu ff
mmkind arUea frttm fhdr i^rrj-
fwfr of the truth. The author
ihowi that this sentiment is con-
tmyto plain scripture dccl.u'a-
tioni, and that it implies that
mmiiby nature holy^ and needs
IMC to be renewed by the yrace
of God; and, accordingly, that
the sentiment is suited to cherish
his pride and make him pure in
lus own eyes.

The author finally notices the
QJHmon of those, who deny the
dirine institution and perpetuul
obligation of the Christian Sub-
Iwth. In a note he suj^gests, that
▼bit has been advanced concem-
iog a few gross errors is equally
ipplicaUe to others.

A number of interesting re-
Sections close the discourse.

" 1. We may hence tee the fatal ten-
^atj <f modern liberaiitf. 'this lihe-
lality, when examined by the li^^ht of
difine truth, is found to be a sort of
comprtnnise between the various
Vol.11. No. 2. N

friends of error and irrcligion. In
tliis compromise it is a^n.-cd to ex-
tend their full charity to one another,
however difierent tlicir opinions, and
even to all mankind, except tliose,
who maintain an essential ditfercnce
between rig-ht and wrong", between
tnuh and error, and who thence con-
tend earnestly for the faitli once de-
livered to the saints. As this won-
derful liberality is fovmilcd in a deep
rooted love of darkness, it renders
men no less opposed to a candid, im-
pai'tlal, and pnoerfid investij^ation of
moral and relijjious s'.ibjects, than t-j
that teachable ar.d humble spirit,
^ hich is es.seiitial to reeei ving the trii< \\
in the luve of it. T!ie ge:<nia ul" this
liberality is distlnjjuislied by such
maxiuKS as this ; it ia no matter \i:hat
mf^n he'itWt if the'-' arc but jIticc c in
theii b^Htf 'II lis v.gnl, i:.-:ctre, is
the b'lji, v.-hi. h is «!i signed to cou-
cerd the dertitlnl und fatid snnre.
By bcini? sinrerc, in ti.c pre.«ent ca:i.»,
n.nliiri'.j l'.;tii.'r cimi be correctly in-
tended, tlian nien's re:.ily believing
wlut ilicy prtifess to bLlicve. B-t
prote-tsiii;;, or not professing:, c^n
nev.:r i.lter thr nature of t!:e:r beliei",
or of the lhin«;s believed. Ilcnce,
strippinj^ their Lnjjuag-e <.f di«cruise,
this is the doctrine, vliichthev in-
ti'nd to i'v.ii"'.ain, th.it it *? \o mnttsr
K'chiit ^'.'fi /'^.V.'.'.r, <'■;■ "i/:.;: they J.\lc-
/iere, and tlu-iefDre, ihj't t!;cy art i.ot
accountable to God for j.ny si'ini-
mcnts, \\hioh they are pleii-.cd t«M oj-
bracc. S'-m*" men use ..iiis l.in^uaf^o,
who dare not a>ow thcmsehes ihc
open and unt-qui\t>cal achersarics of
relig-ion, and of morals. But niijcht
they iiot avow this, consistently w itli
truth ? And would they not do it,
wei*e they not, for the present, less
bidd, than imi)ious ; or nifjrc afraid
of nun, llian of God ? If it be no mat-
ter what men believe, thev mav be-
llcvc that the doctrine of an ull-fier-
fect Deity, who is tlie Creator, the
Governor, and the Judj^-e of thu
world, is a mei-e chinura of supersti-
tion. Thev mav, in lihe manner, dis-
believe the record, whivh God hutli
given of his Son, or embrace any oth-
er opinion, however j;n.'.s>iy errone-
ous, and utterly subversive of th^
Christian faith. When sir.utened for
arguments to sup.port their libcrahty
in ail its absurd and h'.'rrid conse-
(juei.ce'., they will plead ikelr own

Mr. Hooker^s Sermon*

cause, by asserting*, that they cannot
alter their belief, and thut, Uicrctbrc,
it cannut be sinful. Aiul witU :i lit-
tle moi'c hardihood, but with no more
absurdity or impiety, they may pro-
coed to assert tlic same in respect to
wy vicesi in which they are plcav^d
to indulge. They are not more vol-
mitary in the prrvcliee of thcs».t vices^
than m embracing those kcntimenU,
\(rhich are bcUcveil for no other rea-
son, thun their a^'eement with the
feclinf^s of a proud» sensual, and de-
praved heart.

*• The liberal doctrine of modern
times takes for granted what is pal-
pably fabe, that there is no comiex-
ion between men*s sentiments and
their hearts, and between their haorts
and their practice. They never act
understandingly, in embracing false
and inmioral opinIui2«, but from an
answerable frame of siHrit. Il is true,
men often become much more de-
praved and immoral in their lives, in
consequence of embracing those
sentiments, which justify inimor:dity
and irreligion, and which arc thence
iuitcd to draw forth the latent scuds
of sensuality, pride, env\, revenge,
and impiety. But in olher cases,
thosci whose crimes have got before-
hand of their speculative opinions^
are found plunging suddenly into tlie
darkness of gross error, thut the hid-
eous deformity of their characters
may be concealed from the view of
their conscienres, and no longer dis-
turb thcm^ with the guilty forebodlQg:^
of infinite wrath.

** Argain, that mode of reasoning,
which makes all soi*t3 of opinio'is in-
nocent,, might do the aamo, as con-
sistently, in respect to all soits of
actions. The sentiments, which men
embrace on moral and religious sub-
jects, arc their rules of moral conduct.
Hvery man, therefore, who justifies
ern>rs in opinion,. must, if cruisistent,
justify the same,, when carried, into
practice . This agrees not only with
t!ii' temlency of erroneous sentiments,
hut witli the evident design of num-
beii in embrai-in[; tliem, and with
t!u- habitual conduct of many. They
en; brace error witli the sole view of
fir. ling in it a cloak for their sins.
Mjiny labour to disbelieve the moral
^orcrnment of God, and even his ex-
ikt^Bce, bccaust they are in love with

practical atheism^ They
set aside the doctrines, aiu
reality of u divine revclatio
tiicy wish to live in such
Ml fills them witli horror,
scntcd with the awful pros
iug arraigned at tlie tribun
ven. Accordingly, the
which maintains tlic innc>c<
opinions, is a motit inxidioii:
the pure and imdeiiled reli,
gospel, and being tnuvers
ted, would be soon iullowu
universal destruction of 1
and the happiness of manl
world, and of their souls ii
to come."

In the second infei
author points out the
which we mnst asc
alarming prevalence ol
irrelig;ion. He ment
communications, or cor
cipleSf as having a cl
encc.

In the third place
very naturally, the ii
not merely of shunni:
lent errors and vicesy \
ing tJie best measures
tliem, and to counte:

pernicious influence.

" It will pcrliaps be sai
live in a land of libcrtv, v
man enjtiys the right of f!
exprcdsing hiik own opinic
But God has invc;sted no
the right of calling evil g«
his errors are kejit tc
much leas the right of com
the fbid contagion of the
around him. All men ai-e i
to God for the sentime
they embrace, and which
cate on otliers. Nor hai
more rigfht," on the princfj
and benevolence, ^ to
those evil communicati>
corrupt good maimers, th
tise those iTag^ant al:
which are at once an ir
Majeity of the universe,
tack on the peace and aai
kind."

The occasional adi
the close are marked '

I606.J

ReJigious InteUi^cme.

»1

neoce, solemsity, and Christian
tenderness. On the whole we
cannot forbear saving) that this
sermooi both in the importance

of the matter, and in the propri*
cty of the manner, far excels the
generality of sermons on sim-
ilar occasions.

BeUgiou^ JntcUtgence>

TAff Generai Asiemhly rfthe Preshy-
terian Ckurtfi, at thciir annual tcstiom
in May, are in the practice of receiving
Mccountt rf the ttate cf Jfeligioiifjrom
t\e mcmbert rep rest- at ing the vuriout
farti ^ their ecc/etiastica/ furitJiaion,
and vj etmdetuing and publishing these
ccccnrj in thefurfn ofu Report. The
JoUaoing is their Report for May h,^t.

The Assembly have licnnl with
pleanre, accounts from the cast and
VYSt, the north and south, ]>ruclainiiiig
the triumphs of the Redeemer, in the
cxtenikm and prosperity of his king--
dom in oar coiintr}' .

The Assembly ha'.c received an
iAfwenion of the most plcasinj^ kind
ftoim the inlcUigence that there is, in
ahnoit e!terj quarttr, a general ^ and in
MUK parts «4* our churcii, an increased
attention to the public ^ orship ot*Go<l :
thit there exists a spirit of inquiry' in
Rgardto religious trutli, and a more
fcnend com iction that the ]x>\i'cr ftf
godlinnt is neccssar)* to stamp val-
won hi (firm.

AiMciatioos for prayer and reading
*h* iwly Scriptures, have, it apf)ears,
l^esthe means frequently blessed by
Goditopresen'e the very existence of
Kligian, in places destitute of the
ptaching of the ^pel, and the full
adniniitration ot its ordinances.
Such UBOciatinns have happily pre-
l^itdthe people for the labours of the
pious missionary', vlio tlius came wp-
Aground, as it were, alix'oxly broken
vp, and proBtabiy scattered the good
•ccd ot the Html.'

The Asscmhiv have also lieard with

ffTf at satisfaction, thai the catechising

of chiHren and others, has, in certain

pwts of our church, been pruciiscd

*)th more than o-.-dinary cjie, and

*ith that desirable success, v.hicli

Slav ever be expected tt» follow u suit -

aklc rceard to tiiis most iiuiH}rtaiii du-
tr.

With heartfelt pleasure the Aasem-
bly bear Icstimonv lo the charitable
exertions made by sonic of their
chtirchcs, for the relief of tlic poor,
and for the maintenance of the holy
ministry. They rejoice to find that
the oitlinances of the gospel are, in
gcnendi attended with punctualil} and
eanu'stnesjj. They regret, however,
that in »ome parucutani, lhe> :ire coni-
pejlcvl to U.SC t!ie lanp^uap;e of rcpre-
hen-iion. It is with puintlicy observe
it to be the practice of too niany, in
some of their cluirches, tu%ttcnd di-
vitic service only on «wc])ait of the d|y,
to the neglect or contempt of the re-
maining part. Against this practice,
so injurious to the spiritual interests
of their [leople ; so entirely inconsist-
ent with the Christian i.haractcr and
]jri\ileges, they think it no more than
th».ir duty toiemniy to protest. And
thev do most aflectionutclv beseech
all who are conscious of delinquency
in this respect, no longer to withhold
from God any portion of that timi-,
which he hath specially consecrated to
his own service.

We live at a time when it becomes
a duty peculiarly incumbent, to " con-
tend earnestlv for the faith once deliv-
ered to the saints." It will, however,
be n^mcmbered, that the sacred cause
of truth can never be promoted by
siigi'y contrrtversy, or railing accusa-
tion. It is therefore recommended
to the churches, to vindicate the tnitli,
not only by sound and temperate dis-
cuartion, but also and especially, by the
manifestation of its sanclifunj; ard
transforming power over the life and
conversation ; a:»'.i by evincing, timt,
" the like niin«l is in us wliich was ii\
Christ Jesus our Lord."

It should ever be recollected, that
errcir in<loctrine haih a native teiulen<.
c\ lo pi-odiico inunorality in practice j
and therefore, iJ»at we should not be
•airricd about b\ every wind of doc«

Literary JnteU'tgence.

trine. Let us prnve all things, and
hdld fast that which is good. Tliis
caution, it is hoped, will be received
with attention and solemnity, inas-
much as the church has been of late
invaded by eri-ors wluch strike at the
very foundation of our faith and hope,
such as the denial of the Godhead,
and atonement of tlie blessed Re-
deemer, the subjection of holy Scrip-
ture to tlie most extravagant impulses
of tlie heart of man. These and other
errors of a dangerous nature, have
been industriuusly, and, alas ! that
the Assembly should be constrained
to add, in some portions of our coun-
try, too successfully disseminated.

It is believed that in the revivals of
late years, many have been added to
the church of such as shall be sa\cd.
Many, who, stcdfast in the Christian
life, seek to adorn tlic doctrine of
Go<l their Saviour in all things. For
this, let thi Giver of every gocMl, and
every perfect gift, be praised. These
happy subjects of divine grace ai'e
exhorted to " hold fast that, which tliey
have received, that no man take tlieir
crown;" to "be faithful unto death,
that they may obtain a crown of life."

But as it has often occurred, in for-
mer periods of the church, so there is
reason to believe, it has Iiappened
with respect to these effusions of the
Spirit'9 gracious influences. Trans-
formed into an an ";cl of light, the enemy
of souls hatli endeavoured to mar the
glorious display of divine operations,
hy inciting to the most absiu^l and
extravagant outraj^es upon Christian
sobriety and decorum.

The Assembly beseech al
p«:ople to bear in mind, that ,
allow themselves to abandon 1
erring guidance of Goil'a
word, they will inevitably heco
prey of ignorance, supcrstiti>
fanatici:»m. " Bodily exercise
eth little." The mind sown w
seed of the wurd; the smiI n
by tlie Holy Spirit ; these
these entitle a man to tlie ch
of being truly religious : and ^
ever has . not a tendency to >
and promote tine religion, ia
stant as the wind, and light
chaff it scatters.

The assembly are happy i
that their observations on th<
perity of the chiuxh, and the
able position of rcligi:)us affair
rail}', were not meant to be c
to the presby lories under thei
they comprehend also the a
things witlun tiie bounds of tl
oral Association of Comiectic
among tlie Congregational cl
in tlie state of Vcrm.mt, whi
interests of Chriat*s kingdom
to pi*ospcr.

On the whole, they commei
beloved people to the grace (
praying the great Head >
church to vouchsafe to tJiem
ther days of refreshing fn
presence. Exalted Redeemer,
water on tlie thirsty ; flooils o
upon tlie dr>- g^und ; thy S;
our seed, and thy blessing
offspring ; that they may f^ro
grass, and as willows by th(
courses." Amen.

literati) 3intcUigcncc»

FOREIGN.

KTANCrtTTRiT, the l.nst year, pub-
lished at Paris, '•Travels in Hanovor,
in the years 1803, 1804." Amoi^.:;
other informatioivof value, is the [\\.
lowing, viz. That only two religion.^
are known in Hanover, Judaisi-.i, and
Christianity, which latter is divided
into the Catholic, the Calvinist, and
the Lutheran persuasions. Before the
union of Oinaburgh with the Electo-
rate, the Jews were the most numrr-
ou bo4y After the Luthenms. They

liave hero, as every whcrr else
mercial disposition. In theg
ios they are hjnkers; in the
nirniy of tli^m aix; htitchers
chiklrcn partake in the advan
] iibl.'c instruction. There a]
Catholics in Hanover ; the
tv.enty timcrt more numerous,
ry ago. They have adopted
ligion of the prince. Calvi
scarcely ever mentioned in I-
Lutheranism prevails tlirougl

1806.]

Literary TntcUigcfKC,

Electorate. The Elector is the chief
of thi* persuasion ; in his ahsencc, the
second minister, who presides in the
ConsistoT)', inspects the other sects.
The wlioie of the ecclesiastical estub-
lishment announces the prevalence of
toleration. It is true, tliat the Lu-
theran ministers receive |)an of the
incomes formerly appropriated to iFic
Catholics, but the destinatiun of the
benefactions is not chan^d, thoug-h
communicated by difiercnt liaiids.
The salaries of these ministers are
respectable but moderate ; and
the clergy, in general, is most favour-
sUy and honourably spoken of by this
!ntveIler,.who commends their atten-
tion to study, their manners, their
limpAlcity, and their attachmr.nt to
th^ country. The University of Got-
tingen, and other public literary estab-
lishments, are supported partly by the
iiumer revenues of certain gre:ii ticno-
fces, DOW secularized, and partly by
otber Romish cndoM mcnts, now sup-
pKSsed. '

Among the literary pro'iuctiuns
of Gennany, which liave lately excited
geiienl attention, is a work recently
inblished in Leipzig by Dr. Julm
Chaxles Woetzel; in which he af-
finuver}' positively, that his departed
vife has twice appeared to him . The
first tifflCy he says, was during the

r; the second in open day -light,
he was perfectly awake. He
ssyi, die spoke to him in an audible
TYHce. The author brings philosnjihi-
cadugumenti in proof oi the pobsiliil-
ity of luch a fact. He published this
vork It first without his name, but
being publicly called on to avow him-
•df, he obeyed, and added *< Further
Explanations,'* in a second pamphlet.
On a subject like this, opponents were
to be expected of course. Among
these aie enumerated, 1st. Canulich*s
Thoughts respecting the human coul,
its existence and appcai'unce after
death. Leipzig. 1805. 2d. CheU
BQth*s Epistle to Dr. W. relative to
Ws wife's appcarinjCi &c. 5d. Wie-
bnd*s Euthanasia, three dialogues, on
ttistenre after death, &r.

All these authors insist tliat Dr. W.
*is purtly deceived by c»tliers,
Ptftly dehidcd by his aw w iinapnation.
They adduce arguments fro m m(>ral
sod natural philusn];hy, in opposition
to his hypothesis, and, indeed, are led
^ the onpuUe of their opposition^ to

promulgate principles subversive of
truth iistlf. Wieland evcJi thinks
that departed spirits know nothing of
their former relations and affections.
In viedio tutuchnut. That the de-
parted spirit should associate itself
wiUi tiie aflairs of this life would im-
ply a very impel feet separation from
its earthly residence. On the other
hand, to suppose that it Khtjuld have
no recollection whatever of \hn
"deeds done in the bod\," amourtK
to a denial lof the retribution jii.<tly
due to virtue and vice ; a scii!>e cf
which seems to be almost instinctive
in tlie hun.an mind, which the wiser
heathen admitted and expected, and
which is one of the very foundations
of Chi'istianitv. '

A MilitaiT Almanack for 1805, with
plates. 12mo. lias been publi.>hcd at
Berlin.

This work offers, nmong other arti-
cles, a report on the new organization
of the Austrian army, and iis present
stale. The following enumeration is
founded on con*ect authorities.

Men.
Infantry of the line - - - 207,278
Infantry in garrison - - - 6,332
Light infantry ----- 56,988

Cavalrv - - ' 34,705

Artillery 14,569

Total 319,872
The author also communicates in-
formation on the condition and organ-
ization of the Russian army, in its
present state. He calculates its
amount at 425,000 men: whereas
Storch, who appears to have obtained
more accurate estimates, gives
493,000, for its tnic total. This work
contains other articles interesting to
military men : wiUi plates and a map.
Tyi-oler Almanack : The Ty-
rol Almanack for 1805. Among
other information, as well historical :is
local, this number states the popular
tion of the T\to1, in«'ludingthe hishop-
ricrs of Trent and Brixen, at 686,466
inhalntaiits in the year 1804.

The citv of Lindau was ceded to
Austria in that vcar.

Eisav on the ScJavonian inhublfants of
list' Austiiiin tnoi.archy. By J'>-
j-*'ph Roiirc r.

Under tije gincral name of Sclave.i,
or Sclavonians, the author incindcs
Murlachians, Croatvs, Sclav uniant^

List ofNev.' Pnblications.

Wendrscans, Mazaracians, Gora-
lianSy Hanacians, Copaniczan, and
Czechs. Most of these reside in tlie
mountainous parts ; are of robiust
constitutions, and capable of support-
injf the fatigues or militaiy duty.
Their whole number is estimated at

14,115,071. The Sclavonians
county of Arre, furnish the
portly g^narllers of the Austri
my. ' Tliey hav« some industi^
much remains to be done to i
their civilization complete.

j?c. Rex

Liieit of l^etQ pubitcatton?.

pRECXOirs Tnith; or, some points
in fpspcl doctrine vindicatdd: in a
series of letters addressed to Chris-
tians of every denomination. By
Rev. John Anderson. To which is
added, " The stone rolled away," a
sermon. Pittsburgh. Zadok Cramer.

An Inaugural Oration, dcli\crcd at
the AuthoPs Installation, as Boyl&ton
professor of rhetoric and oratory,
at Harvard univcr&it\, in Cambridge,
Massachusetts. By John Qjiincy
Adams. Boston, 1806. Muiut>e and
Francis.

A discourse, occasioned by the
death of Thomas Allen, jun. Esq.
one of the representatives of the
town of Pilt:ificld in the Gcnt-ral
Court of the Commonwealth of Mas-
sachusetts, who died in Boston,
March 22, 1806. By Thomas Allen,
A. M. pastor of tlje church in Pitts-
lield. 8vo. Pittsfield. P. Alien.

Letters addressed to the editor of
*' a collection of tlie essays on the
subject of Episcopacy, \rhich origi-
nally appeared in tlie' Albany Ccnti-
nd, with additional mitcs and 1*6-
niarks." Alb.iny. Backus and Whit-
ing.

A sermon delivered on the last
Thanks jciving, at Washington, Ma.ss.
By W. G. Ballaniine, A. M. Stock-
bridge.

A discourse on sacred music, de-
livered before the Essex Musictd
Association at their annual meeting,
Boxford, S'.f)tember 10, 18J4. By
Leonard Woods, A. ^L Saleni.
Joshua Cashing.

A geographical chart of the princi-
pal states atid kingrlonis of rheknow.i
ivorJd. Anihen,t, N. H. J:).seph
Cashing.

The secret historv of the Court of
5t. Cloutl, a new and highly inlcn-bt-
ir.^ wfuk. I. Wiitis, Pfiil.'.dilpliia,
and I. Riley and Co. New York.

A sermon delivered at Hingham,
Lftrd'a day, May 5, 1805. B; lleii-
ry Ware, A. M. Owca&ioncU by y^

dissolution of his pastoral relal
the First Church of Chri.st in
ham, and removal to the office o
fcssor of Divinity in the univen
Cambridge. Bohton. E. Line

The three first vuhimes of tl
and pontificate of Leo the
Bv William Hoscoe. 8vo. pi
vol. 464 ; 3d vol. 422 : 3d vol
Philadelpliia. Lorenzo Prea»
Bror.son.

Letters from Europe, duri
tour through Switzerland and
in the years 1801 and 1802. W
bv a native of Pennsvlvania. 1
vdliimes. Philadelphia. A. Ba
and T. Dobson. 1805.

A sermon, preached before
Massachusetts Missionarv Socic
their annual meeting in Boston^
28, 1805. By Paul Litchfield, .
Saleui. Joslma Cu.shing.

Sacred and profane history
mlzeil ; with a continuation of
eru history to tlie present time
vi^liich is added, an account c
feudal system, the cnisrulcs, c
Y\\ the rcibnnation and the revi
learning. By fienjamin Tl
Pliihulelphia. Jacob Jolmson.

A new \ ear's .sermi>n, delivei
Duxborough, by the pastor o
church in that place. 1806.

A syllabus of the history of
land ; to which is appended, a
through tl»e southern prtrts of <
Britain, designed to aid i!ic pu
acquiring a knowledge of sou
the principal cities, towns, p!
manufactories, and natural cu
tics of En|,dand. By Stephen
djngtim, principal of Union acac
Philadi'lpliia. D. Hogan.

A sermon i>reaeJu;d before
Mas:3ar!iusetts Missionary Soci4
their annual meeting in Boston,
XV, 1806. By Joseph Bai-kcr, A
Salem. H. P-iol.

The j>oems of Ossian, trans
by James Macphcrson, Esq. 9
12m'j. Price S 3,25. First Amc

1806.J

Instii/Iation. . . . Obituary.

edition. New York. I.andT. Ron-
als ud Evert Duvckinck.

The char)r£:& of Jean Baptiste Mas-
lillon, Bishop of Clc/iriunt, udilresscd
to Ilia clcig}*: to uliich ure :ul<4cd,
tuoeu&ys, tlie one p:irt on the art of
prt-Arhmi^, and the othur on the com-
jHjsitionofa Bcrnion. By Rev. The-
ophilus St. John. 8vo. 1 vol. Ncvi'
York. Brisban and Braiuian.

GjJ the Guardian of the poor, and
the bank of faitli ; or, a itisplay of
tile providences of God, which have
ui suodry times attended the author,
b t«o patU. By William Huntlng-
tAn. Frcim the 7th London edition.
8to. pn. ^1. BosUni. B.Pike.

WiUiamtFon'S explanation of the
AiKmbl)*& shorter catechism. Phila-
liclph'ia. D. Hog'an.

Allcine's Jam to unconverted sin-
keri. J'rinted in the German lan-
guage. Laac aster. Pennsylvania.

TUe Moumin;r Hiisbaiid. .\ dis-

course .It the funeral of Mrs. Tliank-
ful Church, late consort of the Rev.
John H. Chui'ch, pastor of the church
in PcULim, N. H. April 15, 1806.
By Leonard V/oods. A. M. New-
Imryport. E. W. AUen, and TUomaa
and Whipple. 1806.

FORKIGX.

Short discour^iCH to be read in fam-
ilies. By William Juy. 2 vols. 8vo.
London.

A fourth volume of the sermons of
Pi-csident Davies, from authentic M.S.
hu3 lately been publislied in En|^land.

Exi)ositor>' discourses on the book
of Genesis, interspersed with practi-
cal reflections. By Andrew Fuller.
2 vols. B.o.

The works of Dr. Isaae Watts,
(beins^ the last of the practici/ works J
8vo. witii a ntwly written life of the
author prciixed.'

3in0tallation*

Oathc 19th of June, the Uev.
James P. WiLion was insitalled pastor
of the first Presbyterian Con^^reg'a-
tioo in Philadelphia. The Rev.
Jimea Boyd of Nc^^tuwn presided on

tiie occasion; the Rev. Doctor Wil-
liam M. Teunentof Abin^ou preach-
ed the sermon, and the Kcv. Jona-
tlian Freeman of Brid^oM n delivered
the charge to liic oaiu^ter aud people.

£)t)ituat'g.

^t are sorry to hear of the deatli
^ Uttt celebrated and useful travel-
^1 Mu^rco pAftK ; to whom the
Civilized world is indebted for much
uopjHtant know ledge of the interior of
Africa, and from whom we hoped to
^^receivcd a valuable addition to his
former discoveries. We announced
to our readers some time since, Uiat
Ihii traveller bad entered, tlie be^in

about the middle of April. Accounts
since received state, that Mr. Park
and his parly penetrated about ijQO
miles into the interior of Africa, to
Sago, a walled city, considered the
largest iji Africa ; m here the king,
after he had shown them the curiosi-
ties of tlie place, ordered them to be
cruelly and brutally murdered. The
account of this mcLancholy ailair was

^g of this year, on a second tour of brought by some tjaders, who have

(liscuverics into Africa. It appears
^i&the public jonnials and papers,
that in March, 1805, he lauded at
Gorcc, whence he proceeded, accom-
pwued by 35 soldiers, under tlie
command of a lieutenant, to Fataten-
**♦ on the river Gambia ; whence, af-
ter making the necessary arrange -
■^isla, he proceeded to tlie nearest
pobton the river Niger, on the banks
of ^'hich It was his intention to en-
•amp during the rainy season, and
tten to explore the course of the riv-
•'• One man of his party had died
■*fofcke left Fiitat«fudt, whiili v.:.«

ai'rivcd at Rio Pongus. It is feared
this event, should it prove true, will
dantp the ardor for making discov-
eries in til is part of the world.

We announce, with regret, the
deatli of the Rev. Maxthx.vs Bur-
KET, D. D. of Norwalk, Connecticut,
a worthy minister of Jesus Cliiist.

In this town, on the JOtli inst.
Richard Smith, a respectable re-
ligious ch»»racter, and adcicon of the
Second Baptist Cliurch. He attend-
ed public worship on the SabLati«,
and diwd in the ever.itig.

D6 Poetry. .yTo Corrcspondeius* [,7^fC

THE BUTTERFLY. B^*. Mrs. St»bl»;

Prettv Tagfrant of tlic air, Summer'B day, from youth Ut Mgtg

Emblem of the thoughtless fair : Trifles all their care eng^age f

Near akin their life and thine. But when \«'intry storms arise.

Both H fleeting summer shine. Beauty fades, and pleasure dies i

Short delight your charms impart. Me let nobler cares employ^

Cliarms to catch the human heart : Carei which terminate m jor.

Heails that can be caught with show, Ere the summer simbeams neef

The \'irtuoiiQ or the beau. Let nie, like the frugal bee.

Thoughtless nvniphs are butterflies. Well improve the smiling hour,

DiftertMit species, lai-ger size j Gathering sweets from every flowd

Strangers both to needful carc, O may virtue's charms be mine.

Fluttering, roving here and there ; Cliarms that stiU increasing shine !

Basking in the vernal ray, Tht'se will <:hcer tlie wintiy gloon*

Trifling out the sumiucr^s day 3 ^ These will last hcyonJ the tomb.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

To give room for the interesting life of Mr. Tenncnt, we have been oliC|
ed to discontinue, for tliis number, the life of Luther, and to omit seven
communications prepared for insertion.

We invite the particular attention of our readers to a piece on Utiigim
Sincerity, inserted in this number, which is front the pen of a highly rctpecte
foreign correspondent.

Z. will accept our thanks for his seasonable^ pious, and useful tliougMi
excited by the late eclipse. We wish an early communication of the roir~^
der for the next numbt^r.

Pastor's Surwj of the Chwrehet^ No. 3, shall, if possible, appear in
next number.

We are happy, after so long silence, to hear again from our esteemed an
able correspondent, Cosvstans. We hope soon to gratify our readers wit
his texenth Letter to a Brother.

Impartiality is received. It is our plea.sure to gratify our friends an
correspondents in all cases con.sistent with the nature of our work, espcciaO
where the honour of American literature is concerned. We resxlily adm^
with our correspondent, that the Review in the Antholog}', referred to, in
several otliers in that work, deser\e severe censure, as being whhoi
correct taste, and indicating not oiily strong prejudices against the gemic
and literature of our country-, but in other respects a very bad spirit, fiiiti
it is our fixed determination to a\'oid filling our consecrated pages with anp
and fruitless controversy on any subjects, our correspondent, we presumi
will readily excuse us in declining his request, and in adviijing liim to see
another aiid more appropriate channel for his communication. The wishca <
bis friend can be better fulfilled by us in a different way.

We have on our files, re\-iew8 of a luimber of sermons lately preachei
and of otJicr recent publications, which shall appear, as fast as the pages ui thi
department of our work will admit them.

AGENTS FOR THE PANOPLIST.
Messrs. Cv suing & Appleton, S.alem; Thomas & Whipple, Xewbui^
port; W. Butler, Northampton ; Whiting & Backus, Albany; GeohJ
Richards, Utica ; Collins & Perkins, New York; W. P. Farrani
Philadelphia; Isaac Beers & Co. New Haven , O. D. Cook, HartlbH
Benjamin Cummins, Windsor, Vt. ; Joseph Cushixo, Amherst, N. H.
Mr. Davis, Hanover, N. H. ; Rev. Alv an Hyde, Lee, Me. i J. Kswvi
vr, Alexandria.

THE PANOPLIST:

OR<

THE CHRISTIAN'S ARMORY.

No. 15,] AUGUST, 1806. [Vol. II. No. 3.

LIFE OF THE REV. WILLIAM TENNENT.

(Concluded from p. 67.)

WHEN the late Rev. George
Wldtcfieid was last in this coun-
try, Mr. Tenncnt paid him a visit
u be ins passing through New
hntf. Mr. Whitefield and a
Bomber of other clergymen,
iBODg whom was Mr. Xcnnent,
vtre invited to dinner by a gen-
tleman in the neiglibburhood
vhere the late Mr. William Liv-
inploo> since governor of New
Icney, resided, and who, with
Wfcnl other lay gentlemen,
vat among the guests. After
AuKTy in the course of an easy
tad pleasant 'conversation, Mr.
Wbhefield adverted to the diffi-
ctihies attending the gospel min-
ntryyariung from the small suc-
CCM with which their labours
vere crowned. He greatly la-
mented, that all their zeal, activ-
ity and fervour availed but little ;
t^ that be was weary with the
Imrdens and fatigues of the day ;
<ledared his great consolation
VIS, that in a short t'^^e his work
woald be done, when he should
depart and be with Christ ; that
the prospect of a spee^^ deliver-
Vol. 11. No. 3. O

ance had supported his spirits, or
that he should) before now, have
sunk under his labour. He then
appealed to the ministers around
him, if it' were not their great
comfort that they should soon go
to rest. They generally assent-
ed, excepting Mr. Tennent, who
sat next to Mr. WhiteHeld in si-
lence ; and by his countenance
discovered but little pleasure in
the conversation. On which,
Mr. Whitefield turning to him,
and tapping him on the knee,
said, *' Well ! brother Tennent,
you are the oldest man amongst
us, do you not rejoice to think,
that your time is so near at hand,
when you will be called home and
freed from all the difficulties at-
tending this chequered scene ?"
Mr. T. bluntly answered, " I
have no wish about it." Mr. W.
pressed him again ; and Mr. T.
again answered, ^^ No Sir, it is
no pleasure to me at all, and if
you knew your duty, it would be
none to you. I have nothing to
do with death ; my business is
to live as long as 1 can-— as well

Life of Rev. WtUiatn Tetment.

fts I can— and to serve my Lord
and Master as faithfully as I can,
until he shall think proper to
call me home." Mr. W. still
urged for an expbcit answer to
his question, in case the time of
dcatli were left to his own
choice. Mr. Tcnncnt replied,
** I have no choice about it ; I ^
s^ God's servant, and have en-
i;Bged to do his business, as lon^
as he pleases to continue me
therein. But now, brother, let
m^ ask you a question. What
do you think I would say, if I
was to send my man Tom into
the field to plough ; and if at
noon 1 should go to the field,
and find him lounging under a
tree, and complaining, " Master,
the sun is very hot, and the
ploughing hard and difficult, I
am tired and weary of the work
you have appointed me, and am
overdone with the heat and bur-
den of the day : do master let
mc return home and be dis-
charged from this hard service ?"
What would I say? Why, that
he was an idle, lazy fellow ; that
it was his business to do the
work that I had appointed him,
until I, the proper judge, should
think fit to call him home. Or,
suppose you had hired a man to
serve you faithfully for a given
time in a particular service, and
he should, without any reason on
your part, and before he had per-
formed half his service, become
weaiy of it, and upon every occa-
sion be expressing a wish to be
discharged, or placed in other
circumstances ? Would you not
call him a wicked and slothful
servant, an# unworthy of the
privileges of your employ ?"
The mild, pleasant, and Chris-
tian like manner, in which this
reproof was adminiiteredr rathor

increased the social ham
edifying conversation
company ; who became
that it was very possible
even in desiring, witl
earnestness, *^to depart
with Christ," which in
^fiair better" than to r*
this imperfect state ; ao
is the duty of the Chri
this respect to say, " All
of my appointed time w
till my change come."

Among Mr. Tennent^
cations, none were m<
spicuous than his activit
body and mind. He hi
di'spised sloth « He wa*
always in action — never
in well doing, nor in se:
friends. His integrity
dependence of spirit i
servable on the sligl
quaintance. He was so
lover of truth, that he i
bear the least aberation
even in a joke. He was
able for his candour anc
ty of sentiment, with i
those, who differed froi
opinion. His hospitalit
mestic enjoyments w€
proverbial. His publ
was always conspicuous
attachment to what he
the best interests of his
was ardent and inflexi
took an early and dec:
with his country in t
raencement of the lat<
tionary war. ••«•••••

About the latter end
ruary, or beginning o:
1777, Mr. Tennent wai
ly seized with a fever,
by violent symptoms,
for his family physic
was in the act of settio
the legislature of the
which he was a mem

IMS.]

Life of Rev. fFiSliam Tetmcnt.

called on his p«Ucnt on hit waj,
but could ipend but a few min-
utet with him. He> however,
ciamincd carefiilly into Mr. T.'s
xomjiiaiiitat and the syoiptoms
lUeoding the disorder. With
mat candour the physician in-
»nned his patient, that the at-
JUck appeared unusually violent ;
that the case required the be&t
medical aid, and that it was out
of his power to attend him. Pie
.feared that, at his advanced age,
there was not strength of nature
mf&cient to overcome so severe
a ahockf and that his symptoms
jscarceljr admitted of a favourable
prognostic. The good old man
Rceived this news with his
usual submission to the divine
vill ; feri as he had always con-
ndcred himself as bound for
eternity, he had endeavoured so to
lire, Uiat when the summons
ihottid come, he would have
nothing to do but to die. He
almljr replied, ^ I am very sen-
'flbk of the violence of my disor-
.fo) that it has racked my con-
ization to an uncommon de-
cree, and beyond what I have
cVer before experienced, and
that it is accompanied with
^Wptoms of approaching dissor
Mod; but, blessed be God, X
kve no wish to live, if it should
k his will and pleasure to call
pe hence." After a moment's
pniBe, he seemed to recollect
himself, and varied the expres-
lion thus : '^ Blessed be God, I
have no wish to live, if it should
be his will and pleasure to cull
me hence, unless it should be to
lee a happy issue to the severe
ind arduous controversy my
country is engaged in ; but,
etcn in this, the will of the
Lord be done."
During his whole sickness, he

continued perfectly resigned to
the divine will, until death was
swallowed up in victor^', on the
8th day of March, 1777. His
body was buried in his own
church, at Freehold, a numerous
concourse of people, composed*
not only of the members of his
own congregation, but of the in-
habitants of the whole adjacent
coimtry, attending hia funeral.'

Mr. Tennent was rather more
than six feet high ; of a spare
thin visage, and of an erect car-
riage. He had bright, piercing
eyes, a long, sharp nose, and a
long face. His general counte-
nance was grave and solemn, but
at all times cheerful and pleasant
witli his friends. It may be said
of him with peculiar propriety,
that he appeared, in an extraor-
dinary manner, to live above the
world, and all its allurements.
He seemed habitually to have
such clear views of spiritual and
heavenly things, as afforded him
much of the foretaste and enjoy-
ment of them. His faith was
really and experimentally " the
substance of things hoped for,
and the evidence of things un^*
seen.'* Literally his daily walk
was with Cod, and he lived ^ as
seeing him who is invisible."
The divine presence with him,
was frequently manifested in his
public ministrations, and in his
private conduct. His ardent soul
was seldom satisfied, unless he
was exerting himself, in some
way or other, in public or pri-
vate, in reiaderint; kind offices
and effectual services of friend-
ship, both in spiritual and tem-
poral things to his fellow men.
Take him in his whole demean-
our and conduct, there are few of
whom it mi^^ht more emphaticaU
ly be said, Uiatje lived the life*

100

Life of Rev. WiUiam Temtent.'

[

and died the death of the right-
eous.

He was well read in divinity,
and was of sound orthodox prin-
ciple. He professed himself a
moderate Calvinist. The doc-
trines of man's depravity ; the
atonement of the Saviour ; the
absolute necessity of the all-
powerful influence of the Spirit
of God, to renew the heart and
subdue the will ; all in perfect
consistence with the free agency
of the shiner^ were among the
leading articles of his faith.
These doctrines, indeed, were
generally interwoven in his pub-
lic discourses, whatever might
be the particular subject discuss-
ed. His success was oflenr an-
swerable to his exertions. His
people loved him as^ a father ;
revered him as the pastor and
biahop of their souls ; , obeyed
him as their instructor ; and de-
lighted in his company and pri-
vate conversation as a friend and
brother. He carefully avoided
making a difference between his
doctrines publicly taught and his
private practice. Attending a
synod, a few years before his
death, a strange clergyman,
whom he never had before seen,
was introduced to the synod, and
asked to preach in the evening.
Mr. Tenncnt attended, and was
much displeased with the ser-
mon. As the congregation were
going out of the church, Mr.
Tennent in the crowd, coming
up to the preacher, touch-
ed him on the shoulder, and said,
" My brother, when I preach,
I take care to save myself,
whatever I do with my congre-
gation." The clergyman look-
ed behind him wiih surprise,
and seeing a very grave man,
said, " What do you mean

Sir?" Mr. Tenncnt ans^
" You have been sending
whole congregation, syno
all, to perdition, and you
not even saved yourself. \
ever I preach, I make it a t
save myself," and then abi
left him, without his knc
who spoke to him.

At Mr. Tennent's dead
poor mourned for him, as
patron, their comforter ani
port ; and the rich lain
over him as their departed
tor and friend. The pub
large, lost in him a firm as
of the civil and religious
ests of his country. Hi
truly a patriot, not in woft
pretences, not in condemni
who differed from him t
scription and death, but in ;
in such a manner, as woulc
rendered his country mos
py, if all had followed his <
pie. He insisted on hit
rights and freedom of send
but he was willing to let <
enjoy the same privilege
he thought it of as much i
tance to live and act well,
think and speak justly.

May all, who read the
moirs of this amialdc and
man, fervently and cons
beseech that God, with wh
the residue of the Spirit
their life -may be that o
righteous, so that their*
end may be like his : anc
the Cireat Head of the cl
while he removes faithfu
distinguished labourers fro
gospel vineyard, may rail
others, who shall possess, \
double portion of their
and, who shall be even
successful in winning souls
Jesus Christ, the great I
of souls.

1806.]

Life of Luther.

101

LIFK OF LUTHER.
{Continued from page 9.)

About this period^ that spirit
of fiuMticism ivhich afterwards
nged with such violence, and
VIS producUve of so much disoi^
derand bloodshed in Germany,
first began to appear. Stork, a
dothier at Zwickaw» a town of
Upper Saxony, as the leader of a
sect, chose, from among his fel-
low-tradesmen twelve apostles
ind seventy-two disciples, who
all enthusiastically imagined that
they had received clear and com-
manding intimations from (iod,
with whom they had familiar
communications, of their being
called to preach the gospel.
TheiT pretended revelations,
their fimtastic dreams, and celes-
tial visions, of which they talked
with great solemnity and appear-
ance of veracity, not only im-
poicd on the ignorant and supcr-
adtioas, but startled Carlostadt
and Melancthon, who knew not
vbat to think of tliem. In this
perplexity, they wrote an account
of aU the circumstances to the
Elector, and requested an inter-
view with Luther, in whose dis-
cernment they had full confi-
faice. The Elector, though
prejadiced against these impos-
tors, listened to Melancthon*s
leUcr, and though he refused to
aet Luther at liberty, he recom-
mended caution towards the fa-
natics, to prevent the spread of
their opinions at Wittemberg.
Lather, however, being consult-
ed by letter, advised Melancthon
to distrust the high pretensions
of the fanatics, and to require
ihe same proof of their divine
mission which the apcstlesga^,
l>y working miracles. ■ Notwith-

standing this judicious counsels
Melancthon began to counte-
nance them, attended their meet-
ings, and even procured schol-
ars for them. Carlostadt also
favoured their schemes ; and is
said to have gone so far as to
bum every classical author which
he possessed, declaring that hu-
man learning was uimeccssary,
and the Holy Spirit the only in-
structor who ought to be attended
to. Luther determined to leave
his retreat, to correct, if possible,
these fatal mistakes of his friends
and fellow-citizens, and wrote the
Elector that this was his determi-
nation. Accordingly, though the
Elector dissuaded him in the
most urgent terms, hy stating
the probable effect which this
step might have on the reform-
ation in general, he was firm
to his reselution, trusting in the
protection of the God of heaven.*
" God," said he, " calls and im-
pels me ; I will not resist the
call : — ^tlie consideration either
of your displeasure or of your
favour, nay, the hatred and fury
of the whole world are to be dis-
regarded, when the state of rclig-^
ion requires it." With confi-
dence, he added, " I am firmly
persuaded that my word, or the
beginning of the gospel preached
by me, is not of mysuif, but of
God. Nor shall any form of
persecution, or death, make me
think otherwise, if Ciod stand by
me. And I think, I moi*e
than conjecture when I say, that
neither terror nor cruelty shall
be able to extinp;uish this light of
life."t I" pursuance of his pur-
pose he left his retreat, which he

^ «...

• Be.iiiftobro, torn. ii. p. 205 — 216.
Scckoiid. § lia Aid,
t Seck«iul.$ 120. p. 196.

102

Life of Luther.

used to call his Patmoej on the
4th of March) 1 522 ; having been
concealed in it exactly ten
months.*'* To justify, in some
measure, this conduct, at Freder-
ic's request, who trembled for the
consequences of his enlargement,
he wrote a letter to him, in which
he stated, that he had left his
confinement for three reasons :
because he was under the strong-
est obligation to carry on the re-
formation which he had begun ;
because the people over whom
he was appointed to labour en-
treated his presence ; and be-
cause he was anxious to check
the rising spirit oi sedition, which
had appeared among these fa-
natics.t

He arrived at Wittemberg the
6th of March, and was received
with great joy by the people.
He immediately declared his dis-
satisfaction with Carlostadt's pre-
cipitation in new modelling the
form of religious service, and a-
bolishing images, as well us in
countenancing the seditious and
fanatical disciples of Stork.
Whether Luther adopted this
measure from a wish to preserve
moderation, and tp please the
Elector, who had advised caution
and deliberation, or from jealousy
of the honour which Carlostudt
would derive from executing a
plan which had been pointed out
to him, is now difiicult to be de-
termined ; both may, perliaps,
have been combined in giving
this direction to his conduct.
He, however, gave audience to
the fanatics in presence of
Melancthon : and after hearing,
in silence, their narrative, in-
stead of condescending to refute

it, he only earnestly e:
them to renounce their o
as the illusions of frenzied
or the suggestions of t
spirit. Their indignati<
raised almost to madness
accused him of blasphesc
left him with the most
geous threatenings, and
dence in their own mir
powers. t To prevent the
of Carlostadt's rashness,
published a small treati
Communion under both JUm
animadversions on the c
which had been introdn
which he recommended,
the ordinary worship, th<
only, should continue to I
but that the cup also sh*
given to those who wis]
that confession should ]
communicating, but tha
should be compelled to C(
that images should be alio
remain, and priests have
erty of marry in g.§ Wit!
ever moderation he wrot
ceming the mode of comn
he shewed none to the Pc
Bishops, who did not ce
the spirit of their furious I
do all in their power to pe
him, but published a sm
ume, entitled, Jfgainst the
med S/iiritual Order of th
and Biahofiit^ in which hi
pressed every argument
he could think of, to proi
they were any thing hut n
gers of Christ, in a state i
demnation, and the cause <
ing the souls of the
This treatise, though ag
to the people, who saw
pleasure, the vices and au
of those powerful prclatesj

• Seek. ^119. Add,
f lb. S 120.

}

Beausob. torn. ii. p. 22f,
Seckend. § 122.

1806.]

Life of Lutlier.

103

tjimny they felt urithout daring
to comphdn, reprehended and re-
prmcdi roused the indignation.
Dot only of the bishops, but of all
the Dobilitywho had any interest in
ecclesiastical benefices.* Much
iajury "was also> about this timet
dnie, by the licentiousness of ma-
Dyofthe monks, who had embrac-
ed Luther*8 doctrine respecting
vowiy not Irbm conviction, but as
a cloak for their sins. Lutlier,
b discountenance this threaten-
ing erily composed a second
vork on monastic vows, in which
lie dewmiyed the licentious as
well as the lazy monks as ene-
mies of the cross of Christ, and a
disgrace to the religion which
they professed.l

But the translation of the Bi-
Ue into German, which Lu-
ther had begun, during his con-
cealment in the castle of Wart-
biirg, the first part of which, con-
tuning the New Testament, was
pvhlishcd in Sept. 1522, gave a
Uow to the interests of Rome fiir
HMve decisive and fatal than any
^ich it had yet received. He
Kfiied it with the assistance of
wthncthon ; and, on finishing
% immediately commenced a
venion of the Old Testament, in
vhich he was assisted by Justus
lonuji and several other of his
kuned friends. It instantly
Vw«l throughout the whole of
Gennany. The elegance of the
■If Ic recommended it to the well
nlbrmed ; and its cheapness to
fte bwer orders of the people.
Those who had favoured the re-
formation, saw, in its truths, the
Wthority of God, and from being
the adherents of Luther, were
^ to become the disciples of Je-

* Seckead. & 123.

tlhids;i24.

sus Christ It reached into
places where the name of Luther
was unknown, carried salvation
into the meanest dwellings, spake
the truth to kings and princes ;
and testified to all to whom it
came, that a general reformation
was more necessary ^han ever.$
Emser wrote a criticism on it,
and began another version which
was not printed till 1527 ; but he
discovered such ignorance both
of the original Greek, and of his
own language, that Luther, occu-
pied with more important afiairs,
resolved to oppose him only with
silence and contempt. In con-
sequence, however, of Emser's
misrepresentations, several of the
princes of the Empire, particu-
larly the Archduke of Austria,
the Duke of Bavaria, George
Duke of Saxony, Henry of Bruns-
wick, and some time afterwards,
the Elector of Brandenburg, or^
dered Luther's translation to be
suppressed, and all the copies
that could be got committed to
the flames. The reformer, with
his usual boldness, and with even
more than his usual virulence,
attacked these imprudent prin-
ces, in a treatise, On the Seci^iar
Foiver ; which established the
authority of magistra:es on the
foundation of Scripture, and the
conditions of men ; lut denied
the lawfulness of tie power
which they usurped ov^rthe faith
and conscience of theii subjects ;
and exhorted the inhibitants of
Bavaria, Misnia, and Branden-
burgh, net to destroy the Scrip-
tures ; though, at the &me time,
he commanded them not to as-
sault the officers who might be
appointed to search For them.
His sentiments respcting par*

• • . a

$ S«ckcndorf, $ 125, 121

104

Life of Luther.

tecution deserve to be recorded.
^ Heresies ought to be resisted
not MTJtb fire or sword, but with
tiie word of God. If this does
not remove them, in vain will vi-
olence be resorted to. The earth
may be delun^cd with blood ; but
heresy, being an error of the
mind, can be ^ destroyed neitb.er
by fire nor by water ; nay, it is
increased by every sort of rcsist-
mce, except by the Scripture.
The tongue may be restrained,
men may be forced to be silent, to
dissemble, or to lie ; but heresy,
residing in the heart, can be ex-
pelled only by the influence of
the word of God, enlightening
the understanding, and persuad-
ing the judgment."*

The light of reformation had
dawned on the British isle as ear-
ly as the middle of the 14th cen-
tury, when Wickliffe stood forth
as the champion of divine truth
and spiritual liberty, against the
errors and tyranny of Rome ;
and though it became graduaUy
obscured, and was almost entire-
ly extinguished when the 8 th
Henry ascended the throne, ma-
ny individuals throughout the
country vere waiting for the
c^onsolatioii of Israel. The cler-
gy had nerer obtained the same
influence aid respect which they
enjoyed, p-cvious to Wicklifle's
appearance and the people were
ready to imbrace a chjinge of
religion, "whenever it should be
presented. The astonishing rev-
olution of (cntiments which was
so rapidlypciTading the provin-
ces of Germany, accordingly
made a de^p impression in Eng-
land ; and led multitudes to im-
bibe the dctrincs which Luther
had elicitd from the darkness

in which they had for agei

involved. But Henry, havii

ly imbibed the principles oi

ry, and viewing Luther as 1

emy of all who supported

principles^ determined not k

exert all his influence to

the*progress of his opinioz

to refute them with all the

ness which he possessed.

accordingly wrote a Latin ti

in defence of the seven

mentsj against Luther's woi

the Badyloniah Cafitivity X

Church ; " a performance^'

Hume, " which, if aflowai

made for the subject and th

does no discredit to his ca|

He sent a copy of it to Lee

received so magnificent a pi

with great testimony of n

and conferred on him the

6f Defender of the Fa

Though Luther believed t

be the work of Edward Li

terwai*ds Archbishop of C<

bury, he replied as if it had

Henry's own composition

treated him with sucH i

nity, and used respecting h

many opprobrious and conu

uous expressions, as to i

even his best friends. No

this the effect of a mome

burst of passion ; for, in hii

rcspondence at this perio<

justified his conduct in

most expressive terms. Ni

the answer itself, he vindi

the extraordinary severity c

language, by saying, *' If, ft

sake of Christ, I have tran

under foot that Idol of Re

abomination, which had usi

the place of God, and tyran

over kings and the whole wi

who is this Henry a new T

ist, or at least a disciple of

• Seckend § 127, p, 212.

\ Hist, of England, Chiip. 29.

1806.]

Life of Luther.

10.-;

trifling^ monster, that I should pay
homage to his virulent blasphe-
mies ? He may be a defender of
the church) but it is of a church,
the mother of harlots, of drunken*
ness and fornication. I havin.^
an equal abhorrence of the church
and her defender, will attack
them with the same weapons.
My doctrines will stand, but the
Pope trill full, though the gates
of hell, and the powers of air and
earth and sea were against me.
They provoked me to war, and
they ahall have it ; they despised
peace when offered them, and
they shall not now obtain it.
God shall see whether the Pope
or Luther will be the first to
yield. "t George Duke of Sax-
ony, irritated at this treatise, soli-
cited the Elector to have Luther
immediately punished ; but this
prince declined interfering, and
proposed the convocation of a
free council. t

Leo X. died in the beginning
or Dec. 1521, and was succeeded
by Adrian VL, originally of an
obscure family of Utreciit, a man
^ scholastic erudition, and un-
pofished manners, but of a mild
temper, and irreproachable mor-
ils. When he arriyed at Rome,
from Spain, where he was at the
time of his election, he immedi-
stely applied himself to establish
the peace of the church . B ut the
measures which he adopted,
though salutary in themselves,
nhimately defeated the end pro-
posed by them. Luther's opin-
ions appeared to him so extrava-
KUit, that he could not persuade
himself but they were occa-
sioned by the abuses and extor-
• • • •

t Chtra Henric. Reg. Anjrliac,
'p«ul. iiiit. LuUi. Opcr. luifi. ii.

tSrckend. Sect. 46, 47. $ 112, 114.
Val. IL No. 3. P

tion of the papal court. He there-
fore resolved to reform these
abuses, expecting that their re-
moval would bring back the peo-
ple to the bosom of that church
whence they had been driven by
the vices of its governors. He
accordingly repealed the order
which had been issued for the
preaching of indulgences to de-
fray the expense of completing
the Vatican ; but, at the same
time, gave authority, by a new
bull, to the doctrine of the church
concerning that nefarious traffic.
His sentiments on many points
differed essentially fi-om those of
his cardinals, who warned him so
strongly of the danger with which
his proposed reformation would
be followed, that he was heard to
say, that " the condition of a Pope
is tiie most unhappy that can be
conceived, because he is not at
liberty to do what is right, though
he has the inclination, and can
find the means." He then imag-
ined that his presence and au-
thority might have tlie effect of
quieting the commotions of Ger-
many ; and to prepare the minds
of the disputants for his visit, he
wrote to Trcderic, then attending
the diet of the Empire met at Nu-
remberg, exhorting him,in gener-
al terms, to exert all his influence
to preserve the safety, tranquilli-
ty, and holy faith of the church,
without so much as mentioning
Luther's name or heresy. But
the brief which he sent to llie
diet by a nuncio, amply compen-
sated for this political neglect,
and made such an impr;;ssiun on
the bishops, that they almost
unanimously exclaimed that Lu-
ther must perish. The secular
princes, however* discovered
greater muderui.on, an J v.- ro
soon imitAljd by majiy ot tlie

106

Life of Luther.

[

clergyi who felt enrxiged at the
insinuations, which were thrown
out against them in the letter of
instructions from the Pope, read
by the nuncio next day. While
he called on the assembly, to put
the edict of Worms in execution
against Luther, he accused the
prelates and the priests of occa-
sioning the heresies of that re-
former, by their negligence, vo-
luptuousness and profligacy.
Though, therefore, the Elector
of Brandenbui^g and the greater
number of prelates wished to as-^
sure the.Pope that they would exe-
cute the edict of Worms, tlie oXkmx
princes and the rest of the clergy
opposed it as dangerous not only
to Rome, but to the interests of
the Empire. They accordingly
informed the nuncio that the
state of German y^ould not allow
of the step which the Pope re-
commended to be taken ; praised
the Pontiff for the interest which
he took iu theip welfare^ and be-
sought him to continue his plana
for the reformation of flagrant
abuses. Though the nuncio was
highly displeased at the tenor of
their reply, the princes persisted
in the sentiments which they had
avowed ; and to justify their con-
duct drew up a memorial of
grievances, amounting to a hun-
ared articles of specific charges
af^inst the corruptions of the
church, which they earnestly
entreated might be speedily re-
dressed. The nuncio, unwilling
to receive such an insult as to be
charged with this memorial, left
the diet suddenly without tdting
leave of the princes. This step
gave them the highest offence,

and convinced tiiem that i

in vain to expect redress

Rome. It also contributed

vigorous protest which th

tered against determining \

merits of the Lutheran c

vcrsy, till the meeting of c

erdl council. The diet wi

solved on the 6th of li

1523.* The event of tl

sembly was thus most favo

to the cause of the refom

Preachers w«re pennitted

dare the truth, without rax

tion, and magistrates to p

them. without criminality. I

and monks, though marriec!

tinned in their offices ; an'

people who had seen the sc

lous effects of their eel

were edified by witnessinj

regularity andpurity of thci

duct. The suspension •

edict of Worms, made its

tice be discerned ; and the

ence of the controversy totl

cision of a council, showei

the diet were not con^'ince

Luther was altogether ii

wrong, and that his greates

esy, was his attack on the ai]

ity of the Pope. In fine, tJ

knowledgment which A

made of the dreadful cormi

of the clerg)^ and court of F

justified much of Luther's i

tivcs against them, and g

him many new adherentS9

could not but admire his coi

and his zeal.f

. a • •

• Beausobre» torn. ii. p. 273..
Seckcnd.fJ 140—117.

t Bcausob. ib. p. 322.

(7o bf continued, '\

1906.]

Relig'ims Conimumcatiotis.

107

Belisioujt Communicationjer.

0JPFICULTIBS ATTKNDINO THE
DOCTRINE or THE SAINTS*
PCBBEVERAJfCE.

To the Editors.

Presuxixo that it is not le^s
.congenial with your incIiDations,
than consistent with the design
of four publication, to offer every
asustance in your power to those,
who meet with obstades in their
search after truth, I take the lib-
arty to lay beibre you a number
of difficulties, with respect to the
doctrine of the saints' perscver-
iBce, resulting from what I sup-
pose to be the meaning of certain
passages pf Scripture. I shall
ej^er ne fiuther into the argu-
mcDts, which may be drawn
(romthe several texts, tHan is
accessary in order to present a
fcD view <9f the difficulty, as it
^pears to my own apprehension.
John XV. 2, our Saviour says,
^ Every branch in mr, that bear*
tthwH/rtdt^ he J* that is, my Fa-
ther, ^xaketh avfay.** This text
cemdnly seemej to my under-
stndUng, to convey this idea ;
tint branches engrafted into the
' true vine J may become unfruitful ;
nd thus render it necessary for
the Lord of the vineyai^ to
pnme them off, and use them
forfoel. If this explication be
just, it only remains, in order to
Mceitain die sense of the pas-
MgC} to determine the meaning
of the phrase, in mcy and discov-
er what sort of union it is design-
ed to express. It may be said,
that it means nothing more than
9 xinble relation, such as the
pacrc external profewon of

Christianity indicates. But is not
this explanation inconsistent with
what follows ? " Jtbide in mr,"
saithour Saviour, verse 4," and I
will abide in you, Aa the branch
cannot bear fruit of itaetf^ except
it abide in the vine^ no more van
ye J except ye abide in me," Is not
the whole complexion of this
passage snch as would naturally
lead one to suppose, that the un-
ion, here intended, was that spir-
itual, vital union, of which ti-ue
faith, and holiness form the only
cement ? Let us suppose that a
mere visible relation is intended,
and see what sort of notions the
words will coi^ey. Ye are pure
through the Vfordj which I have
tpoken unto ywt. Continue in
your visible union with me^ and I
will continue to dwell in you.
Would this promise have been
made to such a perseverance ?
As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself except it abide in the vine^
n9 more can ycj except ye contin^
ue in your external relation to me.
Does not such an interpretation
enervate the ligurey and diminish
exceedingly the propriety of its
application? The relation be-
tween the vine and the branches
is beautifully illustrative of the
relation between Christ and be-
lievers ; but not at all of that
which subsists between Christ
and those members of his visible
church, who derive no spiritual
nourishment from him, and sus-
tain no vital i*elation to him. Be-
sides, it is expressly said, in the
next verse, that he^ that abideth
in Christy bringeth forth much*

fruit ; which cannot be trucy if a

108

Difficulties attending the

mere external union is intended.
On the whole, I am compelled to
believe, that beir^ in Chriaty
means a vital union with him.
The remaining question, there-
fore, and that which involves the
difficulty, is, whether the text
imply, that it is possible for such
to fall away ?

2. St, Paul, 1 Cor. ix. 27, asr
signs, as the reason of his care
and solicitude in subduing the
vicious propensities of his body,
that having preached to others^ he
might not himaelf firove a caat'^*
tvay. But if the doctrine, we are
considering, be true, does he not
assign that as a reason, which
could not be the trtie reason?
We are not at liberty, I appre-
hend, to suppose, that St. Paul
was uncertain whether he were
the subject of gosncl grace. But
if he were certaiirof this, then, if
the doctrine of perseverance be
true, he was certain that he
should not prove a caHraway,
How then could he assign the
fear of what, he certainly knew,
would never take place, as the
motive of his constant care and
vigilance in the government of
his appetites and passions l Be-
sides, it is intimated by the apos-
tle, that his final salvation was
suspended on the condition of his
subduing his sinful inclinations,
or bringing his body i|Uo. subf
jection. Does not this weaken
the conclusion of those who ar-
gue the final perseverance of
saints from the nature of holi-
ness ; a single exercise of which,
they say, gives an infallible title
to everlasting salvation ? But if
final salvation is suspended on
the condition mentioned above,
this reasoning is inconclusive.
Jt is not doubted that if a person
die in the exercise of a holy tem-

per, his salvation is se
though it were the first cx«
of the kind he ever put
But the question is, whetl
person possessed of such a
per, may not, in fact, be dh
of it ? and whether the lan|
of St. Paul, in the place rci
to, do not countenance su
opinion ?

3. That text, Heb. x. 38,
the just shall live byjaith i
any man draw back^ my sou*
have no pleasure in him, 1
am altogether unable to u
stand in consistency with
doctrine.

4. Matt.xxiv. 12 and 13.
cause iniquity shall abound ^h
of many shall wax odd : b
that endureth to the endy the
hhall be saved. Plow could
love be said to li'ar coldj
never had any ? as most cep
none but renewed souls evei
Besidts, no distinction is int
ed, as to its nature y be twee
love of the one class, and tl
the other ; but only in rega
its continuance. Does it not
therefore, that reference is
made to those, who were ii
the sincere disciples of Q,\
If so, what is meant by the
of such being said to wclx •
Is it not something, the effc
which will be their loss of i
tion ? For, 2?? its effects y it
rectly opposed to that end%
to which salvation is prom is

5. Some passages occu
£zek. xviii. and xxiii. in wh
meet with very formidable
ficuUies. These are so a]
ent tp ull, who peruse the
texts, that it is needless to
them out.

6. Heb. vi. 4 — 6. Fdr it i
poshihlc for those ivho were
euUghtcncdy and have (anted (^

1806.J Doctrine of Saints^ Perseverance.

109

^eniy gifiy and were made par-
taken of the Hoty Gho9ty and have
fatted the good word of God^
and the powerM of the world to
come : if they shall fall away^ to
renew them again to repentance ;
ieeing they crucify to thew^elve*
the San qf God afresh^ find put
km to an open •hame. Respect-
ing this passage, I would pro-
pose these questions : Do the
terms here usedy necessarily im-
plf, that thos^y to whom they
were appli/ed, were regenerate
persons I If so, do they contem-
plate the event spoken of, (the
defection of such) as possible ; or
only affirm what would be their sit-
uation, should such an event take
place ? If the latter^ where is the
force and propriety of the apostle's
admomtion ? This must be the
amount of his observations ; '^ I
cxbort you to diligence and assi-
duity in studying the principles
of our holy religion, and to pro-
grtu In }the knowledge of its
nbtimcy and glorious truths ;
and I sanction my exhortation
vilh thb alarming consideration,
Tiz. That if you fail to do this,
and thus for want of being rooted
andgrounded in the truth j suffer
yourselves to be shaken from
your stediastness,. and moved
fiom your faith in the gospel, it
vittbeimpossible to recover you ;
tiiOQgb at the same time, you
^ well know, that it i^ abso-
^ily certain this never will hap-
pen.

7. With regard to the example
of David I request an answer to
^ two following questions :
^Vas David in a state of favour
^acceptance with God previ-
^sly to his sin, in the matter of
^riah ? If so, were his flagrant,
^ abominable crimes, of adul-
^jfViA murder f compatible with

the existence of a holy principle
in his heart ?

Thus I have endeavoured,
as clearly and concisely as
possible, to state the difficulties,
of greatest weight, in my mind,
respecting the doctrine oi final
perseverance. To discover the
truth is, I hope, my only object.
Should you deem it consistent
with the purposes of your un-
dertaking, I request you to give
these queries a plaee in the
Panoplist ; in order that some
writer may have an opportunity
to attend to the difficulties propo-
sed ; and to gratify me and the
public with such remarks as may
appear to him pertinent and pro-

per.

J. C.

REMARKS ON THE FOREGOINO
STATEMENT OF DIFFICULTIES.

It cannot be urged as any ob-
jection against the doctrine of
the eaint9* perseveranccy that
hypocritical pretenders to reli-
gion have openly forsaken the
cause of truth. Nor can it be
considered any proof of their real
saintship, that, while they main-
tained the appearance of religion,
God in his word and providence
treated them, as saints. Both
in his word and providence God
conducts towards men according
to their visible character. He
does not expose them, except by
giving them opportunity to ex-
pose themselves. Thus Judas,
Simon Magus, and others have
been treated. The apostasy of
such persons means no more,
than a visible apostasy, or a fall-
ing away from their standing in
the visible church ; which, in
fact, implies no real alteration in
them, but only a manifestation
of their true character. Such is
the sentiment contained in the

liO

Diffiadties attending the

«poAle*« words ; 1 John ii. 19.
They vfent out from u$j but they
-Vfere not (f us ;Jbr if they had
been of ua^ they %lfould no doubt
have con^fnued with U9j but they
soent outf that they might be made
manifest that they were not all of
us. But while there are some,
that iS) false professors, who
actually draw back to perdition ;
there are others, that is, real
6aints, who do not. Thus the
apostle, speaking of real believ-
ers, says ; we are not of thenty
who draw back to perdition j but
qf them who believe to the saving
q/* the soui. Here the distinc-
tion is evidently marked between
those who are saints in reality,
and those who are saints merely
in appearance. Now whatever
passages of scripture are design-
ed to characterize false profes-
sors, have nothing to do with the
nubject before us.

It is granted, that most of the
passages, which J. C. urges
agaiiist the doctrine of persever-
ance, and other similar passages,
arc descriptive of real Christians.
The construction, which has of-
ten been put uponHeb. vi. 4,5, ap-
pears not w^llsupported. There
is scarcely in the Bible a higher
description of the regenerate.

In compliance with the re-
quest of J. C. it is my design to
offer what assistance I am able,
to the candid and inquisitive, in
discerning the consistence be-
tween the passages, which he
quotes, and the gospel doctnne
of the saints' perseverance. It
must be remembered, that long
and minute investigation is not
compatible with the brevity
which is necessary in this reply.

I desire it may be considered,
in the first place, that the gra-
tiou^purfio^e^firotnisey andagenm

cy ^ Godj which secure
fierseverance of all his ch
filcj are not in the lea
inconsistent with their nu
cy. Innumerable i

might be produced, i
God's purpose, prom
agency conspired to n
event certain ; and yi
who were concerned i
complishment, were as
voluntary, as they c«
been upon any suppo&iti
ever. I might men
death of Jesus, which
tennined before the fo
of the world, and was
certain to the chiurch
promise of God. Notw
ing this, Jesus was perf
constrained in laying <
life, |ind the murdero
wer^ no less free and ^
in taking it from hin
same might be asserte
return of the Jews fi
Babylonian captivity, of
version of the Gentiles,
thousand other events.

Now if the purpose, tl
ise, and the agency of C
dering the salvation of a
ers certain, leave then
unimpaired possession
moral freedom; it is i
suitable to address them
moral agents. But i
manner is it suitable to
moral agents, who are pi
ers for eternity, in orde
suade them to virtuous (
Infinite wisdom' teachei
is suitable to address th
motives ; to set life ar
before them ; to hold
mercies and the terror
Lord. Thus has God d
mankind in all ages ; m
he has done is confesse
becautc jnaokind an in

1906.} Doctrine of the Saints^ Fersnerance^ III

cieitOTesy or moral agents, capa-
ble of beiog infiuenced by ration*
a] consideratioDf . Have not the
mtai as much moral freedom,
•r latioDal agency, as others?
Why, then) is it not proper to
address to them the same mo-
llies? Why shall not they, as
idl as others, have the adnm-
lige of seeing life and death pla-
ced before them? Why shall
IlKy not be gnarded against
ifoslasy by divine threats, as
vdl as excited to nnfidling dili-
9mee by great and precious
promises? Will any one say,
this u improper, if the doctrine
«f the saints' perseverance is
tnie? Does the troth of that doc-
trine take away the moral agen-
cy of Christians ? Are they any
the less free and voluntary, be-
CMue there is a promise, that
tkose who sustain the Christian
darKter shall be saved? Do
tky cease to be rational crea-
tniet, because, through the grace
rf Godf they are believers ? If
titty are still radonal, moral
ipntii they may be influenced
liythe promises and threats of
the go^l. Indeed it is true
itligion, which gives those
prMttiies and threats their pro*
per infliieiice. When it is de-
dBtd» that unfiuling goodness
Adl be rewarded with the ever-
Ung enjoyment of God, and
ttatbockiUdling and impenitence
iImB be punished with his ever-
hKiag wrath ; believers are ef-
btaally roused to pious caution
■Hi di^ence. Shall motives be
qwcealcd from persons, as soon
ttthey are disposed to be proper-
ly influenced by them ?

But it is still urged, that, if
the sslvation of believers is ccr-
tiiOi /o threaten them vnth the
^ ^f sahfQti9f^9n ei^/lgeition ^f

their a^teeyf f> mtmeammg^and
JutUe. If by the certainty o/n/»
vaHan be meant its certainty in
the di3rine mind, it can have no
conceivable effect on ths actions
of believers. If certainty4n the
mind of believers be intended ; I
observe, that believers in their
best state are never more certaiii
of their salvation, than they are
of the absolute necessity of
persevering fidth in order to
salvation, and of their unavoida-
ble ruin, if tbey forsake the wa^
of holiness. If we can say to
believers ; we areftertuaded that
God will give yon the victory^ and
that nothing ehuU be able to aefia^
rate you from his lorve j we may
with equal propriety say; yon
must continue to the endj or you
cannot be eaved. Be eober, be
vigiiam* Set a "strong guard
against theJhrH step, to afioataey.
J^or if you drarj baekj God^e eoui
wilt have no pleasure in you. Is
the propriety of such an address
to Christians doubted? To il«
lustrate this point by a well
known scripture- fiict, I6t me ask,
whether it was consistent for
Paul to say of some, who were
ready to leave the ship ; ^ ex-
cept these abide in the ship, ye
cannot be saved,** when he had
certain information from an in-
fidlible source, that none of them
ahould be lost in the wreck ?
According to the common course
of Providence, suitable means
are absolutely necessary to ac-
complish events, which are di-
vinely predicted, and so render^
ed certain by unchangeable per-
fection. Now if proper means
must be em/iloyed by rationfil
creatures in order to accomplish
events, which are made certain
by the purpose and promise oi'
God • t;bcQ why is it uot pn^M:rr

112

Difficulties attending the

to urge that necessity, as a mo«
live to the use of means ? The
jdoctrine of perseverance oug^ht
never to be viewed in such a
light a% to render persevering
diligence in well doing less
necessary for Christians, than it
would be upon supposition that
^he doctrine were not true. Ev*
cry motive to pious activity,
which' can be derived from, the
law and the gospel, retains its
full force, and ought to he ex-
hibited to believers to influence
their conduct.

Having made these general
remarks, we proceed to notice
particular parts of J. C.'s com-
munication.

After a long and ingenious at-
tempt to prove that the passage
in John xv. 2, is applicable to
those, who have a vital union
with Christ, he states this as the
question, which involves the
great difficulty ; Whether it ia
tmfitied in the fiuataf^e^ that it ia
poaaiblc for mch to fall away ?
Tbcy, who have carefully at-
tended to the distinction, which
President Edwards and others^,
before and after him« have made
between natural and moral pow*
er, possibility, necessity, &c.
need not be embarrassed with
the difficulty here supposed.
Upon the g^und of that distinc-
tion, it is readily conceded, that
the final apostasy of good men is
naturally possible. Considered-
as rational, voluntary agents,
they are liable to fall away.
Their natural powen render
them as capable of forsaking the
way of holiness, as of persever-
ing in it. It is not their want of
natural fiover to continue in sin,
that secures their perseverance
in religion. Were there no
possibility, in any sense, of their

falling from grace, the L
of inspiration would appi
incorrect. That such a
ia, in aome aenacy possibl
plain, direct implication
Scriptures. Without an
that good men have na/t
er to fall from grace, w<
consider them in a prob
state ; for that state muf
that life and death are ae
them, and that their cb
corresponding practice
termiue tlieir future con

If the certainty of the %
nal fierkcverance impli
they have not, in any senai
to fall away ; then, the c
of arty event makes it ntt
possible, that the contrai
should take place. A(
to this false reasoning, i
terly impossible, in ever
that those sinners, who
nally peiiah, should rep«
their perdition is a cert
the mind of God. Wl
Will be one part of the u:
si oners hereafter, thj
might have been saved, 1
improved their opportun

Let this be Mell cons
'vii. th:it believers bein
state of probation and ha\
ural power to apostatis
the faith of the gospel,
as to persevere in it, is m
least degree incompatib
the certainty of their fir
severance ; because that
tv rests whollv on a cause
does not impair their
power or moral agem
leaves them fully posse
all thai belongs to ration
dependent beings.

Paul's words, I Cor.
are remarkable. To J . (
pears, that, admitting tl
tnne of the saints* perse^

1806.2 Doctrine of Saints' Perseverance.

113

Cbe reason} which the apostle as-
agiis for his care in subduing
Us camai inclinations^ was not
the true reason. Here J. C.
appears less discerning than
usual. We unite with him in
rejecting the supposition, that
Fiulwas uncertain whether he
were the subject of gospel grace.
We agree with him in his infer-
c&cei that) if the doctrine of per-
lereranoe be true, Paul was as
cenun of his final salvation as he
ns of his present holiness.
That he was animated hj a lively
ind assured hope, that he should
obtain 8ahation,appears from ver.
36. " I therefore so run, not as
meeriauUy ; so fight I, not as
€De that beateth the air." He
pressed on with entire satisfac-
lioaandfuU confidence that, in
the way prescribed, he should
pin the crown of glory. In
ver. 27} he manifests nothing
contrary to such a firm and con-
sent Iwpe of final salvation, but
only teaches us what means he
Qcd to obtain it. Whatever
Ittpe* or even assurance he
night have, that he should
<toiB» he was certain he
iboiild not obtain, unless he
ifrew iav^uUy, He knew that,
if be did not bring under the
body of siut but gave way to
idf^ndulgence, and became a
ihve to carnal desire, he must
in the issue be rejected of God.
This the nature cf things and
tte gospel constitution both re-
ared. His assured hope of
tbe final enjoyment of God ex-
^d him to mortify his corrup-
^onst and to purify himself even
^ God was pure. He knew,
^t unless he maintained great
^tchfulness, and perfected ho-
Eness in the fear of God, he
nnst, alter all his pleasing ex-
pccutions, lose his soul. The
VoL n. No. S. Q

crown of victory was promised
to none but conquerors.

J. C. is doubtless right in
thinking, that Paul* 9 final salvo"
tion was susftended on the condi*
tion qf his subduing his nnjul in-
clination9. But how this can
be made an objection againt the
doctrine of the saints* persever-
ance is not easily conceived, un-
less any supposable condition is
an equal objection. J. C. thinks
this passage very unfiivourable
to the conclusion of those, who
argue the final perseverance of
the saints' from the nature <^
holiness^ and who hold, that a
single exercise of holiness gives
an infallible title to everlasting
life. We question the correct-
ness of their theological knowl-
edge, who make perseverance
depend on the nature of iioliross.
Awful facts prove, that the holi-
ness of angels and men, while
probationers, is not indefectible.
If believers persevere lu holi-
ness, it is not because ti.erc is
any thing unchangeable in their
holy afiection, but because they
are interested in the sure cove«
nant of grace. The reason^
which Christ mentions of tl^e se-
curity of his people, was not the
nature of their holiness, but his
own and his Father's almighty
grace. John x. 28, 29. <M give
unto them eternal life ; and they
shall. never perish, neither shall
any one pluck them out of my
hand. My Father, who gave
them me, is greater than all, and
no one is able to pluck them out
of my Father's hand." ■

If a single exercise of holi-
ness gives an infallible title to
salvation ; it is becaus& that sin-
gle exercise is, by the constitu-
tion of grace, connected with
perseverance in holiness.

114

Difficulties ai tendings ©V.

The spirit of the apostle's ob^
servatioDSy Heb. vi. 4— -6, ap«
pears somewhat different from
the gloss of J. C. Upon the sup-
position that believers are mond
agents, capable of bemg influen^
ceid by proper motives, what dif-
ficulty encumbers this striking
passage ? Is it not the method
of inspiration to set life and
death before the saints ; to ad-
dress their fears as well as their
hopes ; to show them, on one
hand, the crown of righteousness
whieh awaits the iaithful, on
the other, the certain ruin
which will overtake them, if
t^ey turn again to foUy 7 This
passage seems not, in spirit, to
be different from the cautions,
which Jesus frequently gave his
disciples. ^ No man, putting
his hand to the plotigh and look-
ing back, is fit for the kingdom
of heaven. Ye are the salt of
the earth. But if the salt have
Lost its savour, wherewith shall
it be salted? It is henceforth
good for nothing but to be cast
out and tvodden under foot of
men.'* Neither Jesus, nor his
apostles ever considered believ'
ers in such a light, as to render
the most solemn warnings
against apostasy, either improp-
er or unnecessary. Who shall
find fiiult, if divine wisdom has
chosen to use such warnings, as
one means of securing their per-
severance ? Who shall think of
disproving the certain persever-
ance of the saints by those Scrip-
tures, which were inspired to
support it, and which, through
grace, arc effectual to that pur-
pose ?

David has been often introduc-
ed» as a standing proof against
the doctrine of perseverance ;
whereas h». it m standing proof

in its favour. In* him w
see, that the saints are ii
in the unchangeabki |
God, which secures the
verance ; so that, if they
shall rise again r if they
shall have the gift of rei
If it be asked, what wo
become of David, if he
in the midst of his crime
swer, if he had died im;
he would have been lost!
may, with the same pe
be asked, what would
come of Paul, or John, <
the saints in heaven, if '
died before their cow
Suppositions may assist
We reason, and correct k
takes. But they hinder
purpose and operation o
grace. The Jbundation
atandeth surcj having' tt
TTie Lord knoweth them
htM : and he will keep, the
^g^ly power through Jk
satuation.

CONCLUDING REMAV

>. It is no decisive i
against any religious tet
some passages of Script
found, yfYixcYi^ taken by the
appear inconsistent with
most established truths
gospel may be opposed
tached parts oS God*s woi
a cursory view, many te
vey to our minds a ver
ent meaning from that w
rious and thorough inves
discovers.

2. Admitting that the (
now before us has sot
been placed in a &lse f
believed on wrong pri
and defended by unsound
ing ; this is not a proof, t
doctrine wants evidence,
its IrieiMU want wiadom.

1806.J Dissertation on Jolm's Sixth Fid.

\\S

2. If my real difficulties at-
tend tliii doctrine, they are by
Ao mcaas sofBcient to overbal-
mcethc dkect scripture evidence
in its fiiTour) its manifest agree-
ment with the perfections of God
and the other truths of the gos-
pd, and its tendency to animate
ind console the saints.

LUTHSR.

i DISSERTATION ON JO^n's
SIXTH VIAL.

JVb. 3.
RereUtion xvi. 12-^16.

Oy the interpretation and ful-
flment of prophecy it becomes
(u to speak with modesty and
CHition ; but there is such a re-
lemblaiice between John's der
icripdon of ihe sixth vial, and the
creots of the present .day, that
one can hardly forbear to lay
them dde by side, and contem-
piite ithem together.

The word of prophecy and the
ttpcct of the times lead us dtill to
tipect great changes in the
mid. The fall of the papal
pQver and the dissolution of the
Turkish empire are events,
vUch cannot be far distant from
M:h other. Mahometan ism as
veil as Popery, must be removed
before pure Christianity can gcu-
^\y prevail. As they arose,
10 they will probably fall, nearly
*t the same time. If, as intcr-
pKters suppose, the prophecy
of Danieli in the eleventh chap-
ter of his book, respects the
1'urkish empire ; then tiie same
period is assigned for the dura-
^oftliis, as for the duration
of the Papal power ; viz. a
^n^e, times, and half a time, or
d»rce and a half years, which are
1260 prophetic days or literal

years. And there are now ma-
ny circumstances, which threat-
en the dissolution of that em-
pire.

John, haidng predicted the
great events, which were coming
on the world, solemnly calls the
attention of mankind to the
means of safety at such a peril-
ous season. And, ifthisisthe
time, when'' the sixth vial is run"
ning, the warning which he gives
is immediately addressed to us ;
and it sounds to me, like a voice,
sent this day, from the skies.

It is remarkable, that John,
filled with a sense of the magni-
tude of the events in his eye, and
of the dangers coming on the
world, breaks off in the midst of
his description of events, to pro-
claim the warning of Heaven ;
and then resumes his subject.
He introduces the Saviour thus
speaking to his people ; <' Be-
hold, I x^ome, as a thief: Blessed
\% he, that watcheth, and keepeth
his garments, lest he walk nakedi
and they see his shame." Again,
having described the judgments
under the next vial, he adds,
^ I heard a voice from heaven,
saying. Come out of h^r, come
out of Babylon, my people, that
ye partake not of her sins, and
that ye receive not of her plagues.
For her sins have reached unto
heaven, and God hath remember-
ed her iniquities."

It hence appears, that in the
judgments, to be executed on the
papal nations, other nations will
have a share, greater or less, ac-
rx»rding to their moral and reli-
gious stale. If we partake of the
sins of Babylon, we shall receive
of her plagues.

Great events we have already
seen, and greater are to be ex-
pected. Blessed is he, that

116

Dissertation on John^s Sixth ViaL {^j

T^tches and prepares to meet
them.

When we consider our present
cohnexion and intercourse with
the nations of Europe, and the
changes which have taken place,
and are still likely to take place
among them— when we consider
the long course of unusual pros-
perity, which we have enjoyed,
and our present moral and polit-
ical 8tate-^and,when we consider
the predictions and warnings of
Scripture ; we have reason to ap-
prehend, that serious and pain&l
trials are coming on us.

Amidst the commotions of the
world, our national security will
depend, not so much on our num-^
bers, wealth, and local situation,
as on our wisdom, virtue, piety,
peace, and union. If we adopt
the vices and corruptions, we
may expect to share in the calam-
ities of those guilty nations,
which God is punishing, and will
continue to punish, until they
are reclaimed or consumed.

The prevalence of infidelity
will succeed to the extinction of
popery. This intimation of
prophecy is confirmed by obser-
vation. But its triumphing will
be short ; and, when this is past,
the triumph of the gospel will be
glorious.

The safety of our country will
depend on the maintenance of
the religion of Christ ; on the
strict obser\'ance of the Lord's
day ; on a just encouragement
of, and respect to the plain in-
stitutions of the gospel, and the
stated ministry of the word ; on
the increase of the churches and
the preservation of peace and or-
der in them ; on a general regard
to family religion ; and on har-
mony and mutual confidence in
civil aociety. The apostle warns

us, thaty as the Jews were bi
off and dispersed by their ix
ity, so Christian nations aUn
faith. It nations, which
enjoyed the gospel, imp!
and ungratefully renounc
they lose all their security
become obnoxious to t<
punishments, than if the]
never known it. To then
be applied God's reproof
threatening to Israel ; ** Yoi
have I known of all the fa;
of the earth ; therefore will
ish you for all your iniquiti

A regular administratis
and peaceable submission
own chosen govern ment,
matters of high importai
our security and happiness
general constitution is pn
as liberal, as can reasons]
desired, and perhaps as i
safe for a people, so nun
and spread over so ex ten
territory ; and it is as ene
as is necessary for a welMn
ed and virtuous people. I
it should be relaxed frc
proper energy, or strainc
yond its due tone — if it s
be mutilated, twisted, and c
ed, until it cease to be the s
it will become the sport anc
bie of conflicting parties
general confusion will ensi;

The people, if they be
will steadily support, and pn
ly obey their own govemra
will favour no unnecessary
vations — will seek rcdrc
supposed grievances in no
than a constitutional way«
entrust the powers of goven
in the hands of those only,i
reputed wisdom and integri
title them to general confic
While there is wisdom in i
virtue in the people, and
and con^dence between

1906,] Bissertation on Johti's Sixth FiaL 1 17

there irUl be little danger irom Foreign influence should be
foreign powers. spumed and repelled. If this

That there should be different should ever dictate our elections,
sentimenis on many public mea- direct our councils, control our
tares is natarallj to be expected, government, corrupt our rcli"
Butfrisdomand virtue will forbid gious principles, and vitiate our
lU acrimony of speech and se- social manners ; we shall of
verity of treatment in parties to- eourse lose our independence,
wvd each other. Everything The rapid increase of foreif^ncrs,
of this kind tends to the cor- from whatever nation they come,
niption of national manners, to is dangerous to our liberty. Is-
the weakness and inefiicacy of rael was mined, when he mixed
govcrament, to the obstruction himself with strangers ; for they
of the channels of information, devoured his substance, and he
to insolence and despotism in the knew it not. Our independencet
dcHQinant partyt to discontent virtue and religion are safest with
ind bction in tne feebler party, the gradual increase of our nat-
tnd to loss of liberty in the peo^ ural population,
pie. A spirit of free and can* In a time, when th^ nations of
M <fiscassion may be useful. Europe are convulsed by wart
Bot mutual slander, crimination, and revolutions, too close a con*
Kwrility, and contest for power nexion with them may expose
endanger the common liberty, us to be shaken by their changes,
»d degrade the national dignity, and perhaps to be crushed by
Iq absolute governments, where their &llt
tbepowcppfthe nation is concen- Amidst the convulsions of a
tnted in a point, parties may be changing world, it becomes us
ef use to check the progress of to rejoice in the immutable jus-
fapotism ; but in republics^ tice, wisdom and goodness of the
*kerc the power is diffused Divine government. We lament
through the body, parties are al- the miseries, which attend the
nys dangerous, because they ^ars of nations, and the revolu-
4iaiiabh fhe na^onal strength, tions of kingdoms ; but it is a
md when the parties become consolation to believe that all
Bearly equal, the national these calamitous events are pre-
(trength is lost. Party spirit has paring the way for the enlarge-
keen the common source of ruiji ment of Christ's kingdom, which
to republican govempients. ViU diffuse peace and happiness

In public electiohs preference pver the earth.
Awild always be given to relig- While God-s judgments are,
*•» characters. " He that rul- as we believe, removing the ob-
tth over men, must be ju^t, ruling structions, which have long lain
in the fear of God." If the open in the way of a general reforma-
toemies of religion should ever tion ; we are pleased to see some
feome administrators of our other appearances, more directly
^vemment, we should lose all tending to so desirable a result,
security ; for such men have no Wonderful is the zeal, which
inherent principle to ensure their has appeared, and the exertions,
(delity, nor on them will an oath which have been made in Britain
)tKrt a binding efllicae}'. and some other parts of Europe,

118

Tlic Piety of Daniel.

for spreading tne gospel among
the unenlightened inhabitants of
the world. For this purpose so*
cieties have been established,
Christians of different sects have
united, liberal contributions have
been made, able missionaries have
been sent forth , Bibles have been
printed in different languages,
and dispersed among those, who
never saw such a book before ;
and these measures have been
attended with a success, which
has exceeded expectation. The
same missionary spirit, which has
been so conspicuous in Europe,
lias been extensively felt in A*-
merica.

As the object of the mission-
ary societies is pious and benevo-
lent, as their number is great, and
as their rise in different parts
was without concert, as they have
met with liberal encouragement,
and happy success ; we cannot
doubt but the hand of God is with
them.

Though we cannot conclude,
that the great reformation will
immediately appear ; yet we feel
a confidence, that God is now pre-
paring the way for it. And may
his name be glorified ; may his
kingdom come ; may his will be
done on earth, as it is done in
heaven ; and may all flesh see
his salvation.

To conclude ; we may say, in
the words of a late Scotch wri-
ter, " Never were times more
eventful, or appearances more
interesting, than at the present
day. We behold, on the one
hand, infidelity with dreadful ir-
ruption extending its ra^'ages far
and wide ; and, on the other, an
amazing accession of zeal and
alacrity to the cause of Chris-
tianity. Error in all its forms is
assiduously and successfully

propagated ; but the pre
evangelical truth is aim
The number of the ap]
neutral party daily dim:
and they are now becom
worshippers of the G
Father of our Lord Jesui
or are receding fast thro
mists of scepticism ii
dreary regions of spc
and practical atheism. 1
as if Christianity and i
were mustering each the
the battle, and prepari
some great day of Got
enemy is come, like a fl
the Spirit of the Lord 1
cd up a standard again
Who then is on tlic
side ? Let him come i
the help of the Lord, to
of the Lord against the n

Theoph

UNIFORM riKTY ILXEMl
IN THE CONDUCT OF D

Religion, when exhi
the live% of men, more
engages attention, and i
impressive, than when it
ly seen in Jtrectjit, For 1
son, among others, the
Author of the Holy Sci
hath seen fit to transmit
particular account of the >
of a number of personS) ii
ent ages of the world, anf
ferent situations of life, w]
under its influence. By p
their lives, we meet witl
thing more than a descri
religion ; the thing itsell
sented to our view.

Among the eminent
whose lives are recorded
sacred volume, the proph
icl^ holds a conspicuous pJ

1800.]

The Piety of Daniel.

119

vu of the seed of David, and was
carried a captive to Babylon in the
third year of the reign of Jehoia-
kim^kingof Judah. He, who is the
Ruler of nations and the Head
of the church, had an important
#ork for him to perform in his
rtatc of captivity. Wonderful
WIS the providence of God in fit-
tlDghim for this work, and in
introducing him to it. Holding;
tl» heart of the king of Babylon
in bis hand, and improving him
•s an instrument of accomplish-
iig his eternal purposes, he in-
dined him to select from the
taptive youths, a number of the
nost beautiful appearance and
promising talents, to be taught
the learning and tongue of the
Chaldeans. Among these were
Banid, Hananiah, Mishael and
Aariah, of whom Daniel was
the chief. For them a daily
FTOTi&ion of the king's meat, and
of the wine which he drank, was
tppointed. The reason of their
liein^ so delicately trained up
probably was, that they, being in
tile flower of their age, might be
iHared with the delights of the
coaii, and thereby be brought
to forget their father's house and
their religion ; and, eventually,
to be the means of bringing over
til God's people to idolatry. But
the thoughts of the Most High
were not as the thoughts of the
king of Babylon . \V hile he was
correcting his covenant people
Af their great wickedness, he
took care of the faithful among
them, and made them to be piti-
ed of those who carried them
captive. He gave Daniel and
his friends a double portion of
that excellent spirit of religion,
which the Holy Ghost begctteth
in the hearts of all, who are train-
vsk^ up for heaven. This kept

them not only from being defiled
witii the king^s meat, but from
being corrupted with the errors
of that idolatrous court. To pre-
pare Daniel for what he had to
do and suffer in the cause of re-
ligion, God brought him into fa-
vour with the prince of the
eunuchs. This was a direct step
to his promotion, while he was
found eminently faithful in the
service of his God. He was ad-
vanced to posts of honour, which
he neither sought nor coveted ;
and, unexpectedly to himself,
was enabled to be a kind of
nursing father to the people of
God in their afflicted state. His
precious life was spared, that
his prayers might ascend before
the throne of the God of Jacob,
during the whole of the seventy
year's captivity. He maintained
his integrity, and at the same
time possessed great influence,
under the reign of several kings,
even in critical revolutionary
times.

When Darius, the Median,
took the kingdom, he appointed
an hundred and twenty princes,
who were set over the whole
kingdom. Over these were ap-
pointed three presidents, of
whom Daniel was first, that the
princes might give accounts unto
them, and that the king should
have no damage. These presi-
dents and princes hated Daniel,
because he was above them.
Their eye was evil, because he
was good. To support a charge
against him, on account of his
administration, they found to be
impossible ; for there ^vas an
excellent spirit in him, and in
all his undertakings he was up-
right and faithful. But they
were determined that he should
be deposed ; to effect which.

iflo.

The Piety o/Danid.

^y iprickcdly and milicioutly
attacked him on the groimd of
bU reKgpuon. They contrived to
have a decree signed by the
iing, which would necessarily
lead Daniel to part with bis re*
Mgion or his Ufe. A nore wick-
ed and heaven-daring plot was
sever conceived by man. It
iiqriaed the words of the inspir-
ed penman ; WratiiU cruelf and
mnger U (nUrageou» ; butf into
con tUmd b^fwre envy f

Concealing their dbject from
Sariusy these men went to him
with the flattering language of
courtiers^ and addressing 'them-
selves to the proud feeUngs of
bis bearti as a great monarchy
drew htm into a snare. ^ King
Darius,^ said they, ^ live forev-
cr. All the presidents of the
•kingdom, the goveraorsy and
the princesy the counsellors and
the captains have cimsulted to*
getber to establish a royal sta-
tntet and to make a firm decrecy
that whosoever shall ask a peti-
tion of any god or man for thir-
ty daysy save of thee, O king,
be sluU be cast into the den of
lions." Such flattering language
was calcukied to make a proud
monarch blind to all consequen-
ces. They wished to confery
as they pretendedy great honour
on their king ; yea, to set him
up above all gods. Bui; the real
object wasy to destroy an emi-
nently holy many and the best
man in the kii^om. Pleased
with their flattery, and ignorant
of their wicked ploty Darius
signed the decree. Now they
were prepared to remind him, if
it should be necessaryy as they
well knew Daniel stood high
in his esteem, that- it was
for bis honour and interest, as
well as hift dutyy to see this law

executed ; because it wi;
tablished custom w^ thu
and Persians, not to reg
to execute their laws.
was the snare which was
Daniel; and on obtain
king's signaUire to the.
they supposed that th
this holy man compic
their bands. H^re we
what lengths the <. huma
will go in wickedne
company of vile meuy in
agreed to dethrone Go4)
for thirty days, and to
treason against their Idn
up one petition to Godj
time. What contempt
Most High 1

Having obtained the
their next business was 1
the motions of Daniel
they had devoted to
death. Now we have a'
hM situation. He mui
give up communing i
Gody yea, he must deny 1
or part with his life,
was no other altematii
he hesitate what course
Did he go to them and I
his embarras^ng situatii
he study to conceal fro
view the manner in w
was disposed to treat hi
No. He was resolve
knew that the honour of
God was publicly atti^
that matters were now i
trsuu that the interest k
ion, and the cause of his
people, depended great!
Jirmnets.

Although every thing
ing to this worid was at i
did not alter the court
devotion. When he k:
writing was signedy he
to bis house; and hi
dows being open ta hi

180G.]

The. Piety of Daniel.

121

bcr toward Jerusalem, he kneel-
ed upon his knees three times a
dajy and prayed, and gave thanks
before his God, as he did afore-
time. The piety and sincerity
of Daniel, in this case, were
tfrikingly manifested. He did
Botfly to his chamber, like a
nad man, and throw open his
windows, that by praying in the
new of his enemies, he might
elory in his courage, and bid de-
fiance to their decree. True re-
.figion never courts persecution.
The windows of his chamber,
ivhere he was accustomed to
bow the knee before God, were
abread^ eficn ; and, under exist-
ing circumstances, it would
Ittvebeen, in a sense, yielding
the ^'mt, for him to shut them.
It is expressly mentioned that
these windows were towards Je^
nsalcm, the city of his God.
Lookiog to the prayer made by
Solomon, when the temple was
dedicated, we see why particular
neiktion ia made, that the win-
dows of Daniel's chamber were
open towards Jerusalem. Doubt-
bs all the devout Jews in their
ajtitity, prayed towards the
ted of their fathers, and the
wjr and house of their God.
T^e God had promised to ap-
pear, and to accept his people.
TWre he had placed his holy
name. Daniel believed that
^God, in his^ own time, would de-
IJTer his people out of their cap-
.tiriiy, and bring them back
again. In the midst of all his
honours, riches and employ-
ments, he did not forget these
things. Daily, and three times
a day, he carried the cause of
his people before God. This
Was not ostentation ; because it
WIS no more than what had been
Vol. II. No. 3. R

his usual practice. David did
the same, as uppears from his
own words ; ** Evening and
morning, and at noon, will I
pray and cry aloud ; and he shall
hear my voice."

The pious among the Jews
had three seasons of praying to
God, in a day. The first was at
nine in the morning, which was
their third hour ; the second was
at twelve, which was called their
sixth hour ; and the third was
at three in the afternoon, which
was called their ninth hour. The
last was the time of the evening
sacrifice, the hour tliat Christ ot-
fered up himself a sacrifice for
sinners. Daniel, in his high sta-
tion, ordered his aflairs, though
numerous, in such a manner,
that they should not hinder his
solemn devotions, lie had hi»
particular seasons for prayer,
and so have all, who mean to walk
with God. If he had restraiu*^
ed prayer, under these circum-''
stances, he would have declared
by his neglect, that he regarded
man more than God ; he would
have sinned against his own
conscience, ofi'ended the gene-
ration of the righteous, ana har-
dened his enemies and the ene-
mies of his God, by giving them
occasion to triumph and blas-
pheme. Being resolved, he
feared not to be found praying ;
his boldness prevented his ene-
mies from breaking open doors
to obtain proof against him.

Here, we behold tlie faithful
man. Here, we see true relig-
ion exemplified. Such was the
practice- of one, who had the tes-
timony of a heavenly messen-
ger, that he was greatly beloved
of God ; of one, who, during
. the whole seventy years' captivi-

1.22

Extract of a Letter.

lAug-.

ty, was the chariot of Israel and
tiic horseman thereof, as Elijah
was in his day.

Reader ! pause, and ask your-
self, whether you possess any
portion of the excellent spirit of
Daniel. Perhaps you profess,
as he did, to be the friend of
Ciod ; aTid yet stand chargeable
with great inconstancy in your
secret and family devotions, ex-
cusinor vourself on account of
the multitude of your a vocation -i,
Mnd the crowd and hurrv of vovr
busini?s;. But is it rational to
conclude, that in the compam-
tively small sphere in which you
move, your hands are more full
than were Daniel's ? Upon him
the management of an extensive
kinc^dom, of an hunch'crl and
twenty provinces principally dc-
-•.•olved, and yet he found time
and a heart to be frequent
and constant in his devotions.
He wisely regulated all his af-
ftiirs, and failed not of drawing
near to his God, three times, ev-
ery day. In what light, then,
will you view your real* charac-
ter, if you find it in your hci'.rt
wholly to dispense with family
worship, on account of worldly
r/)ncerns ? Will rou not have
!»t:ason to fear, that you are des-
titute of that excellent spirit;
«hich appeared in Daniel, and
c>T account of which he was
t^reatry beloved of God ? Try-
ing as such a- cciKlvision may
be, it is naturallv drawn.

But are you ready to say,
that you do not v.'holly dispense
with the worship of God in your
house ; that you commonly seek
the divine favour, at least once
every week ? Admitting that
you can say this, consistently with
n'uth, still, comparing such a
l^actice with Daniel's conatancij

in prayer, you' cannot but sefe
that God is greatly robbed of hhi
honour. That holy Being,
whom Daniel delighted to serve,
and who took such partictilar
notice of his constancy in prayer,
no doubt takes particular notice
of all your neglects of the duty.
He weigheth the actions of men,
and pondereth all their goings.

Supposing your conscience
allows you to say, that you nev-
er omit the morning and evening
sacrifice in your house, only at
those times when strangers, who
are not religiously di:=posod, are
present. Would this sHield'yoQ
from blame ? Would this fully
satisfy you, that you possessed
a spirit of prayer ? Compare
s'jch a practice with the conduct
of Daniel. He failed % )t to prajs
when he knew he was among the
enemies of (jod, and when he
was conscious that .they were
seeking occasion to deprive him,
not only of all his honours, but
his l/fr. Seriously consider this
example, and let the reproof
which it may administer be at*
seed sown on good ground.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A
nous FRIEND TO CHRISTIA3«
PARENTS, OX THE SUDDSST
DEATH OF THEIR LOVELT IN-
FANT.

" I will be a God to thee, »nd to
thy seed."

*" Suffer the litilc children to come
unto nie, and forbid them not, for w
such is the kingdom of heaven."

Oc/. 21, 1801. I

Aly very dear Friendsj

IIavk I not reason to offer
you my congratulations, tb»*'

"Extract of a Letter.

423

fvnA beloved babe
in angel ? His con-
ed happy. God hs^s
OD him the crown of
5 he has been engag-
rilous warfare ; has
on him the joys of
t he had experience
aries of- life; has
from the influence
na before he could
iwcr. I well rec-
Kpressive snpiiles of
ff as he lay on the
oiother, and listened
'T addresses : he is
urcr place. He re-
bosom of that Sa-
gathercth the lambs
ind cari'icth them in
He is admitted to his
verse, and " follow-
lithersoever he go-
:hough we are still
DO this. tempestuous
is joyous to refiect,
lom we thus loved
lived at the haven
est. And what an
honour lias God
;d upon you, in muk-
,e instruments of

0 existence- a being,
a for immortal glo-
;, who is now partak-
er will partake of
res, which are wor-
; g^ft of a God) wor-
purchase of the blood
•ecollect how cai-eful-
isciibed on your reg-
h-day of your child,
e plans, which you
he regulation of his
act. He has had a

1 and wise director.
f Father, who loved
re tenderly than you
» could not err in the
eans to promote his

greatest good, had from eternity
inscribed on the book of life
both the day of bis birth and of
his death. The plans of God,
all-wise and all-merciful, have
been accomplished ; and if yours
have been frustrated, they hav^f
been frustrated in love.

1 .know .that such bereave-
ments are painful ; that the'
heart is tortured in relinquishing
all its fond hopes, in committing
to the dust, a dear child, who, we
trusted, would . survive to close
our eyes, and receive our
last breath. *Bat I know also
that grace can regulate these
feelings of nature. I say, regu^
late them, for their extirpation
is riot required by Christianity.
Our Master, who wept at the
tomb of his friend, permits us
to weep over the graves of our
connexions ; jmd to indulge eve-
ry sotrow.thait.is consistent with
an entire submission to his h6ly
will. Let your graces then, my
dear friends, be exercised. Let
faith draw aside .that veil, which
conceals from our view the glo-
ries of heaven : you will then
behold your child praising God
without interruption and without
sin ; receiving in his soul the
perpetual communications of di-
vine love, and looking with pity
upon the unsatis&ctory enjoy-
ments of earth. Oh ! what cru-
elty would it be to wish for a
moment, that he should again
be struggling with the miseries,
the temptations, and the sine
of earth. Let hofic anticipate
the day when you also shall be
released from this prison of
clay, and admitted to the king-
dom of your God. Oh ! what
delight will you then feel in
again pressing your child to
your bosom, .with « certai^i

124

Thoughts on the lafe Eclipse.

knowledge that he shall ncTcr
more be separated from you.
Then you may triumphantly
fingy ^^This my son was dead
and is alive again : he was lost
a^d is found."— tI doubt not
that all these consolations have
been fully experienced by you»
and have enabled you> like the
Either of the faithful, to offer up
to God a beloved son with
submission and Christian par
tience."

fUZOUS TQOUOHTS B^CIT£I>
BY THE LATS KCLIPSS.

(Condudedj from page 86.)

4. THE darkness in which ^e
have recently seen the sun in?
volved, should remind us of the
greatday of final judgment* For
at the ushering in of that awful
acene> the sun will be turned into
darkness^ and the moon into blood*
It is confessedly 9, solemn and
tremendou!i» though sublime
spectacle, to sec the glorious orb
of day suddenly, though but for
a moment, wrapped in obscuri-
ty ; and this, almost amid the
splendour of its meridian career.
What then will it be, ^o sec its
last ray extinguished ? What
will it be, to sec this splendid lu-
minary blotted out from the fuce
of haavca ibrevcr ? What will
it be, to see the heavens them-
selves pasaini^ afvay with a great
7ioi6ey the ekmenta melting vrL'h
fervent heat^ and the earth, with
all it contains, partaking in the
general conHagration and ruin l
Yet even these scenes will scarce-
ly be tremendous, compared with
the alarm of the last trumpet,
aud the all awakening call \

jfriscy ye4cad^ andcomtito

ment. O my brethren 1

these ears we shall hear the

mentous sounds. With

eyes we shall see nature i

vulsion, the universe in i

the Judge descending, ^i

thousand times ten thouaa

gels, the throne erected,

the countless millions of t

man race, from Adam to 1

bom son, assembled bef

Behold^ he cometh with

and every eye shall see hh

they also that fiierced him

all kindreds qfthe earth shi

because of him. Yes ; «

all apfiear btfore the jw

seat qf Christ ; and for pv

of the highest conceivaifa

ment. In that vast asi

there will be no infidels, n

tics, no triflers, not a wax

eye, nor an unpenetrated

|A11 will come before their

Either to be welcomed to th

lasting joys of heaven,

friends, or to be banislied

enemies, to regions of eftd

and despair. Now, my l

can thore be a wise man

us, who, knowing that he

immortal soul to save, ?

endeavour to realize the

to bring it home, to enter

own heart, and anticipati

were, the solemn business

judgment day ? The inqv

on which our final state wi

is simple ; and, if we ar

ful, not difiicult of res

How stand our hearts aff\

the Judge ? Have we gr

embraced him as the Si

Have we, as condcmnei

despairing sinners, fied

blood and merits, as oi

hope } Have we been si

his feet for instruction i

we welcomed his sceptre

iSOfi. J Thoughts on the late Eclipse. 1 25

hws ? a^^ wc, with cordial af- have been one universal blank — >
fection^ embraced his interest as one barren waste ; and life would
our interest, his friends as our have lost its power to charm,
friendsy and bis sei^ricc as the Similar to thiS) but indescribably
grand business of our lives ? In more wretched, is the condition
a word, are we habitually pre- of that man, who dies in his
i»ariDg to meet him ? Do we sins, and destitute of the favour
W kU afiftearingi and, in some of God. The moment his soul
bright and happy moments, long quits the body, the last beam of
for it ? Do we count neither the comfort, the last vay of hope, van-
delighta of time, nor life itself ishes forever. Alas ! he has lost
dear to us, so that we may finish hit God ! irrecoverably, eter-
CMv course with joy,and meet our nally lost him ; and with what-
beloved Redeeiner in peace ? ever indifference he may have
These, these are the questions treated this idea before, be will
on which hangs our whole eter- then find, to his everlasting sor-
jiitf . Upon the result of these row, that it is a loss indeed ; a
it will depend, whether in the loss for which thousands of
grtet day of decision, we shall worlds could make him no corn-
lift up our heads with joy, or be pcnsation. Farewel God, the
pnrwhelmed with speechless eternal sunshine of the soul.
cooluuon and agony. How He will then find that his ini<*
then can we be sufiiciently faith- mortality is a curse ; that pro-
fill iDd in ^mest, in pressing ti*acted existence is but protract-
thembome now,toourGon$cien^ ed misery. Ah 1 who can bless
CO, and our hearts ? him whom God refuses to bless ?
5. Let the late memorable What ray of joy can find its way
eclipse of the natural sun, lead to that soul, which Jehovah has
us to reflect ou the wretched- abandoned ? It ha>i been con-
1K8S of those, who will be finally jectured by some, that there arc
rejected by the Judge, and thus comets^ which have wandered so
puficr an eternal ecli/tse of that far from the sun, as to get quite
Sun of Righteousness J whose beyond the sphere of its enliglitr
\xxm% alone convey true life ening and attractive influence,
sod happiness to the immortal To these irregular and devious
tool. During the late darkness, bodies, the apostle Jude may
though short, wliat an unwel- perhaps have allusion, when he
^me change did we realize ! describes certain sinners under
What a face of gloom and hor- the appellation of wamlerinff
ror was upon every object a- stars. And what is their doom ?
roaod us ! What a solemn To surh, says he, is reserved the
pause in the customary employ- blackness of darkness forever.
mcnts and joys of life 1 How These expressions are supe-
did nature herself sc;rni to Ian- rior to all comment. The
guish and mourn I Had the sun blackniiss of harkxess for-
ncvcr more emerged from its ever ! Nothin:; would so
obscurity, how certainly should strikingly portray the unul-
ve have bidden adieu to the tc ruble ani^uish, the unallayed
principal comforts and delights despair, the ne\cr ceasing wo,
ftf this world 1 Nature would of tliat man who lives and dies

12'i

Selections.

vithoutthc grace of heaven. O
•iiiat this faithful and saluciry
warDing) while it vibrates in the
cars, might effectually reach the
heart, of every sinner in this
assembly \ O that all such might
be persuaded, while yet there is
hope, to flee from that wrath,
and that ruin which they cannot
bear 1

Finally. Amid all the solemn
Appearances in nature, and all
the gloomy aspects of provi-
dence, how serene, how coura-
geous, how happy, may the
Christian be. No doubt, some
of the children of God have,
in contemplating the late phe-
f komenon, been thrown into a de-
gree of distress and consterna-
tion. This may have been owing
to a particular natural .tempera-
ture of mind or body^ to want of
information, to surprise, or to
fiinful distrust and fear. Such,
however, may still be congratu-
lated, that th&y will soon find
themselves in that bleat region»
"ivhere an unclouded, uneclipsed
fiun shall shine, and all darkness,
•iloubt and distress shall flee a-
way forever. Other pious per-
-sons have, I doubt not, contem-
plated the late spectacle with a
^tranquil and sublime pleasure .;
realizing .in it an unusual and
striking display of the power and
-majesty of the God whom they
iove ; the Almighty Friend in
:whom they trust. This courage

becomes them. It haiH
tion. Let them cherish
and more. Let the vnc^
where no fear is ; or rati
them tremble with just
ful apprehensions of imj
wrath and destruction.
the children qf Ziofi be jt
their King, He ;rules th«
He controls the clement
commands the sun^ and
not J and he seals ufi th
He turns the shadow of dt
the momingyand makes (he ^
with night. And he will re
theoperations and change
gloomy and portentous af
ces of the natural anc
worlds subservient to 1
glory, and to the felicity
chosen. Should con
shake the world; she
earth be removed^ and tl
tains be carried into the \
the sea, still Gon will
REFUGE, and .their very
help. Sliould nature ft
die ; should these visible
expire in flames, still m
according to divine firom
for new /iraveiis^ and a ne
wherein dwcllcth rightt
O then, Christians, comfc
selves, and comfort one
*itKth these words,
seeing ye look for such th
diligent that ye may be ,
Him, your adored Redee
Judge, in fieace, without i
blameless. Am e x .

©clectfoniBt.

extracts from bishop clag-
gett's pastoral letter.

author. It contains serious a
able truths, clothe. i in an eas
spicuous sty It, and discover
The ni'hole of this letter seems mrll oecomin^ zeal in the cause ^
iapted to tht dtsign of its venerable ical truth. The follo%sin^

1806. J Extracts from a Pastoral Letter.

127

maj he read vitk profit fy all denomi-
natimu tfChrutianx. ^

" To the ministers^ ve«tnes,
and congregations of the Protes-
lant Episcopal church m the
•tate of Maryland.

" Dear Brethren^

" The convention of this year
kaving requested me to address
to fou a pastoral letter, I should
kavc endeavoured to comply with
their request without delay, had
the state of my health permitted.
But since the last convention,
Providence has thought fit to
render my returns of sickness
more frequent and severe than
psual. Yet while the Almighty-
is pleased to continue to me the
enjoyment of reason, I would
employ it, as far as I can, in the
service of our common Lord ;
and the nearer I approach tlie
completion of the hopes, wliich
Christianity gives, the more ar-
dent ought to be my desire of
promoting the temporal and etcr-
^ veliare of those whom I
^ve behind.

"To you then, my brethren
of the clergy, I must first ex-
press the earnest wish of my
heart, that, as I have been in-
«inimcntal in clothing many of
you with the sacred character
of labourers in the vineyard of
Christ, I may, while I live, have
the unspeakable joy of witness-
ing the fruit of the united la-
^urs of us all, in the increase of
national and vital religion ; and
that in that kingdom where all
painful obedience shall be at an
^nrl, we may be able to join
our mutual congratulations and
praises to the Giver of all good,
^ith those souls whom the Re-
deemer shall have snatched from

the evils of the world, and whom
we shall have had the happiness
to lead* througli dangers and
temptations, to the possession of
the promised reward.

" First of all then, my dear
brethren, let me remind you of
the solemn vows, which you
made at vour ordination, in the
presence of ( iod, of angels, and
of men, to preach the gospel of
Jesus. If your fervent desire is
to increase the kingdom of
righteousness, of peace and joy ;
to win souls to Christ ; thereby
diminishing the evils of our fal-
len state, and multiplying its
joys, — if, with the eye of fiiith
fixed on him, who trod the same
path before you, whose gracious
Spirit is with you, whose hea-
venly words have l)€en left on
record for your instruction and
comfort, you long to receive
that best and most significant of
all applauses, " Well done, good
and faithful servants,'* — if, like
the apostles, and many of your
fellow-labourers in every age of
the church, your full determina-
tion is to testify the gospel of
the grace of God ; to finish your
course with joy, having many
seals of your ministry in the
day of the Lonl ; the diflicultien
and discouragements, which oc- .
cur in your Christian vocation ;
the reproach, wliich, by the
thoughtless and profane, is some-
times cast upon the ministers of
religion ; the privation of many
pleasures, as they are unwisely
called, which to the votaries of
the world seem the only desim-
ble blessings — all these will b^t
accounted by you as nnihinr,
while you caj^crly prtt-:^ onward,
for the prize of inctlimtible val-
ue. I cann<.:. tluivtcre, !•;<>
camesilv he<^e(.'ch you to /./;/"''.•

12a

jExtrticis from a Pastoral Letter. ' |

foundation decfi and ntront^ ifi
your own hrarts. But I will
suppose this foundation alrcicly
laid ; that your hearts, renewed
by divine grace, glow with love
to God and charity to man ; that
you are rooted and grounded in
a lively faith ; and that your
whole souls and hearts are j^^iven
to your profession. Then your
labours in the service of Christ
arc, and will be, blessed. Easily
will you obtain the victory over
a world lying in wickedness ;
and nothing can deprive you of
the present rewards of piety and
virtue— peace of mind ; the joy
of doing, and being good ; the
^rong persuasion that yoU are
working together with Gotl ;
that you are protected by an om-
nipotent arm ; assisted . ^d di-
rected by unerring wisdom ;
and that the fidelity of God is
pledged to make all things work
for your present and everlasting
good. The fate of the unfaith-
ful and insincere in the work of
the ministry, it is necessary fre-
quently to recal to your thoughts ;
that, by the terrors, as well as
the goodness of the all-^ecing
Judge, you may persuade your-
selves and others to strive
against languor and remissness,
and to be in all respects worthy
of your exalted privileges and
hopes.

^^In the good old paths, in which
the iirst reformers walked ; in
which your forefathers found
peace ; in which I am fully con-
vinced the blessed apostles them-
selves and their successors walk-
ed, until a great corruption
overspread the C/hristian world,
and its rulers were inflamed by
love of riches, and the ambitious
projects of domination even in
temporal concerns-— in this good

way, continue yoursclve

exhort others to continue.

" We cannot too often

to first principles, if we

preserve purity in faith aril

tice. In this age, esp<

when many, alas ! even o

fessing Christians, have

from the faith ; when

books are thrown upoi

world, and eagerly read I

thoughtless, in which the

nal depravity of man is ca;

concealed, and an apology

for the greatest crimesy

the names of sensibility a

finement, — 'when, in the fc

novels, of natural philosop

travel**, ftiany attempts are

to lead the incautious in*

snares of vice and irrelig:

becomes you, my re'

brethren, to warn the risin;

eration especially, of the

sidious foes. To yoar c

high responsibility is an

That you may counters

devices of the evil one, Ix

be intrepid, put on the wh

mour of God. Often pit

fore your hearers the I

truths of Christianity, th

ruption of our nature bjr c

from innocence, the nc

and influence of the mc

of Jesus Christ, of prc^

and assisting grace, of

free will in rejecting or-in

plying with the gracious

nant, into which we were

ted by baptism : In sho

essential truths of the c\

ing gospel, which, as th

nesessary to all, may by all

derstood, so far as to I

the articles of their faith.

union of morality and de

of faith and good works,

object so momentous, and

ident, that it heeds only b

1806.3 Extract /yarn a Pastoral Letter.

129

tbned ; indeed, as the oracles of
truth arey in this age of free in-
quirj, open to all, unceritjr and
warmth in recommending prac-
tical traths are ivlher required
in teichera of Christianity, than
Astnise and elaborate disquisi-
tkrns.

''While, therefore, I exhort
jouto remain fiuthful to your
ordination vows, and not only
U> cultivate a regard to the arti-
cles of our church, but in your
lermons to recommend a dili-
geat perusal and acceptance of
them, by the people committed
to your charge, let it be your
main concern to nourish them
with the bread of life, to make
them wise unto salvation. Re-
membering that you speak, and
th^ hear, for eternity, you will
endesrour to suit your discourses
to particular ages and condi-
tioitt, without giving offence, by
any marked designation of in-
indoils.

^ Gentlemen of the vestries ;

in Older to give due effect to the

URNinof clergymen, and in a

great measure to make the

penoD who is your rector a re-

iprctablc character, very much

depends upon your exertions.

Your aid is necessary in many

■tipects. You are more in the

world than your minister is

or ought to be. When per-

loos notoriously immoral are

found among our members,

fou will see, by our canons,

that it is your duty to inform the

incumbent ; that such persons

may be warned of their sinful,

destructive courses, and that, if

possiLrle, they may be brought to

such a serious way of thinking,

as may be attended with lasting

good ; or that, if incorrigibly

Vol. II. No. 3 S

wicked, they may be exclud-
ed from communion with the
church. And while you consid-
er yourselves as guardians of
the church, watching over its
temporal concerns, and the reg-
ularity of its lay members, allow
me to call your attention to those
canons which respect the con-
duct of your ministers. It has
often happened, either through
ignorance of the mode of trying
clergymen who are guilty of any
immorality, or breach of our
rules, or from delicacy and com-
passion ibr one justly liable to
censure, or through a wilful and
perverse contempt of ecclesias-
tical government, that oftending
clergymen have been retained in
their parishes by their vestries.
The hurtful effects of this ill-
judged conduct are evident. It
affords to men careless of reli-
gious duty, a just cause of with-
holding pecuniary aid from cler-
gymen thus situated. It brings
our discipline into disrepute, and
may drive some from a church,
in which such irregularities seem
to be countenanced.
. ^* It must occur to you, that in
an age when innovations are so
common, there is danger lest a
daring and restless spirit, impa-
tient of control, may seek to
break through the decent forms
appointed for the orderly and de-
vout celebration of public wor-
ship ; and schisms be introduced,
by which tlie unity and peace of
the church may be violated, and
the consciences of the houe&t and
sincere be ensnared.

" That in many parts of my
diocess a great revival of serious
and devout impressions iiaM taken
place, is to mc cause of joy and
thankfulness to him, who holds in

130

Remarkable ■ Sc^nigs.

his power the hearts of all men,
and who has promised to he with
his church to the end of the
world. May he enable and di-
rect us to l^vc a zeal I tempered
with priKlence and knowledge,
and conducted bj his love and
fear.

'< Ministers and people should
be mutually helpful in labours of
love. The relation which sub-
sists between them is a v«ry sa-
cred one. It only begin* now ;
it is indissoluble, and forms a link
in that chain which binds the
church on earth to the church
in heaven ; which shall be glori-
ously unfolded at lasts when the
faithful servant of Christ shall
present that portion of his-fellow«
travellers, now entrusted to his
carej to the. great Bishop and
Shepherd of souls. Every con-
sideration, natural, moral, and
religious, suggests the duty of
decently supporting those who
labour among you in holy things,
that they may give themselves
to this- work. As they cannot
now, without good reasons, such
as the Convention may approve,
leave their flocks, so, if you give
them a competent support, dur*
'ing good behaviour, it is firmly
believed that you will experience
the happiest result.

•* lastly, let all of us, whether
•f the dergy, vestry, or of the
people at large, remember thait
we form a part of that great fam-
ily, of which- Jesus Christ ia lIjc
htrnd ; that we have been admit-
-ted iiUo thk family by baptism-;
and that the vows of God are up-
enalldfuf. Bepersaaded, my
^dear-friends' oi the kiiiy, to do
-^Ui your power to aid the en-
^deatoura of youv ministers aud
4«tirtm» in this, good work ; ad-
here to your churchy built upon

the foundations of the ]
and Apostles, Jesus Ch:
self being the chief com
Bless God that the ligh
Gospel yet sliines aa>
Prize it as the greatest
(k*ead its removal as- t
of evils ; and think, i
improve our talents ai
tians should do, how jo;
happy our meeting >vill I
the Lord of heaven ai
»hall have gathered, fi
world's pollutions, all tl
found worthy of etcn
Amen.

" Your affectionate Dio

THOS. J. CLAGC

Bishop of the Protestaul

pal Church, Maryh

Craoftij 29t/iJuitjy 1805.'

FRAGMENTS

REMARKABLE SAYINGS
FHII.IP HENRY.

The devil cozens v
our time, by cozening u
present time.

That is always best
which is best for our soi

If the end of one mei
not the beginning of ano
should be undone. N
cie» call for new rel
praise ; aud these will,
new mercies.

When the mind and
dition meet, there is
ment. Ham an was disci
at the court,- Ahab on- the
AcUm in paradise, and th
tJiat icll were discontc
heaven itself.

Foup things he was m
ious should not be agai
the word of God, his< c
scitjice, the prayqrs of t

Iil0&]

jRevicw^.Dr. Ecktefs Sermon.

131

•nd the account ef godly min-
isten.

JJe that hath a blind con-
^ence, which ^ees nothing, a
tfkad co&sciencei which fetls
sothing, and a dumb conscience,
vhich says nothing, is as misera-
-Ud as man can be out of hell.
L4fe ^f Mr, Henry.

man .returned to his companion »
he found him really lifeless ! Im*
mediately he began to exclaim
aloud, oh, Sir, he is dead I oh Sir^
he is dead ! On this the arch-
bishop returned « and discover*
ing the fraud, said, it is a danger*
pus thing to triQe .with the judg«
pacntof God.

ScqCm Mii9. Mag.

ANECDOTES.

aaCBBISHOF LSIOHTOK.

Ojce d»y» ip which there hap-
pened a tremendous storm of
lightning and thunder, as Arch-
bishop Leighten was going from
^lu^ow to Dumhlainjc, he was
deicri^, when at a considerable
distance, by two men of bad chai>
•cttr. They had not courage to
nb him ; but wishing to fall on
lome method of extorting money
from him, one of them preseritly
«d|I will lie down by the wayside
M if I were dead ; and you shall
Mbrm the archbishop that I was
Klled by the lightning, and beg
iiDBcyofhimtoburyme. When
te irchbishop arrived at the
'SpK, the wicked wretch told him
*Mi ftbricated story, who, having
srnpathized with the survivor,
pm him money, and proceeded
on* his journey. But when the

^UBEN ELIZABETH.

Whkn the enemies of Eng-
land, stung with disappointment
at the defeat of the Spanish Ar-
mada, in the year 1 588, and wish-
ing to detract from' the honour
of the brave defenders of their
country, loudly exclaimed that
;thc English had little reason to
boast, for that, if the elements
had not fought for them, they
would certainly have been con-
quered, the enlarged and ready
mind of Eli^beth instantly im-
proved the hint. She command-
ed a medal to be struck, repre-
senting the Armada scattered
and sinking in the back ground ;
and, in the front, the British
fleet riding triumphant, with this
motto around the medal ; " Thtiu
didst blow with thu winds and the
tea covered them.** A striking
instance this, among tliDUsands.
that '^ salvation is of the Lord."

ISettetD of Bm pubUcattonief*

J HfMCOurte be/ore the Sonctyfor
firofiagating the Go^/iel amoufr
the Indiana and others in Aorlh
America^ delivered Xov. 7,
1805. By Joseph EcKLEr^D.n.
ndniMter qf the Old South

Churchj in BQfton. E. Lin-
coln, Boston. 1 806.
Discourses, on occasions
similar to this, have, of late years,
become very frequent. Mission-
ary Societies have been greatly

132

Dr. Eckley^s Sermon.

multiplied both in Europe and
America. To communicate the
knowledge of Christ to those who
sit in darkness ; to establish the
kingdom of light in the region
of the shadow of death is an ob-
ject exceedingly interesting to
all the friends of human happi-
ness. They who have an un-
wavering belief of the promises
which God has made in favour
of the church, and duly consider
the meanS) which must be em-
ployed to accomplish those
promises, have the most anima-
ting motives to abound in the
work of the Lord. A very en-
couraging motive results likewise
from the success which has at-
tended the pious efforts of God's
people. What benevolent mind
can survey that success, and
anticipate the time when the
earth shall be filled with the
knowledge of the glory of Ihe
Lord, without humble triumph
in the power and glory of re-
deeming love. With what pecu-
liar propriety may every believer,
at this day, adopt the holy re-
solution of Isaiah ; For Zion*9
sake I vnll not hold my peacei
and for Jerusalem^ t sake I mil not
rest^ until the righteousness there-
of go forth as brightness^ and the
salvation thereof as a lamfi that
bumeth,

Happy is the preacher, who,
on a missionary occasion, shows
a nind raised and ennobled by
the great object of redemption,
and speaks from the fulness of a
heart, which is united to the Sa-
viour*s kingdom, and earnestly
desires its enlargement and pros-
perity.

The subject of Dr. Eckley's
discourse is interesting in itself,
and- suited to the occasion;
From Col. i. 20, he takes occa-

sion to consider the natur
effects of reconciliation ih
the Gospel, Under tin
head he remarks,

" That making peace or reo
tion involves the concession of
existent state of disorder and c
The disorder or offence is stmt
diiced into the world by our ftr
ents in the garden of Paradis
pervading the hearts of their i
ous descendants from that mela
season to the present day.
shut the gutes of Eden, nipf
fair fruits, blighted her aitnnati
ers ; and instead of angels with
of love, and accents of celest
has placed cherubinu, and ai
txoord, tvming every naff to Jh
Vfoy <f the tree of life. I canni
quately describe it. It consi
contrarietv to the nature, opp
to the wiUy and disaffection
government of a perfect God.
produced a kind of war betwec
\'en and earth."

The author has good rea
consider the following ob
tion of importance ; viz ;

''That the same ideas mu
cessarily be entertained in the
of God concerning the evil c
when he pardoru it, as when it
in the firxt inttance. Ko altera^
this respect, is ever possible wi
Divine Being. On any other su
tion, oiu* views of the nature ^\
must be entirely obscure. T
contemplation of the sanctity co:
ed in forgivittp lore, must be attii
the rcciprocju enjo ymcnt betve
reconciled sinner, and his A(
For, as repentance cannot fidl
volve the disapprobation of sii
effect will be realized not in the
desire of emancipation from th<
demning power of a perfect
which even the impenitent migl

perience ; but in the admirati

the character of the Legislata|
love of divine holiness, and thi
dial acknowledgment that sal'
is of pux-e grace through
Christ."

Under the second head w<
ticc the folhowing correct i

1806;]

Dr. Eckley^s Semum.

133

of the vecesiity and the natare
of ChristS nedutioD.

''To one who his been a friend, or
▼irtwwt beinif, it may in general be
'taft aad ixpedient to do a kindness.
Butnteflh iidme to nnengmyt a^i a
oner may be viewed in relation to
liit Gedt it must be done cireunupecdy .
h tke fenner case, the process may
le^iun SMd ^ay. In the latter, pre-
fiiuiuy comiderartoni may be need-
^M. llie right! of the dtrine govern*
neat may reouire to be goarded, tJie
htvw hoDOorea, reli|^on exahed, and
tte M^ftidum to the practiee of holi-
KM, with the inexcwsableness of sin,
iMWfrd by addidooal li^t. Par'
intnii^ mcr9, as delineated in the gos-
pd, IB SB ezempliiication of the
duncterof a rifhteou* God. It is
dMlied^ as it is benignant, grand
wbtit b mild ; embr&cing justice
to CKsted beings in general, as well
McawBiseration to offenders."

WUIe ure think the sentiment
here expressed honorary to God
Ud fiili of moral beauty ; we
ue qnite unable to discover its
pettinence in this place, where
the writer is professedly point-
ing out the effecta qf goafiel re-
cmeiSation. A correct arrange-
aoiti we i^prehend) would have
oonndered the measures here
IKBlioDedt 1^ fireregtiisite to re-
opnqliaUon and peace. We can-
not belp remarking that the sec-
«m1 particular^ as well as this,
iW| at beat, a very obscure con-
netioQ with the idea ot effects.
We however notice with satis-
&ctioo, the passage, in which the
writer impressively illustrates
the happiness, which natural and
moral evil will, on the principle
of cmunutj occasion to the re-
deemed. It is a noble thought,
solring a thousand doubts.

The friends of evangelical

truth will be pleased to find such

sentiments as these ; t/iat the

plan of iuan*3 redemption is trari'

Mcendently gloriouB anting the
workM <if God ; that it is the firin-
cipal vork in the moral system ;
that the good resulting from tht
death of Christ Vfas so great, as to
absorb the idea of the ervH, afford-
ing to the mind of the Father the
enjoyment of infinite felicity on the
whole ; that there is abundant
evidence of a peculiar predilection
for the saints in the divine counsels^
according to John xvii. ; that some
plan of divine gcDernment, in its
nature completely glorious^ ww,
and good^ must in reality exist ;
that whatever this mav be* it must
necessarily look beyond time ijito
eternity, embrace all events, ;*?i-
clude all beings, and comprehend
all worlds ; that while the great e&t
display will ultimately be made of
the perfections of its author, the
object, on the whole, is the highest
possible good of the vast system g
that even the perpetual punish'
ment q/'&Ilen angels and impeni^
tent men is to be viewed as a
partial evil, admitted for the sake
qfthe general good ; that there is
not a single events ai any time^
among any beings, or in any world^
incapable qf subjection to the de»
sign of infinite benevolence ; and
so that saints and angels will have
reason through eternity to unite in
the anthem, ^ Halleluia, for the
Lord God omnipotent reigfi"
eth:*

These sentiments not only lay
the foundation for pious acquies-
cence and joy in Jehovah's ad-
ministration, but directly excite
to the most cheerful and zealous
co-operation with him.
. The answer to an objection
against endless punishment, in
tlie note, p. 18, 15, deserves
attention.

Tlie application of th^subjva

134

Jin LyvmrCs Sermon.

to the occasion is agreeable.
This discourse^ though far from
being perfect in the arrangement
of its parcsi must, on the whole,
be considered an excellent mis-
aionary sermon.

A Sermon^ fxreached be/ore the
Convention of the [CofigregQ'
/foiuj/] Clergy of Massachusetts^
in Boston^ May 29, 1806. By
JosKFU Lyman, D. D. Pasior
cf the Church in Half eld,
Boston. Carlisle.

Thb theme of this discourse
is selected from 1 Cor. xi. I . and
Acts X. 38. Be ye /(Mowers of
me J even as I also am of Christ^-^
vfho went about doing good. Its
" leading design," says the
preacher, ^^ is to persuade myself
and those who hear me, to a care-
ful isaitation of our Lord Jesus
Christ, in the active and unweari-
ed benevolence of his life." A
design equally important in itself,
and appropriate to the occasion.

^ The glories of our Immanu-
cl's benevolence" are illustrated
by a view of the ^^ humiliation,
self-denial, and suflcring" to
which he submitted, <' for the
benefit and salvation of men ;" of
^^ his assiduous labours in teach-
ing them those doctrines and
duties, which would render thcni
acceptable to God ;" and of " ilie
numberless kind oflTiccs, which he
performed, for the relief and hap-
piness of their souls and bodies.*'
This bright and animating ex-
ample is then, in a forcible and
affectionate manner, recommend-
ed to the imitation of the minis-
ters of the p^ospel.

An idea of tiic author's style,

and of his sentiments re
a correct and profitable m
preachings may be collect
the following paragraphs.

*' Would we foUow the oo
by our Divine Teacher, we
clsre to our hearers the wlu
sei of God, without suppresi
part, through fear of giving
or of bringing ourselvcy i^ito
trouble, from tJie re^ntment <
Our Lord never pleased hii
M'ith this honied doctrine, tb
is in man by nature a seed o
which needs only to be cult
order to elicit the fruits of
and render us pleasing to G4
taught, that the soul of roai
ruins, under the power of
deathy wholly indisposed t
thing, which the law and f
God require ; tliat in order to
the duties and obtain the p
of his kingdom, we must be
gain, not by a change wrougl
cid ttrgumcntation, and mo
sion, but by a change produce
supernatural agency of the
God, subduing our natural
tions, and giving an entirely
different taste from that wl
brought with us into the w^rl<

" On this ground of the 1
pravity of the humim heart, m
as he h»8 tuuglit us, lay the
tion of his nivstcrious sch

gospel grace. Fn>m this doc
must deduce the necessity o
VINE Saviovb, one who by
dicncc can glorify the law, an
(lt*atli answer its infinite demt
in:ik.<; rxpiation for bin. U
groiiiul of nian*s infinite PT^ilt,
tcr hclplt*ssiu>ss, rests tlie n
of u Mediator, who by unitii
mysterious j)erson the nature]
Hiul man, could work out a li]
nt'ss equal to the claims of law
tic4: upon the original ti'ans
As did (Mr Master, so must
ministeri lay the ax at the ro
inan pride and vanity, and ]
pretensions to orip^nal and
ri^hteo<isness, and bring g^dll
bankrupt and criminal to the i
of free, ahsolute and suvereig
to seek redompixon by the bl«
Son of God.

1806.]

Dr. Lyman*s Sermon.

135

"An our pretching>9 which loses
•igfat of thete cloctrincs of humiin do-
pravitVy and of an atonement made
for sin bv the death of a DiWne i Sav-
iour, uA of a spiritual union to him
throu|;h that faith, which is of the op-
fntion of his Spirit ; all our preach-
ior, which eludes these points of gos-
pel doctrine, tends only to dishonour
God, to reproach our Saviour, and to
cany the souls of sinners down the
coient of deluuon and false security,
to the nilph of perdition. Let us
thai finUow Christ by urging^ and re*
vpBf these humbling doctrines, as we
lope to do good to the souls of men."

It his been frequently objected

to termons constructed on the

plan tbove recommended, that

thej are deficient in practical

instriKtioDi and almost wink out

of fi^t the raoi*al and social

virtoei. However just this re-

maik may be, in some instances,

no such censure can be justly ap-

^kd to the present discourse.

Or. L. is not a more ardent ad-

loctte for the distinguishing doc-

tmnoi the gospel, than for its

aildind beneficent virtues. The

idigioo, which he inculcates,

wUte it humbles the soul to the

fiwtstool of mercy, causes the

ftcut to melt with compassion,

ind overflow with benevolence.

In his representation, Christiani-

Ij appears not a detached frag-

neot, but a beautifid vfholc. The

fiiknring remarks, on some parts

of the character of Christ, are

juit and striking.

* We find our Divine Teacher at

Mriitms and feasts ; not, indeed,

gUyd in the idle and dissipatetl

Mrtn of the- guests, not participating

io their noisy festivity, but tcacliing

them benevolence to the poor and des-

tilute. It was his object, while their

hearts were ojien, to instil into them

ibe fieelinn of humanity and c<impas-

MB to sufferers ; to dispose the rich,

M the stewards of Gcnrs bounty, to re

£ere the distresses of the indigent ;

Id difTuse through their souls \}\*t sen-

8«(ions ofiovc, of liberality and kind-

ness to tlie whole family of Adam ;
to teach the affluent, ^tliat tlic use of
riches is to make men happy by diflTii-
«ivc cliarities, not to pamper the ani-
mal appetites of their possessors, not
to emblazon their names, as men of
taste and splendour. This Master in
Israel would counsel the master of the
feast not to make his halls and Itis ta-
bles theatres for the dispLiy of magnif-
icence, for prescribing rules of prece-
dence among dying worms, but to
maketliem a sclioolof humility, where
arc taught those Iionourable regards
which men owe to others, by going
and taking the lowest place, and in
honour preferring others before them-
selves ; diat the glory of an entertain-
ment is to furnish supplies for tlie
poor and the maimed, thelialtand tlie
blind, that the cravings of hunger may
be satisfied,the tears of grief dried up,
tlie sinking hcait of indigence and
wo raised to sclfcnio\nient and glad-
ness, and that widows and orphans
may partake in tlie bounties, and sing
the praises of the common Father of
men."

On the whole, we doubt not
that the serious and candid read-
er will find in this sermon, a
repast. It is evidently the off-
spring of a masculine understand-
ing, and a feeling heart. It con-
tains precious and weighty truths,
clothed in natural, energetic ex-
pressions. It exhibits its author
in a light highly honourable to a
Christian minister. He is much
impressed himself, anxious to
impress others, and too much ab-
sorbed in the greatness of his
subject, to be ambitious of the
lighter ornaments of style. Z.

A treafhe on the di8eaac9 of chil"
dren,and management of infanta
from the birth . By Michael
Undekwood, A/./). IJcentiatr
in midwifery of the royal col'
leife of fthyaicians in London ;
jihyiticlan to her highness the
J^rincets of Wales ; and senior
physicia?i to the British lyitig-in
hosjiital. J'hree volumes in one.

1 36 J Treatise on the Diseases of Children. f

Second American^ from the

^jLtfi London edition, Boston.

David West. 1 806.

Dr. Underwood is among the
few medical writers, who can
be read understandingly, and
profitably, by all classes in the
community. Medical books have
generally been as unintelligible
to all. who have not been bred to
the profession, as the writings
of Celsus, Gulen, and Hippocra*
tes. Persons unacquainted with
the Greek and Latin languages,^
are necessarily precluded from*
acquiring any information from
the writings of the faculty. By
retaining so many Latin and
Greek terms, in the names, de-
scriptions, and remedies of dis-
eases, the healing art is rendered
as obscure as a system of judicial
astrology. Hence, it is come to
pass, that the community are
wholly unacquainted with the
names of diseases, and with the
nature of the most useful and sim-
ple remedies. Though medical
books are exceedingly numerous,
the public remain almost wholly
uninformed. Had divines retain-
ed Latin and Greek epithets, or
should they, at once, adopt the
uninttllipiblc jargon of Don Scot-
us, and Thomas Aquinas, who
could find the way to heaven ?
And why people in general
should be denied an acquaintan<:c
with the means of preserving
and restoring health, no good
reason can be assigned. Parents,
in particular, to whom the life
and health of their children arc
committed, uujjht to be furnish-
ed with such a btock of medical
informalioh, as will enable ihoni
to lake care of this precious de-
pr,sit, uithout calling in profes-
sional aid on every occurrence.
Doctor Underwood has wi'iiten

with a professed design to fi
parents with this necessa
formation. He has, therefoi
commodated his lang^ag
the apprehension of unli
readers.

Were tho theory of phy ■
vested of its learned rubbii
would be less arduous to ill
dent, and by becoming
would become more useful.
writer of this review has i

■

ed the advantages of a iq
education, and makes the
marks from no invidious fee
He only wishes a more »
diffusion of necessary infi
tion among his fellow-cit
The book under considerat
particularly adapted to efTec
desirable object. The jud
parent, and regular pnub
will feel themselves instruc
their treatment of a numi
|L helpless, but important j
the human race. Infancy is
riod of peculiar importance
man life. The foundati
then laid, in the strength an
our of the constitution, -fb
health and happiness of (t
ture man. By improper
ment, the seeds of numerov
eases are sown, which bring
H noxious harvest through h
very larg^ proportion of Ih
man family die in infancy. \
the imbecility of infants, at
numerous diseases to whicl
are incident, they claim pe
care and attention.

This work is designed fi
nurscvv, and how well it is a
ed to that purpobe, its num
editions in London, in a *
time, mav evince. The at
neat and unadorned. The
tor commences his work i:
following manner, which
give a specimen of hiA styj

1806.J A Treatise on the Diseases of Children. 137

exhibit his intention in the
vork.

" The ittention which the author has
kn^beftowed on the disorders of chil-
dren, he would presume to hope, may
hsve eBsfakd him to furnish an intcUi*
gent and correct account of them.
If the Teiy favourable reception of his
ftraer labours, by rtadert not educated to
^fnfiuiiom, has conspired to raise so
lattenog a conjecture, it has, at the
nae time, inchiced him to spare no
piiM ifl ada/fting tmt exclusive^ to
tkornm^'^ad particularly to mothers of

Siet. The writer has, inileco,
bmented the very improper
id in which tlie disorders of in-
hasA have been treated by those, who
deugn them the greatest kindness^
hut whose mistaken opinions too often
cooMeract their benevolent intentions.
The IsudaUe affection of the fondest
■other fteauendy becomes a source
cf asiuMl injury to her tender ofT-
Vrimf. And this has not only been
tie cue among the lower class of peo-
Ffc^ or in situations where medical as-
tttsioe is |»xicured with difficulty, but
CRihithe metropohs itself^ and in the
hfher ranks of the community ;
wit many prejudices repugnant to
the ease anid health of children have
kvprcrailcd. Interesting, indeed,
jBu iMportant to society as is the sub-
ject of children's diseases, it has been
fnenUy regretted by the best writ-
Cfi, thst this branch of medicine has
^liaed too much uncultivated ;
■4 uidced, until of late years, little
■oit has been done, tlian getting rid
rf the wild prejudices and pre-
■cripiions of the old writers, wnich
hue too oflen served only to obscure
thetnie nature of children's disorders.
Host fatal such a neglect must be, is
Hflcicntly obvious, since the destruc-
tmof in&nts is eventually the deatruc-
tioB of adults, of population, wealth,
ad every thing that can prove useful
Associety, nradd to the strength and
giudeur of a kingdom. Itmaymore-
srcrbeobser^'ed, that where niisman-
tteaent at this period does not actu-
sfiy destroy life, it often yci'> essen-

tially impairs the health ; the founda-
tion of a future good or bad constitu-
tion being frequently laid in a state of
infancy. Whereas, if its complaints
are prudently managed, the tendere'st
cliildrcn, after being, for a time, re-
duced by various debilitating com-
plaints, turn out exceedingly healthy ;
the resources of infancy, as I shall
have frequent occasion to notice, be-
ing as astonishing, as they arc happi*
ly adapted to the great variety of ac-
cidents to which it is Uable."

After obviating a few objec-.
tionS) the Doctor proceeds to
take up the little helpless stran-
ger, as soon as he enters on this
state of disease and death. He
assiduously attends him through
the precarious period of infancy^
describing his numerous com-
plaints, and sugf^esting to the
anxious mothei*, the proper rem-
edies. Having, in the two first
volumes, treated infantile disor-
ders ; he commences his third,
with a critical, but plain inquiry
into the properties of human
milk. He remarks,

" Whatever splendour the actual
treatment of diseases may reflect on
the science of medicine, it by no
means comprehends tlie whole of its
pro\'ince. For prevention bcinr in
every case preferable to remedies,
tlie medical art would be more imper-
fect tlian other sciences, were it only
devoted to the latter. In a view to
this, an introduction is given on the na-
ture and properties of human milk, as
more es|x:cially connected with the
subject of this volume ; which it is
hoped, will exhibit a plan as rational
in design, as the autlior is led to be-
lieve rit has been succcssiul in its ap-
plication."

The whole work is cordially
recommended to judicious moth-
ers, for whom it was principally
debigucd.

Vol. II. Xo. 3.

isa

IntelRgence from ImSa,

[

Eeligiouief JntelUsencr.

INDIA.

Mxtraeti of Letienjrom Mr, Cartj to
a Friend in Kdinburgh,

Sept. 37, 1804.
Ths means ftilbrded of spreftdlnff
gospel light, by dispersing the word
iff God and pamphlets, have been
great, and the exertions of our friends
very generous ;- and though the light
struck up be but as a spark, it has
glanced upon very many. Yet, from
a calculation made a few days ago, it
appears that it will require the ex-
penditure of a sum not leas than
250,000/. sterling, to furnish e\'eTy
tHL'tifth person in Bengal with a New
Testament, at the cheapest rate that
we can print them : Wliat then must
we say of the whole of Hindoostan
and the surrouncUng countries ^ The
prospect on one si£ almost sinks our
hopes t but the promise and faithful-
ness of God encourages us to go on.
'* The earth must be filled with the
knowledge of the Lord." This
knowledge must be conveyed Iw the
word of his grace, published and
preached. Compared with the great-
ness of the work, the means are but
small; and, perhaps, three-fourtfu of
those means which God has commit-
ted to his church are withheld, by tfie
influence of custom, preconceived
opinions of church government, tim-
iai^, conformity to the world, luxu-
ry-, covetousncss, or other erits ; per-
haps few feel, as they ought, the sin
of net devoting all their talents, in-
iuence, and subitance to the Lord.

8tk Feb. 1805.
The second edition of the New Tes-
tament is getting ibrward. We skip-
ped wcT Luke, Acts, and Romans,
mtending to print 10,000 copies of
these three books to give away, wlicre
a whole New Testament migi^t be im-
proper. We are now in the first epis-
tie to the Tbessalonians ; and of the
10^000, Luke is nearly finished. The
ten first chapters of Matthew are
printed in Mahratta, at Dr. Huntcr*j
press ; Matthew, and part of Mai-k,
m Hindostanee ; and the third vol-
nme of the Old Testament, Job and
the second edition of the Psalms to
Paalm 136, arc primed. The New

Testament is nearly all transla
to Mahratta aud Oareea ; and
tleman is translating the Nev
ment into Malay.

Extract of a Letter front Mr; .
fiuin. Wife of one of the h
mie:

" As it is the desire of our
rcn to spread the gospel as win
possible, tbev mean, as often
brother can be i)i>ared from ho
place him out, uncrhe has lean
language, at the distance of 50
miles ; putting him at the sam
into a little way of business, i
by he may employ a number
natives, and at the same time
known to them something of th
sed way of life. Tims brother '
beriain is stationed at Cutwa,
100 miles up the river. We 1
him a piece of ground, built
bungalow, and put him into thi
way. He e vploys a number of
ers, gives them a little money bi
they find every thing, and ma
ckith at their own houses ; whe
they brhiff it home, and recei
rest of the money ; with wU
supply him from Serampore.

*' My first business in the m
is to see that the children fft
forty-five in number) are bathe
dressed fit for the day. At sere
writin^.school commences r at
worship and breakfast ; at nine,
begins again, and continues t
bell rings for dinner, at half pu
at three, school as^ain, which ei
half past five; and by the time
thing is put in order, tea is i
and after tea, worship immed
By the time all is over, andthi
di-en are in bed, it is generall]
o'clock ; after which time is tflj
day, to read, write or work . Bv
often so overcome with fatigu
the scorching heat of the day,
feel neither will nor power to d
thing at all ; and when I sit dx
converse witli you, it is with •
f>ody, a stupid soul, and dim eyei
I am sure of having all my
li^htlv passed over, and all cc
with love.*' ikvon.

IIOS.]

Literary InteUigdice.

literary JnteHigence.

VACCi VATioiT. iff deaths from tku diieate vat a* Jifx

Si. Si Camko, of Vienna, h» re- to four.

ceirvB acooanU from the East Indies, Hence it u-oukl appear that inocula-

tbatnolew than 145,840 persons wei*e tion has done a great injury to socie-

ffMOBted there between Sept. 1, ty at large, and the difficulty of ex-

180% aid April 30, 1804. The Ra< tending it generally so aa to conveit

jdK^Tujore is a zealous supporter it truly into a public 'benefit is attend -

ofneanation s and the De%'an oSfTra- ed with alnKiat insuperable difliculty.

fiMR liaa himself subnutted to the For, to make a law, that inoculation

inoeH. Among the vaccinated per- shall be general and periodical, up-

#0M««e4141 Brahmins, 41,806 Mai- pears both cruel and arbitrary,

ibny 10^936 Mahometans. where security of life cannot be given

Chrif. Obierv. to all { and is' what no government,

-— * munded on the basis of general

IMUL roz SBSTROYS, VACCiKA- fibcrty, would iwuture to adopt. ^

.tios^ SAVES, TBS LIVES OF fiut throi^ the kiodncss of Divine

. , TVftoU'Di* Providence the means of obviating

taa^ a statement of facts extract- all these diiRculties and dangers have

•tfdUelhrfinmalate work,p\iblishcd at length been placed within our

•A Loawm in favour of vaccination, power, by the inviduable discovery

X iffean, that the Small Pox has made public by Dr. £dward Jennet,

;3^nmd moK lives, than all the that the Com Poet, vhich ha* never

' Mb ttioQi^out the worid. ^n kfupmn to prone fatal, efeetually

^%^kueii in some degree tliis eecwret the amstitutionfrom tSe attackt

.^tetion of the human race, in- €f either the natural or inoculated Small

IMif^ Y*a introduced, by which hx.

jhe iibitalitjr of the disease was pre- The following annual statement of

4RM( It »r ai it respected tliose, deaths by the Small Pox within the

jn» mbmitted to the operation. London bills of mortalit>', in the pre-

lot as the benefit of inoculation sent century, has lately been publish-

fHHi be extended to society, as is ed fay the Jennerian Society of that

.rtnuiul by a popular writer, by any city.

:«lkriBeana than bj making the prac- A. D. 1800 .... (deaths S409

Jnieneral; wliileitisconfinedtoa 1801 1461

lev It must prove hurtful to the 1802 1-579

^Vhok. By means of it the contagion 1803 1173

■i|Mad and is communicated to ma- 1804 623

■J« *ho might otherwise have never As the society remarks, it is hoped

fad the disease. Accordingly it is the knowledge of these facts will be

•%m1 that more persons die of the strongly promotive of the beneficial

tedl PojF now than before inocida- practice of Vaccine inoculation ; it

noa ras introduced ; and this imiKM*- appearing that (the fatal disease of

tnt discovery, by which alone more Small Pox has progrcsaively declined

■ Eva might ie saved Uian by all the as the inestimable discovery of Dr.

*tber endeavours of the fiiculty, is in Jenner has been introduced,

•^^mt measure lost by its'benefit not Vaccination was introduced into

' "na| extended to the whole com- Vienna in 1801. Its effects in de-

ttwuty. Dr. Heberden in his ub- creasingthe deaths by Small Pox are

mnUoQs on the increase and de- evident from comparing the deaths

c^ueof different diseases observes, since that period with tliose of the

that be examined carefully the bills preceding years.

^ Bortality, and comparing the dc- In 1800 . . 835 died of Small Pox.

T^ntction occasioned by the Small Pox 1801 . . 154

» Creat Britain before and since 1802 . . 61

inocuUtion, reluctantly vtas brought to 1803 . . 27

'*« melancholy conclusion, that at the 1804 . . 2 only.
t^^ttm period, the proportional increase

140

•S

a §

to £»

o
<

<
>

•J

M
<

M
O
H

Vaccinatim.

— o

01 «.«
CI

is?*'

.2 -a
S « ^ S

c«

• **

.^ t
U 3

= 8 « &•

eua

-I - - •* c -•? ♦»

- ^ - S 5 0-31;

» o
? u

• O « -1

V g V es

p b s 2 P»2

..J{

S c.'

J> 8 w « c's^

«•» 3 2

2 e> £ >>iNS m

-."2 Sb.5^

S .S S 3 »

s.i

o
c

"!i 5 2 c 5, -Ti t! cs • * 3 5a

t
s

^2
.5 J

ce s
U 5

!2£t)
5 E ^

.5 JO

** ti c •-«

3 a « «J
c e "" c

up. ^

C>f«{f.

-^ «

Vaccination.

141

ind others are earncttly
x> attend seriouMly to the
omparison, and to the fol-
'" ' and rccommenda-

Miadeifihia, Jtrii 12» 1803.
abfcnben. Physicians of
■, having carefiUlv consid-
lire and effects of the new-
sd means of preventing*,
ion* the fatal consequcn-
mall PoXy think it a duty
f to declare our opinion,
lion for the Kine or Cow
ettain preventive of the
that it is attended with
may be practised at all
aBops of the ^var, and we
t recommend it to general

field.

ijaick,

jun.

nffitu,

■f
lousey

onover,

iworthy

sobsy
raU,

le,

leau,

.ochcy

Bths,

berti.

John Porter,
Felix Pascalis,
James Stewart,
James Dunlap,
James Proudnt,
Thos. T. Hewson,
James Gallaher,
Charles Caldwell,
Thos. C. James,
Wm. P. Dewecs,
Benj. S. Barton,
Isaac SeiTnon,
George PfeiOcr,
Jos. P. Minnick,
Wm. Barnwell,
Adam Seybcrt,
James Mease,
John C. Otto,
J. Reynolds,
J. Church,
^Arthur Blayney.
Monges,
William Biidd,
Joseph Pfciffer,
£dw. Cutbush.

rior advantages of the Cow Pock mar
be fully experienced by tlie objects ol*
this charity :'*

Therefore, Retohed^ That we do
entirely accord with the sentiments
of the physicians ; and eanieslly re-
commend to the poor of the city, to
embrace the means now uflercd of
preserving tlicmsi-lves and families
from a dangerous and loathsome dis«
ease bv the newlv discm-ered and
happy mode of inoe\ilation for the
Cow Pock ; which will be dally per-
formed by tlie physicians at the DIi-
pcnsar>-.

Publithed biy Order of the Board of
Afanagerty

William White, Pretident.
April 25, 1803.

After a mature consideration of
the preceding statement of facts and
recommendations, we woidd venture
to ask eveiy person of reflection,
wiibther it is justifiable to
covtinl'b to inoculate fos tb£
Small Pox ?

[^Ext.frofn a pamphlet pub, Phil.

Philadelphia, May 26, 1806.
ui, Peter Miller,

»ney, Joseph Parrish,
rcr, S. Blriijht.

ELPIIIA DISPEVSARY.

•ndinu^ and consuhing pliy-
■ing informed tl.r niuna-
tiat they had, for those
rmths past, iiioculati'd for
rM:k« and found it mild, un-
ith dunjjcr, and a Tull sc-
nstthe Sniul\ I*f'\, :in«l t-?--
leir wishes that the supc-

NEW GEEMAN PUDLICATXONS.

£*tay on the German inhabitant* (fthe

Austrian dominions, 2 vols. 8vo.

Vienna.

The author of this work is Mr.
Joseph Rohrer, Commissary General
of the Police at Lc-niberg, who, hy hia
frccpient joumics in all parts of the
Austrian territories, has examined
almost every thing in person ; and haa
collected many imix>rtant facts n*lati\'c
to the statistical history of these
states.

Tliis work, with the following,
combine a mass of information al-
most wholly now. They are divided
into, 1. Po]nilation. 2'. Bodily Con»
stitution. 3. FoikI. 4. Drcrssos.
5. Occupations. 6. Arts and La.
hours. 7. Character. 8. Rtligitm.
9. Manners of the inhabitants.

The number of the German inhabi-
t.-.nts of the Austrian States, is
6,;;00,000, making not more than one
fourth pai-t of the whole jiopulation,
but b} f:u* the most impoi-tant part in
rcsjKct to uitivity, commerce, Iiului.
tr;, Mid ipf^nuity in general.^

The Austrian has con.-^idcvaUe
bodily strength, and loves good

142

List ofNrtv Ptiblications.

cheer. The Emperor Joseph II.
sukled f^atW to tnc advantufres of
his people, by infusing^ and direct ing
A spirit of activity» of industr}-, and
of commercial adventure among
them. Arts and letters are in es-
teem ; and especially music and en-
miving ; in which Austria and Bo-
iicmia liiive produced excellent priY-
fesRors. Letters, properly speaking,
cnjo}'cd but a small period of liberty,
and that was during the reign of Jor
seph II.

Euay OH the yreu of the AuMtrian
fnonarchy. By the same author.
This part of our author^s labours
is the most intsresting, as it contains
various plans for rendering the Jews
useful to the community.

The ^neral principle adopted by
M. R. is, that the state, which ad-
mits Jews to the pririleges of citi-
zenship, has a right to exact from
them all the duties, which belong to
that station : and his conclusion is,
that so long as this people are suffer-
cd to e^'ade the occupations of agri-
culture, trades, and regular com-
merce ; so lon» as they are jierm it-
ted to pursue their vagabond irregu-
larities, usury, and traffic; so long
\ri11 they be 'miserable as a people,
and a dead weight on well organized
states. It is truly remarkalSe, tlut
all the endeavours of the Emperor
JosepI), whether by persuasion, en-
couragement, or even by constraint,
effected nothing. Their mimb<T in
the Austrian territories is estimated
at 422,698. At Lemberg, the coun-
try of tlie author, they are so greatly

increased, as to form one •:
of the population. Ee/eetk

RUSSIA.

CnvNT Potocki has lai
lished, in 1 vol. 4to. a JKrte
Primitive ImhahitcutU of Hm
a full explanation of iDcir k
tonis and national traditiom,
tJvc of the Fourth Book of
tus. It is the result of re
and travels continued duriii|
years ; and is explanaloiy
Mosaic hi«tor>', concluding
commentary on die tenth d
Qencsis.

A committee of censan
tablishcd at Petersburgh 0
pMsa, composed of three i
and a secretary, receiving
salaries, which amount to S
bles. If a writer thinlu tt
treated him with injustice^
appeal to the supreme din
studies. The censors have
power to suppress a woik oa
of some reprehensible puaaf
it is tlieir duty to point the
the author, that he may
them t but they are fbrbi
make the correction themad

A splendid embassy is abi
sent from the Russian goi
to China, from which great
fro<<, both commerriul and i
arc exi)ected.

The emperor has grante
Jews the privilege of educai
children in any of the seh
universities of the empire; c
tablishment of schools at tl
expense. Chrittt

lAtit of J0etD publtcattotut.

The advantages of God's pro^en^^e
with his people in an exp^^dition
against their enemies : A sermon
preached at Newhurj*, May 22, 17 JJ,
at the do si re and in the audience of
Col. Moses Titromb, and many oth-
ers enlisted un%lcr liim, and gninf;-
t**ith him in an expedition against the
French. By John Lowell, ▲. n. pas-
tor of a chuprh in Newbur>'. Ncwbu-
r>'port. E. \y. Allen. 1806.

The Mcs«»if»h'» rei|:^n ; a sermon
preached on the 4th of July, befora

the Washington Society, and
ed at their request. By Jam
D. D. p-istitr of the Prea
church at Alexandria. Ale
S. Snowden.

A sermon preached in Shar
mont, Mai-ch 12, 1806, at the
tion of tlie Rev. Samuel Baao
the Rev. Tilton Eastman, p
the Congregational church
dolph, Vt. Hano^'cr, N. H
Moses Davis.

The Commonwealth*! Mi

Poetry.

143

"tten, addnssed to the cit-
Mew York. By James
9. New York. A. For-
36.

iq^^ Conrert'f Compaiuoiiy
kctioii of h^mns for the use
Biee Meetings. Ori|pnal
tod. With music sdapted
tVf of Puiicular Metres.
B.Iincohi.

itrmst : or, the Death Bed
thinker and the Death Bed
Uui, exemplified in the last
tlie Hon. Fnuicis Newport,
«muel Finley. pp. 16 8vo.
£. Lincoln.

logy for the rite of infant
iBd for the usual modes of
5 in which an attempt is
rtate fairly and clearly the
% or proof of these doc-
ad also to refute the objec-
FBasoning^ alleged against
he Rev. Daiuel Merrifi, and
ptists in general. By John
dl pastor of a church and
ioB in Bridgewater.
MB delivered to the First
i-Boston, on the Lord's day
s calamitooi death of Mr.
kwtin, member of the senior
le nniversity of Cambridge,
p|imcd Aug. 4, 1806, in the
' of his age. By William
, pMtor of the church. Sec-
Boston. Belcher and

delivered before the
Society of the Common -
f Massachusetts, June 10,

1806. ByThaddeus Mason Rarrisy
minister of the church in Dorchester.
Boston. £. Lincoln.

IV THB pasts.

Home, a poem. Boston. Samuel
H. Parker.

Johnson's Dictionary of the English
Language in miniature. Boston.
WilHam Andrews.

The Wife. Boston. A. Newell.

The works of the Right Honorable
Edmund Burke. Boston. J. West
and O. C. Grcenleaf.

Tlie baptum of belicTers only, and
tlie particular communion of the Bap-
tist churches explained and vindicat-
ed. By Thomas Baldwin, d. d. Bos-
ton. Manning and Loring.

WORKS PaOPOSED TO BB PI7BLISK-

XD.

Means of preserving health, and
preventing diseases ; founded princi-
pally on an attaition to air and cli-
mate, drink» food, sleep, exercise,
clotliing, passions of the iqind, and
retentions and excretions. With an
appendix, containing observations on
bathing, cleanliness, veiitilatioq, and
medical electricity ; and, on the abuse
of med icine . Enriched with apposite
extracts from the best authors. De-
signed not merely for physicians, but
for the information of others. New
York. • Shadrach Kicketson.

Philosophical remarks on the Chris-
tian religion ; by the Rev. J. Moir,
ftf. A. Philadelphia. Robert Mills.
Subscriptions received by £. Lincoln.

Poetry.

IN MEMORY OF MY BELOVED MOTHER.

Trcfm the Chrutian Ohtervcr,
WHO hush'd mv infant cares to rest \

Who lull'd me on her lender breast,
And when I stirr'd more closely press'd >

My Mother,

Wlio sn-celly still'd my wailing cries ?

Who pray*d mv dawning tlioughts might rise.

Above Ruth's Aecting vanities I

Mj Mother.

144 Poetry..,. To Correspondena.

In cariy youth, who sooth'd my wo \
Who moum'd when sickness laid roe low.
But whispcr'd '* mercy deab the blow ?**

My Mather,

Who taught my simple heart the way.
In feeble accents iirst to pray ?
Who watch'd my slumbers, cheer'd my day \

My Mother.

Who strove to teach my heart to glow
With gratitude, and melt at wo ?
Each selfish feeling to forego \

My Mother.

Who liv'd in peace and died in fxuth^;
And blekt me with her latest breath X
Who grasp'd my hand and smil'd in death !

My Mother.

O ! shade of her I held so dear !
Tliv lov*d remembrance still I bear
lx\ my sad heart — thou livest there^

My Mother.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Jesus, taring hit people frtnn, their tiru, by H. will be seasonably |
to. The Editors hope often to receive the finiits of hts pious study.

C. Y. A. OH the *tate of literature in Nevt-England^ contains matter
or three very profitable numbers.

Pliilologos, No. 6, is reserved for another month.

IjetterM to a lady in high life will be admitted, if upon careful penw
are found sufBcicntly iitteresting for publication.

/Review of M^ Far land* 4 historical view of heretic*, and of otlierUtte ]
tions, will api)ear in our next No.

Biographical tketch of President Daries is Just recelvetl.

We are happy to iind on our files sucli nch materials for future m
Our correspondents will accept our cordial tlianks . We request that tl
tinye their labours for the dinusion of knowledge and piety. It would 1
great pleasure, could we consistently gratify them in every instance, fi
must consider that our first object is, to render the publication useful^ and
such a variety of matter as we iiave before us, a part must be Tef%. **
under sacrcAubligationsto make the selection and to perform the whol
ous work according to our best judgment, and an invariable regard to til
of Christian trutli and holiness. Rather than be biassed by personal rtg
tlie hope of favour, or the fear of reproach, we ought to rcUnquish tb
or commit it to the hands of more faithful men.

AGENTS FOR THE PANOPLIST.

Messrs. Cishing & Appletox, Salem; Thomas & Whipplb, N<
poll; W. B I' TLE a, Northampton ; Whiting & Backus, Albany^ C
Richards, Utica; Collins & Perkins. New York; W. P. Fa
Philadelphia ; Isaac Beers Sc Co. New Haven , O. D. Cook, Hi
Benjamin Ctmmins, Windsor, Vt. ; Joseph Cushing, Amlierst,
Mr. Davis, Ilaiiovor, N. li. ; Rev. Alvan Hyde, Lcc* Mass. ; J. ]
»Y> Alexandria.

THE PANOPLIST:

OB,

THE CHRISTIANAS ARMORY.

No. 16.] SEPTEMBER, 1806. [No. 4. Vol. II.

'Biograpbg.

LIFE OF LUTHER.
(Concluded from p. 106.)

Trk principles of reformation
vbicb the people in ^^arious
[Arts of Germany had imbibed,
rendered them impatient of those
multiplied superstitions which
Were still practised^ and solici-
toos to obtain a more simple and
■criptural ritual. They looked
to Luther as the best fitted to
wguiise a system of worship
which might supersede the use
of that which he had proved to be
10 universally corrupted ; and
with a prudence which) in gener-
4 marked his conduct when he
had time for deliberation, or
^ not inflamed by passion, he
introduced such changes as si-
lenced the clamours of the multi-
tndc, while every thing, in any
^ree tolerable, was allowed to
remain. In baptism, the lan-
guage only was altered, though
two years afterwards, when the
reformation was more advanced,
many of the ancient ceremonies
Were retrenched. In the Lord's
Supper, none of the riles were
ai>oIished, but such as related to
the false notion of its being a sa-
crifice, and to the adoration of
the host ; though pastors were
left to judge for themselves, prg-
Vd. II. No.4. U

vided they did not obscure the
design of the ordinance. He or-
dered communicants to submit
to an examination, required
knowledge of the nature and end
of the institution, and of the ad-
vantage expected to be derived
from it, as the qualification of ad-
mission, and appointed both
kinds to be administered, and
that those who would take only
one, should have neither.*^

The Bohemian reformers,
named Picards or Waldenses, not
only cori*esponded with Luther,
but sent one of their pastors to
hold a conference with him ; in
consequence of which, he en-
tertained a more favourable
opinion of their sentiments than
he had formerly done. Having
found one of their treatises On
the Real Presence of Chrht in the
Sacrament^ he composed a short
treatise on the subject, winch Ke
dedicated to them, and in which,
though he censured their doc-
trine on this point, and their ad-^
herence to the seven popish
sacraments, being yetuniniiamed
with a controversial spirit, he

146

Life of Luther^

\^S^u

did not regard them aa heretics^
but as Christian brethren. About
the same time, he wrote to the
Calixtins, wboy though thejr re-
tained all the rites of the Romnh
church, except the restriction of
the communion to one kind,
were, for this heresy, denied
ordination to their priests by
the bishops of the country. • He
endeavoured to open their eyes
to the abuses which prevailed,
and contended, that the circum-
stances of their situation warrant-
ed them to dispense with popish
ordination, and to give to their
own teachers the authority of
ordained pastors.*

Hitherto none but monks had
quitted their cloisters, and re-
iiounced their vows ; but during
this year, nine ladies of quali-
ty left the convent of Nimpt-
schen in Misnia, convinced by
the writings of Luther, of the
nullity of their religious obliga-
tions, and of the truth of the
doctrines which he espoused.
Among them was Catharine de
Bore, whom this reformer after-
wards espoused. They were
conducted to Wittemberg, where
an asylum was provided for them
by Leamard Coppe, one of the
magistrates of Torgau, who, in
concert with Luther, devised
means for their subsistencey af-
ter their parents were in vain
entreated to receive them. Lu-
ther also wrote their apology ;
and paved the way for their
example being followed by oth-
er nuns in similar circumstan-
ces.f

Adrian died in September,
and was succeeded in the Ponti-
ficate by Julius de Medicis, un--

•■ . •

* Seek. § 154. Bcausob. torn. iii. p.
55^60. t Sesk. $ 153. & ad. 1.

der the name of Clement VIT.
whQ adopted a very different
method from his predecessor* in
terminatii^ the relig:ioi» dis-
putes of Germany, detenniniiig
to support ail the abuses of tlie
church, and to resist every
proposal for the meetiBg.«f a
general council. He il^mlied
Cardinal Campegius as hia le-
gate to the diet of Nuremberg*
which met in February, 1584,
with orders to procure tlie re-
establishment of the edict of
Worms, to delay answering the
hundred grievances formerly
produced, and to elude there-
quest of a free council. HisiMa-
deavours were ineffectual ; ke Ji^
tired mortified with his reGqrtaoB,
and enraged at the decree vUek
was passed ; and wUchf, Hmmli
marked with an ioconaisteaqe
which can be explained miXfihf
the distraction of ^^inieft which
pervaded its framers, defeefeid
the wishes and plans of thchie«
rarchal court. It ordained* dwt
the edict of Worms akooMbe
obeyed, as fiir as possible ^ that
the Pope should, without defaiy,
convoke an assembly to didde on
the subjecUof dispute; that in the
interim, the diet to meet at Spires
should give them an attentive «JI-
amination ; while every prince
should select men of knowledge
and integrity, who might prepare
means <^ accommodi£on.* La-
ther was not more satisfied than
the Pope was with this decree.
He published it along with die
obnoxious edict to which it gave
some authority ; and in margpinal
notes, a pre&ce, and a conduit
ing address, treated all who
should sanction its execution aa

ferocious savages, and a new

••* •

* Seckend. Se«t. 58^ $ 1G2« 163.

.1806.] Life of Lutlur. 147

race of gkatt rusing their anna Eraamus« the friend of learning

against Heaven ; lamented the and of learned men, who had

blindaeu of Germany in ohacor- long been urged to talie a decided

ing the trathi and opposing its part against the reformation,

own aaivation ; deplored the con- alarmed by the threats of his ene-

duct of tlie Princes in riveting mies, who were ready to de-

about their own necks the chain nounce him as a heretic, and

af boadagC} which they had al- allured by the flattering expres-

snost thrown off ; and reproach- sions of fiivour which Rome held

c:d the Emperor^ and the Kings out to him, notwithstanding the

€if England and Hungary, wKh remonstrances of his best friends,

claiming the title of Defenders published a treatise on Free-will,

4»f the Faith, while they exerted designed to be a refuution of

thenMelves t(F subvert it.* Luther's sentiments on that sub-

Carioatadt, who had lived in j<ict. It was received with great

bbiciirity since his connexion coolness by the popish party,

with the fiuiatict of Zwickaw, who scarcely knew whether to

retiiad this* year to Oriamund, consider it as ifavourable or hos-

he established his opin- ^^e to their cause ; and with

and procured the abolition gi^^^t indignation by the friends

oC iasagesy mass, and other Ro- o^ Luther, who resented the

aoiah superstitions. Luther, Mperity and contumely with

vitha violence unworthy of his which it treated him. It was an

S followed him thither, f ffort of complaisance, and it had

the result of the conference its reward. It was not answer-

aa order for him lo leave the e<i till 1 525.|

of the Elector. He with- In October, 1534, Luther re-

.4xwm to Straaburg, and extended nounced the habit and name of an

tlM interesta of the truth in that Augustine monk, and assumed

eoiaer. He maintained that the habit and name of Doctor ,

.Cbiiat is present in the Supper, and in June, 1 535, married Cath-

in a figarative or representative arine de Bore, a lady of noble

maaner only. Luther, on the birth, who had renounced the

contrary, asserted the ival veil, and left her convent from a

andiatantial presence under the. conviction of the truth. This

deaacnts. Zuinglius and Oe- step astonished his friends, and

cohmpadius defended Carlostadt, opened the mouths of his ene-

which Luther no sooner knew, mies. They represented in-

than he wrote against them in continence as the secret motive

the bitterest and most abusive of his enmity to monachism, and

style. This was the origin of the church which supported it ;

thosefittaldispotes,whichsolong and accused him of having lived

divided the first reformers ; re- in impurity with her before tlieir

tarded the progress of the refor- marriage. Though his inno-

mation, and at length produced cence was unquestionable, the

a lasting schism in the Protes- coldness which his best friends

tant church.t discovered in vindicating him.

In the month of September, united to the handle which il

• ■•• •••.

• Seek. % IftS. t lb- S IT"^- % ^«vk. § 179.

148

life of Liuhsr.

gave to his enemies, made such
an impression on his mind as re-
quired all the affection and elo-
quence of Melancthon to re-
move.*

Amid the fetal commotions in
1525 and 1536, occasioned by
the revolt of the peasants in
Germany, who rose against their
masters, and with a firensy im-
pregnated in some minds by fe-
naticism, and in others by li-
centiousness, endeavoured to
subvert the distinctions of rank
and property, and equalize the
whole mass of the people, Lu-
ther was firm in the cause of or-
der, and exerted himself to re-
establish tranquillity on the
principles of truth. The pre-
text of Christian liberty, by
which some of the revolutionists
justified their conduct, he suc-
cessfully refuted ; and on the
one hand besought the .people to
consider, that they were not im-
partial judges in their own cause \
that they could not authorize
from the gospel a spirit directly
opposite to its precepts, which
enjoin obedience to magistrates,
even though capricious and un-
just ; that patience, not resist-
ance, was the duty of Christians,
and that they ought to seek re-
dress by lawful means only : and
on the other, censured the
princes as the cause of these
disturbances, and exhorted them
to remove that iron rod of op-
pression, which tliey had so long
lii'ied up against the rights and
happiness ol: their subjects.f

The unfortunate Carlostadt
was still in Germany, despised
by some, and hated by others.
Luther had treated him without

■ • • .

* Seek. lib. 1.5178. lib. ii. 4 5.
t lb. lib. ii. p. 1—14.

mercy in m small treatise 4f
the Celestial Profihef s iri
-under the appearance of
denming the new fimalics, u
to have had little other oi
than to reproach Cariostadtj
refute the iconoclasts. In i
argued for the continuation «
term moM, for which Carlo
had substituted the word n^
for the elevation of the
though he acknowledged it
not practised by Christ ; an
the real pre9enee^ which he
plained by affirming that th
dy of our Saviour is united t
elements, as fire with red
iron. Carlostadt was anzioi
reconciliation, offered to rei
declared his abhorrence of 1
cer's sentiments, and at k
effected an accommodation
his adversaries.^ But the
troversy with Zuinglius
mediately succeeded, and oe
ued for a long series of y\
during which Luther oftei
conferences with the Sacrara
rians of Switzerland, and i
fested a spirit of intempci
which led him more than on
forget the precepts of C
tianity, and to oppose the ;
pects of tranquillity which
enjoyed. In the life of Zu!
us, we shall have occasio
consider more fully the ra
. ings and conduct of his antag
on. this point.

During 1526, Luther wa
gaged chiefly in reforming
mode of conducting the woi
and ceremonies of the chi
He established the use of
chisms, in which the creed]
decalogue, and the Lord's ]
er were explained ; the rei

and exposition of Scripture

. • • .

\ Seckend. $ 9, and ad.

1806.]

Life of Luthtr:

149

tlie pul^t ; and to obviate the
want of pastors capable of in-
ftructing the people^ composed
a litar^ and homilies, which
were adopted with success. He
adfised the Elector John, who
lacceeded his brother Frederic
the preceding jear, and who,
from die commencement of his
feign, openly espoused the cause
of the reformation, to MTite to
the bishops, requiring them to
provide for the religious instruc-
tioa of the people under their
chiige, informing them, that if
they were negligent, he was de-
termined to take steps to enforce
their diligence.* Towards the
dose of the year, he was at
times seised with a depression
of spirits, which he imagined
vii I temptation of the devil,
while it was only the effect of
his Incessant labours, intense
medititions, and anxious cares,
which disordered his body, and
injutd bis health ; for by the
^^ of medicines, he was re-
Bloitd to his former tranquillity ;
^iMogfa his illness continued
dpri&g; ^e whole of 1537. He
^id not, however, discontinue
^pulpit instructions ; though
^ Wtt incapable of exerting his
mind in any long or connected
trnn of thinking. He accord-
*"gif wrote scarcely any thing
^iiyear, but a short treatise On
the Lawfuhiesa of Chrintiana
"'oking War ; in which he re-
stricts its lawfulness to the case
of defensive operations, and
denies the ripjht of subjects to
fight S4rainst their rulers, how-
ever tyrannicaK if they do not
impose restniints on their con-
science.!

• ■ • •

• Serkcnd. § 20, 8: Jid.

% lb. $ 29 & 30, p. 80, 81. *^

In consequence of the edict of
Spires in June, 1526, by which
the states of the empire were
permitted to regulate the afiairs
of religion, in each province,
according as the princes judged
most expedient, till a general
council should be held, the Ro-
manists, enraged at their ineffec-
tual efforts to procure the con-
demnation of Lutheranism, en-
tered into an alliance to attack
the Landgrave of Hesse, and the
Elector of Saxony. These two
princes received information in
1 528 of a treaty to this purpose,
said to have been made at Bres-
law, in May, 1527, and immedi-
ately united for the defence of
their territories and religion, and
took steps to prevent or to resist
the designs of their enemies.
By the remonstrances of Luther
and Melancthon, however, the
Elector was convinced of the
precipitancy of his conduct ; and
the confederated Catholics unan-
imously disavowing the treaty
which they were said to have
formed, the fear of war was re-
moved .$ This year Luther pulv
lished a number of sermons on
Genesis, remarkable for sim-
plicity of language, temperance
towards those who differed from
him, and fidelity in their applica-
tion to the consciences of men ;
a commentary on Zechariah, in
which he censured the allego-
ries of mystics, and the dreamji
of the German fanatics ; a trer.-
tise on Comnumion in one kind,
ngtiinstthe archbishop of Misnia ;
and a letter against the Anabiij;-
tisls, in which, to avoid one of
their ar(;uments a£;-ainst infant
baptism, he supposes infants to

be cujxiMc of exercising l;\it!\ ;

■ • . •

^ Seek. ^ :>5, ct ad.

150

I-\f^ of Luther.

a novel opinion, and of which
nothing but the design with
which it was broached can be de-
fended.*

A diet was assembled at Spires
in March, 1539, by order of the
Emperor, at which every art was
used by the Romish party to di-
vide the friends of the reforma-
tion, by reviving the di«;piucs
about the sacrament. l*hoiigh
this was prevented, Lutl^er,
whose mind was inflamed with
prejudice against the Zuinglians,
so &r forgot his usual principles,
as to advise the Elector to leave
them to the cruelty of their per-
secutors, a condition on which
the Lutherans were promised a
more iavourable treatment. The
advice was rejected ; and on the
prevalence of the Romanists in
the diet, who confirmed the for-
mer decree of Spires, the Lu-
theran princes and the represen-
tatives of fourteen cities joined
in a formal protest, which they
afterwards strengthened by a
solemn appeal to the Emperor,
or a futtire council, either univer-
sal or national, in behalf of them-
selves, their subjects, and their
successors, and all who should
embrace the same doctrines.
From this circumstance the Ger-
man Lutherans received the
name of Protestants, a name
by which all who embraced tlio
refornialfon from popery have
lonj? been distinguiidied.^

When the Elector of Saxon) ,
and the other Protestant princes,
were summoned »f) attend anoth-
er diet at Auj^sbiiri^ in June,
1330, they understood that they
had nothing but injustice to ex-
pect from the Empci-or, who

was every day becomin;
and more enslaved by th
cils of the Pope, and the
meeting him in arms
through Luther's per
they laid aside their in
and assembled in peace
appointed time. Yet am
this reformer was tc
another opportunity to sp
truth before the Empei
his court, he was too obi
,to be openly protected
Protestants, and was acco
left in the casile of Cobo
a little distance from Au]
that his advice might be
ed, if necessary. In this
he gave himself to me
and piayer, translated the
ets, wrote his comment
the Psalms ; and publisl
fore the opening of the d
Addre%H to the Clergy a9<
at Aug-9burgy justifying 1
trine, and exhorting then
knowledge that truth, t
press which, all their art (
er would be altogether
tual.^l He re-animat
drooping spirits, and labo
strengthf^n the faith of I
thon, whose fortitude wa
en by the number and p<
his enemies, and his efToi
not unsuccessful. The
ing extracts from his lett
shew the greatness of hi:
and the extent of his viev
am niu' h weaker than
private cnnflicls : but in
you are like me in privat
are not afraid of your o
hut you are afraid of the
cause. I, on tlie contrai
on this cause with tran
and I'orlitiide, because I a

$ III. 4i.

% lb. ^ H. Bean*i'jbre, toi
250, o-t sen-

Life of Lni/w

151

is just and true, the
f Christ and of God»
as no reason to biush
Mcy as I, an individual
ive. On this ac^'ount, I
late with stcniity, and
rith indifTi^rcnce, these
id menacing Papists ;
fiill, Christ, the ruler of
d) must fall with us ,
i|^h it were so, I had
ill with Christ, than
h Caesar. Nor are vou

•

this conflict, I am pres-
you in groans and
and would to God I
with you in person,
ny cause also, and more
A yours ; a cause un-
neither rashiv, nor
motives of avarice or
y> as I take God to wit-
1 as the event has al-
stified, and will testify
ly hereafter. I beseech
refoi*e, in the name of
ot to forget the prom-
consolations contained
irds, Cant uour care on
^Jor he careih /or i/oii ;
he Lord ; act a manly
nd let your heart be
sned. B>f of t^ood cjur-
rve orcercuwr rhc iv-^rld^
lis. Why then should
. conquered world, as if
le conqueror \ To hear
ruth, it were little to go
nees to Rome, or even
dem. But we are ac-
l to hear it, and tliib fSi-
its impression." Again,
er letter, " The cares,
nsume you, liighly dis-
e ; they arise not from
ortant cause, Lut from
ness oi vour unbelief,
danger less in the days
. and other good men f
the cauae is, its Author

and Defender is also great ; for
it is not ours only. Why then
do you constantly distress your-
self ? If the cause is false, let
us withdraw from it ; if it is
true, why should we make God
b liar by dibhelieving his prom-
ises ? — What more can the dev-
il do, than take away our life ?
For uiyself, whether it be the
effect of inscn^jibility, or of the
Spirit of God, 1 know not, but I
feel hule uneasiness as to the
event ; nay, 1 have more hope
than I could have believed. If
we are not worthy to ctii ry it
forwurd, othcis will be raised
up. In fine, if the danger in-
crease, I will fly to your sup-
port, and look these formidable
emissaries of Satan full in the
teeth."'

Against the decree of this di-
et, which prohibited all chimges
or innovations in the faith or
worship of the church, and ex-
cluded from the imperial cham-
ber all, whu should disobey it,
Luther in \:y?>\ published a
small treatise, in which he pro-
tested that his object was to cen-
sure nt)i the Kniperor and good
princes, but the bad, whether
princes or bishops, and especial-
ly Pope Clerp.eiit, and Cardinal
Campegius his legate ; that the
pretended refutation of the Pro-
testant confession was unworthy
of any man of common under-
standing or probity ; that the
church by refusing the cup to
the laity, opposed the authority
of Scripture, and instead of be-
ing the spouse of Chriat, was
the whore of Satan ; that solita-
ry iviusbes were dangerous and
unscriptural ; and that jutlihc:!-
tion, by laiih oidy, is a doctrins

• ■ • •

• ic(.k.>nd § 69. p. 181, 1V:3.

152

Life of Luttier.

according to godliness. " This
article," says he, ^' shall never
be overthrown, neither by em-
perors, nor by the Turks, nor
tlie Tartars, nor the Persians ;
nor by the Pope and all his car-
dinals, bishops, priests, monks,
and nuns ; nor by kings, princes,
or govenioi*s ; nor by the whole
ii'orld, though joined by all the
devils in hell ; and all, who con-
ti*overt it, shall meet the reward
of iniquity. Thus I, Doctor
Luther, by the teaching of the
Holy Spirit, believe : and this
is tlic true gospel." Then he
quotes the creed, / bdievc in
Jcaua Christ crucijfifd^ dead, and
buried ; and adds, '' If none but
Christ died for sin, if no other
taketh away sin, all men with
all their works arc, by conse-
quence, excluded from any
share in meriting the remission
of sins, and justification before
God ; and as it is impossible to
embrace Christ but by faith, how
can works avail ? If then faith,
before works follow it, alone em-
braces Christ, it must be true
tliat his redemption is applied to
ainners, /'. e. they arc jusliiied
by faith only. After faith, how-
ever, good works follow as its
fruit. Thib is the doctrine I
teach« and thiis the Holy Spirit,
and the true chun.h of Christ
have always taught. To this,
by the grace of Coil, I will con-
stantly adhcie. Amen."*

Alter this period, Luther was
chiefly employed in raising that
supei'structure of reformation,
the foundation of which he had
laid amid such opposition and
dangers. His life was spent in
labouring to strengthen • the
uiinds of the faithful, and to ex-

• • • •

* Scckend. lib. iii. ^ 3, p. f.

tend the knowledge ai
ence of the truth ; in e
princesy and univerait
provinces not to retard
gress of the reformatio
confirm it ; in writing <
taries on the Scripture
publishing, from time
treatises of admonition,
and consolation, accordii
particular circumstances
the church, or individui
placed. Nor did hit
escape the lash of his p
severity seemed to incn
his years ; more than
was commanded by h.
friend the Elector of Si
moderate his languagei
strain his vehemence ;
inveteracy of the erroi
he combated, continuall
ed new fuel for his in<
and violence.

In consequence of tli
of the diet of Spires^
proceedings of the £m|
the court of Rome su
to it, the Protestants
Smalkalde in Dec. 15
eluded a league of mi
fence against all, who si
pose them, and renewc
following year in an ass
the same place. In 15
again met, insisted (
original demand of a c
be held in Germany, an
to unite in supporting tli
of Smalkalde for te;
When this period cxpi
found considerable
arising; from the jealc
particular princes, to
their confederacy, and
tempest, which had beei
gathering, and which
|.;rcatly thickened by
ccediu;^s of the council c
ready to burst on them

1806.]

Life of Lutlier.

153

iul fiiry. But Luther, who had
watched its progress with a stea-
dy eye, was removed by death
from feeling or beholding its
destructive rage. In the be-
gioDiDg of 1 546, he was sent for
to his native country, to recon-
cile the differences which had for
some time interrupted the har-
mooy of Mansfeld. He preach-
ed his last sermon at Wittcm-
hergon the 17th of January, and
on die 23d, set out for Eislebcn,
whence he never returned.
Though, during the journey, he
mnphined of faintness and
^iealaieis, he was able to attend
all the sittings of the court, be-
fav which the cause for which
he hid come was pled, till the
IHh of Fcbruarv. That even-
n|i a little before supper, he
Ut ID unusual sickness arisinu;
from the disease under which he
^laboured for some time, an
<n»tssion of the humours in the
^mg of the stomach. That
^1 he had indeed suid to Justas
Ahui, and some other friends,
**! was born and baptized at
£ttleben, what if I should re-
luin and die here ?" But his
iMiiiess went off, and he par-
^k of his supper with his usual
Vpttitc. But immediately af-
^1 the pain returned, and con-
faued with little abatement for
lanie hours. About one in the
ttorning of the 1 8th, he lay
down on his bed for the last
^ ; and when being excruci-
ated with pain, he cried out, " O
^Hxl! what oppression do I
fccl." Jonas said, " Utverend fa-
Cher, call on Jesus Christ our
Lord and Great Ili^h Priest,
that only Mediator whom thou
Inst preached." But feeling the
Vol. II. No. 4. W

chilling hand of death, he said,
" this cold sweat is the forerun-
ner of dissolution, I will give up
my spirit." He then prayed, say-
ing, " O hfavndy Father^ e\'cr-
luMting and merciful God^ thou hast
reveaUd to me thine oivn Aow,
our Lord Jesus Christy him I hux'tr
preached^ him I haxte coufcsscdj
him I iox'ej and adore as my dear-
est Haviour and deliverer ^ thtvt^h
the unt^odly persetute^ revilvy and

bla-s/ihcme him, receive my sfiirit,

O my heavenly Father^ though I
must leave this body, and be taken
out of this life, yet I kfiovj assured-
ly, that I shall live with thee for-
ever, and none is able to fduck 7nv
out ff thy hands. He that is our
God is the God of salvation, and
UJito God the Lord belong the
issues from death,** He then
repeated thrice, with an elevat-
ed tone, " Lord, into thy hands I
commend my spirit; Thou hast
redeemed me, O God of truth :*'
after which he continued breath-
ing, till about three in the morn-
ing, when lie entered on tliat
glory, in the faith and hope of
which, he lived, and laboured,
and died. He tvas attended in
his last moments by the Count
and Countess of Munsfeld, Me-
lancthon, Justas Jonas, and sev-
eral other friends, who minister-
ed to his consolation, and joined
with him in prayer, that God
would preserve the doctrine of
his Son's gospel among tlieni.
His body was carried to Wit-
teml)crg, and honourably inter-
red witiiout i)omp or parade.*
On his tomb the following in-
scription was put by the imiver-

sity :

• • • •

* Suckeiul. lib. iii. § 133. p. 034, &c.

154.

^'iA' of Lfithir.

MAilTINI r.UTHElU S. TIIEOLO-

CI/C O. CORPUS II. L. S. E. (^LI

ANN'O CHKISTI MDXLVI. XII.

CAL. MAKl'II EISLEJIII

iN PATH I A S. M. O. C.

V. AN. LXIII. M. III.

D. X.

In this place is interred the
body of Martin* Luthku, Doc-
,tor ot* Diviriitv, who died at
Eislcben, the place of his nativi-
ty, on the l?ih of February, in
the vcar 154(5i when he had lived
6«} years, .*> months, and 10 days.

Beza*s Epigram on this illus-
trious reformer, may be thus
translated.

Rome aw'd the woill : the P^pe o'er

Rome ])rt*\;iilM,
With fi'aud he (-onqwcr'd, she with

arts of war -,
Thv.ir force united, Luther's pen

nbiailM,
Ami humliled both, than both more

powerful f;ip.
Go, fabling Greece, and bid Alcidcs

know.
His club, as Liithcr*3 pen, gave no

surh blow.

Luther was alwvc the middle
■tze, his body robust, and his
eye so piercin}^, that few co\il(l
bear it, when he looked intently
on Ihem. His voice, thoupjli
veuk, was melodious ; his appe-
tite moderate ; his diet plain.
Thouj^h far from being rich, he
was extremely liberal in propor-
tion to his substance. His learn-
ing^ was chiefly theological ; his
writin«^s are more forcible than
elef;ant ; his style often harsh
and satirical. I lis mind was cast
in a mould wliich '^ave it a form
suited to tlic f^l)jcct. to which
it was to be directed. Acute, ar-
dent, intrepid, pcrseverinj:: ;
vehement oficn to excess, confi-
dent, and sometimes arrogant ;

regardless of men or
indiscriminate in his cc
those who diflered fi
zealous in defending wl
lieved to be the cause <
he was qualified to eliM
phistry, to despise the c
and to brave the opp<
his popish adversaric
moral conduct was irn
ble ; not onlv correct
proaching to austerity, f
the character of a R
his invariable sanctity
the doctrine which he %
and his disinterestednea
ted the sincerity of hi
sioTUt. Even by the im
of his temper, which c
deed be justilicd, but i
pears to us much more
ble than it was thougl
contemporaries, on ac
the superior delicacy ac
nal politeness of the age
we live, he was fitted ft
plishing the great work-
undertook. The silent
of men whose lives repi
corruptions of the churc
as the complaints of the
had long been disregard!
in ignorance and sup
the world, though groan
delivered, was held in c
the bigotry of priestcr.
ported by the seculai
To effect a revolution, tl
energy, nay violence w
site ; and had Luther be
amiable, and less vigc
more gentle and acGomn
like MeIancthon> he m
failed in the glorious ei
which he so successful!'

■

ed, and have left the ii'o
involved than ever in tl
of covrupt opinions, aud
tious rites.

Memoirs of Prcs'uLnt Dai'ies.

155

For the PanofilUt,

RS OF PH ESI DENT
DAVIES.

E the homage, so j^cncr-

to brillKint intcllcctuul
enls, iranbf'orred to vir-

religion, it would be
Yet wbc!i genius and
arc bubliniatcd by piety,
ited with ui*dour to the
:rests of mankind, tJicy

a character equally
e and lovely. Such a
pwas President Dayies.
1 on the talents, the vir-

the exertions of so em-
nan, is an employment
pleasant and edifying in
sgrec. The present mc-
y claim to little of orig-

Their principal object
Kthodize and incorporate
net and independent ac-
vhich are already before
ic. Whatever additional
ion they contain, is ci-
-gested by his works, or
tim other sources of un-
able aulhoritv.

■

*'as born November 3,
His father was a planter,
ounty of Newcastle, on
iware, of great simphci-
lanners, and of reputed
His mother, an eminent
n,had earnestly besought
Heaven ; and consider-
as given in answei' to
she named him AV/ ???//'"/,
1 great solemiiity, diN ot-
to the Lord. '' Tlie
roved," savs Dr. Finlev,
lod accepted the conse-
M)y, look him under his
care, fiirnishtd him for,
ployed him in, the ser-
his church, prospered his
with remarkable success,

and not only blessed him, but
made himself a blesshig."

The prayers and vows of this
excellent woman were sucr ced-
ed bv active exertions. There
being no school at hand< she
took upon herself the task of
teaching her son to read : and
her eftbits were early rewarded
in the uncommon proficiency of
her pupil. He continued vrith
his parents till about the age of
ten. They had not the happi-
ness, during this period, of ob-
serving any special impressions
of religion made on his ntind ;
but he behaved himself as is
common for a sprightly, toward-
ly child, under the influence of
pious example aiid instruction.
After this, he was sent to an
English scliool, at some distance
from home, where he continued
two years, and made great prog-
ress in his studies. But failing
of the pious instructions to which
he had been accustomed, he be-
came more careless of the
things of religion, than before.

Yet even at this period, he
habituated himself to secret
prayer, especially in the evening.
The reason for this punctuality,
as stated in his diaiy, was, that
" he feared lest he should per-
haps die before morning." It is
likewise remarkable, that, in his
prayers, he supplicated nothing
{>o ardently, as that he might be
introduced into the gospel min-
istry.

The time waa now come,
when that Ciod, to whom he had
been solenmly dedicated, and
who designed him us an eminent
instrument of shewing forth his
])raise, would bring him home to
himself, lie was awakened to
solemn and serious concern re-

156

Memoirs of President Davies.

spectinq; eternal thing^. In the
light of divine truth, he was led
to see himself a sinner, exposed
to the awful displeasure of God,
and to all its insupportable con-
sequences. These impressions
were full of anxiety and terror.
In this distress, he was enabled
to discern the necessity, the im-
portance and all-suflliciency of
the salvation revealed in the gos-
pel. This divine system of
mercy now appeared in a new
light. It satisfied his anxious
inquiries, and made provision for
all his wants. In the blood and
righteousness of the Redeem-
z&, he perceived a solid ground
of hope, an unfailing source of
consolation. Here he was ena-
bled to place his whole reliance.
Here he found a peace and satis-
faction before unknown. '' Be-
lieving, he rejoiced with joy un-
speakable, and full of glory.*'
His religious comforts were,
however, long intermingled with
doubts and perplexities. But
after some years of repeated and
impartial self-examination, he
attained a confidence respecting
his state, which continued to tlie
close of life.

From this happy period, his
mind seemed almost entirely ab-
sorbed by heavenly things. His
great concern was to kcr/t his
hvart^ and set a watch over every
thought, word, and action. An-
imated with love to God, he felt
btronger desires than evi:r, to
Mrrvr hhn hi f/ir ^oa/ifl n/'/iitt 6'ow.
Plaving tasted the sweets of re-
ligion, he longed lor nothing so
much as to be instrumeniui in
bringing his fellow sinners to
know the same pure and sub-
stantial delighfs.

Inspired by these sublime ob-
jects, he engaged, with new ar-

dour, in the pursuit o
edge. His progress wa
ed by a variety of <
But the native vigour o
nius, united to an indi
assiduity, surmounted ^
Sooner than could have
tionally expected, he w
qualified for the gospel
He passed the usual
trials with distinguishc
bation, and consecrate
faculties and acquiremei
sen'ice of the sanctuaqi
Being now licensed 1
the gospel, he applied 1
unfold and enforce those
truths, whose power he
pily experienced on
heart. In the exercia
sacred and delightful <
fervent zeal and und
piety, his popular talen'
gaging methods of add)
excited general admiri
acquired him a dist
character. Scarce wa
congregation where
known, but would havi
cd it a happiness to
stated ministrations,
mysterious are the waj
ven ! He was about thi
tacked with complaim
were supposed consum]
which brought him a
to the borders of the g
this enfeebled state, an
hope of recovery, he d<
to spcrul the reniaindei
he a|)]):chcnded an ai
hauslerj lii'e, in endeai
advance i/is Master's gl
guuil of souls. Being
]v^'0|)le who were desti
niii:t.su:': 'le assiduous
ed- in ,s canon and out
While, by night, his 1
so severe as to render 1
times delirious, and n

1806.]

Mctitoirs of President Da'sies.

157

cessarv that tic should be attend-
cd by watchers, he still preached
In the da?.* Nor did his indcfati-

gable and heroic zeal go unreward-
ed. God gave him some precious
first-fruits of his ministry, par-
ticubirly, in the remarlvable con-
version of two gentlemen, vho
manifested in their future
fires and conduct, that they were
wnts indeed.

Inconsequence of an earnest
application, he removed, after a
time, to some of the distant set-
tlements of Virginia, where he
undertook the charge of a dis-
senting congregation. Nothing
but the purest motives of self-
denjring benevolence could have
dictated such a step. It separat-
ed him from the beloved society
of hia friends, and his brethren
IQ the ministry ; it plunged him
into a sea of anxious, unremit-
ted labours ; while it exposed
him to the l)itter censures and
Ksentmcnts of many. Num-
bers of the inhabitants were but
fittle removed from absolute hea-
tbenism. AH the obstacles whicli
could arise from blindness
sod prejudice, from profanencss
nd immorality, his preaching
encountered. Yet his patience
and perseverance, his magna-
nimity and piety, added to his
evangelical and powerful minis-
trations, were not without suc-
cess. The more he was known,
the more was he esteemed,
^tcmpt and aversion were
P^ually turned into reverence.
OplK>sitioii yielded to the doc-
trines of the cross, and the pow-

* These rcmaikable facts a!t; re-
nted i.n the authority of Dr. Gin-
■ONsrif Loiulon, \\h<», bcliijc an inli-
">*'<-• friend «>f Mr. Du\ie.s, appears
**» havf received thtm from liib owa
mcuih.

erful energy of the divine Spir-
it. 7'lir wiidvnicssy end t/tr 6c/.'-
tary filacea rcjciced^ and bloshom^
rd as the rof^e. A great number,
both of ivhittft aud btackft^ were
hopefully converted to the living
God. In this success, the be-
nevolent soul of Mr. Davies
found a rich gnilification. His
tract of preaching v.as singularly
extensive, his labours aiumst in-
eessant, and his pecuniary com-
pensation small. Ihit to be an
instrument of spreading the Re-
deemer's triumphs, and of add-
ing new subjects to his spiritual
kingdom, though from among
the despised and oppressed na-
tives of Africa, was to him, the
highest reward.

From this scene of toil and
of enjoyment, tlie providence of
God now summoned him away.
He was chosen by the synod of
New York, at the instance of the
trustees of New Jersey college,
to accompany the Rev. Mr. Gil-
bert Tenncnt to Great Biitain
and Ireland, in order to solicit
benefactions for tiie college.
This election evinced the ronfi-
dcnrc both of the synod and cor-
poration, in his superior abilities
and popular talents ; a confi-
dence, which the issue of the af-
fair no wise disappointed. A
service in itself difficult and deli-
cate, in its censcciuencts prec a-
rious, and involving a temiiorary
sacrifice of those domestic en-
joyments, wl:irh weu* pe«:\ii i:\rly
dear lo hiu), he cheerrnlly un-
dertook, and e\e(i:ted with sin-
gular spirit and surceris. The
benefactions he received from
the pal!'(»iis of relii^ion and learn-
ing in Cireal Hritain, were nu-
merous and liberal, and such a.^
placed the college in a prosper-
ous condition.

158

Memoirs of President Davies.

Returning from his voyage,
he eiucrcd anew on his beloved
tiisk of preaching the gospel to
his people in X'irgiuia. Here
he continued till the year 17 j9.
The unusual lustre of his piety
and talents was now no longer
to be confined to so remote a re-
r;ion. A vacancy being occar
i^ioned in the collej^e of New
Jersev bv the decease of the cm-
inent President Kdwiirds (who
had occupied the place but u few
days) Mr. Davie.i vws elected hy
the Tru-iteeb to hll the imporunt
station. He rc-.cived the news of
this event not merely with con-
cern, but with a Rind of conster-
nation. TnoUj^h earnestly invited
to accept tlie charge, it Was with
i^reat dillicuiiy he was brought
to think it i»is cjuiy. The pro-
vince he occupied was impor-
tant ; and it was imspeakably
distressing, hoth to him and his
people, united by the strongest
bonds of mutual aiVection, to
think of a separation. Repeated
applications, ho\*ever, at length
prevailed to shake his resolution.
But to preclude all mistake in a
case so important, he withheld
]ns consent, until he had suli-
mitted the matter to the Rev.
synod of New York and Phila-
delphia. They unanimously
gave their opinion in favour of
his accept.uice. Thus, to use
his own expressions, the evi-
f'cnci! of Jus duty was so plain,
»!ra-. even hi.? scepical mind was
r.a*i' lic<l : V. hile his people saw
f'.ie I :iiul (if I'rovidence in it,
.•,nd iLirc-'l nr.l «ip|)(>se.

Tl-.c p.-ri'jj nf his prcsidfUi-y
V,..', e-.uuJly : iisp'ci'^us to l:u"
v.«.»15if;i , aiul l.uiioiirublc to iiiiu-
:.eli. li wns here that he ivavi.-
tirj < ruwniiV;;; evidence of liv
vi}';('r and virLatiii*/ of i'.is uvui-

us. Ilis previous situatio
aiVurded little leisure and
I)aratively few means, f
cultivation of general s
He came likewise to the <
at a time wiien it$ literal
and repvitation had been
improved by the great i
knowledged abilities of Pr
Burr. It was natural, the
that even his friends shou
some doubts of his comph
parailon to fill and adora
ailed a spiiere. But it S'
peared that the force and
uf his mind had su)>plie<
(Uffert, and surmounted
oljslacle. lli:j oflicial duti
dischargorl, irom the iirs
an ability v. iiich disappoir
ery fear, and realized the
est hopes.

'I'he ample opportunit
demands which he found
cKerci.^e of his talents,
new spring to his dil
\Vhile his active laboui
niulliplied'and arduous,
plication to study was ur
iiUePise. His exertions t
the day seen\cd rather to
him for reacling,tlumrcstb
Though he rose by break
he seldom retired till
o'clock, or a later hour. I
cess was proportionate,
united efforts of his talc
industry, he left the; coll
his death, in as high a
lllerarv excellence, as it Y
known since its instilutior.
few i:uujv;;litins wliiili h
duced iiitf) tile academic;
cisvs aiid plxtth of ^tud;
cuufcssci'iiy imprtix •■i-.u-n
v,4\'. iKU'ticu'Lirly hapj^y iii
in;.; Isis pii;fil5 v. i !i a t;
coinpOMlion and oralf
whi'-h :,f' J.^mself so muc
le-i.

1806.]

His nnrcmitted applic^stion lo
study, and to the duties of his o!-
ficc, probably precipitated his
dcilh. The habit oi' hjs bodv

■

being plethoric, his hcalrli had,
for some rears, greatly Ucpenued
on the •exercise of riding, to
which he Mas, from iit-cessitv,
much habituated in Virginia.
This salntary employ men-, had
been, from the time he took the
charge of the college, iilmoit en-
tirely relinquished. Toward the
close of January, 1761, he was
Seized with a bad cold, for which
he was bled. The same day, he
transcribed for the press his ser-
Bion on the death of kinj^ Cieori^e
the Secon d . T h e da y lol lo n^ i n jj,
he preached twice in the college
hall. The arm in which he had
heen bled, became in conse-
ciuence, much inflamed, and his
former indisposition increased.
On the momin}^ of the succeed-
ing Monday, he was seized,
^hile at breakfast, with violent
chills. An inflammatory fever
fellowed, which, in ten days, put
^period to his important life.

What are called firtmojdtioiis
•f death, arc generally rather
the fictions of a gloomy or mis-
Svided imagination, than reali-
ties. Yet the following anec-
4xe contains so singular a con-
*trrence of circumstances, as
P^s it a claim to be recorded.

A few days before the begin-
^iopof the year in which Mr.
^a^es died, an intimate friend
^ him, that a sermon would
he expected from him on new-
ytar*» day ; adding, among other
^%%y that President Burr, on
J«e first day of the year in which
y^ died, preached a sermon on
^^^ xzviii. 16. Thu^ saith the
*''''''rf, This year Ihou 9halt die :
^dthat after his death, the p?o-

ple rcm:;rkcv! t!'..;t it ••v.'.s prc'iv.o::-
itory. Mr. D^v.ts :*ep!:^ J. t..^t
" .ilthouch it tii4:ii: • o: ;.> lo
TieweJ in t'.:..: I..r..i. \ oi .:v..s
Very rciiark.-M*.*." \N : c:: :^ov. -

and, to the surprise o: li.e iv.:.-
if;ei;.;iion, from liic '*..-.i.v- :c\:.
Beinp: seized .I'^oi.: i:j:c- v. .t^s
aficrx^urd, iie si on :u:vcr:iL: ;v»
the circumslar.re. and ui:i.irkLt;,
that he had i)een unilesi-'iUKilv
led to preach, us it were, lu^ own
funeral sermon.

It is to be rci; retted ihat il.e \!.
olence of his disorder dejiriN eel
him of the exerii^e ol reason,
throuc;h most of his sickness.
Had it been otlierwise. Lis Iriend:^
and the public would duiiLiless
have been gratilied with ;in ad-
ditional evidence of the triiii-
scendent excellence of the Chris-
tian religion, and of its power lo
support the soul in the prosju'ci
and approach of death. Jhii he
had preached still more enii)hai-
ically by his life ; and even in
his delirium, he clearly manifest >
ed what were the i'avouriie ol)-
jects of his concern- His hi -
wildered mind was contiinudly
imagining, and his fallerin;.;
tongue uttering some expedient
to pmmote the prosperity of
Christ*s church, and the good
of mankind.

Uis premature exit (he was
but little more than thiriy-six)
was generally and justly lanuni-
ed, as a loss almost irreparable,
not only to a distressed laniily,
and a bereaved .colle.'^e, but lo
the ministry, the church, the
community, the republic of let-
ters, and in short, to all the nit st
valuable interests of niankiiid.
An ati'ectionate tribute was paid
to his character and vlrtue.i, hv
Dr. Finlcy, his successor, j:i a

ICO

Critical Obset'vatiam

sermon preached on the occasion
oHiis death, from Rom. xiv. 7, 8.
For none of us lixfflh to himself^
and no man dieth to hinxself. For
whether we live^ we live unto the

Lord ; or whether we i
unto the Lord : whetht
therefore^ or die^ we are t

(To be continued

Ecligiou^ CommunicattonjBf.

CRITICAL OnSEKVATIONS ON
rklRTAIN PASSAGES IN THE
KKW TESTAMENT.

Though the apostles in wri-
tinpf, as well as in preaching, used
great plainness of speech ; yet
imrticular passages, taken by
themselves, may to us seem ob-
scure. These however may
generally be elucidated by other
passages, or by the analogy of
faith. If they remain of doubt-
ful interpretation, yet the essen-
tial doctrines and duties of reli-
gion are not endangered by
them ; for thette depend not on
a few doubtful or obscure pas-
sages, but are plainly taught in
innumerable places. Still it may
be useful to investigate the
meaning of texts, which seem
obscure.

The writers of the New Tes-
tament, it is well known, used
tlie Greek l:uigiiage« except Mat-
thew and the author of the
epistle to the Hebrews, who
wrote in ^'fram,ean. This was
the learned language of the
clay ; most men of education
were acquainted with it ; and it
was the native language of ma-
ny subjects of the Roman em-
pire ; of those particularly, to
whom St. Paul wrote most of
his epistles. It was, on many
accounts, the best language in
which the inspired books of the

New Testament could
ten.

The inspired writer
casion to treat of manj
of which the Greeks ha
vious knowledge, and i
they had no approprial
But those writers chc
terras and phrases, as '
adapted to express tht
ing. Where pcrspic
quired, they used dei
To ascertain the sense
ular terms, it is not nee
recur to heathen write
better to consult the sa^
tcrs themselves. As t
used words, so we mu
stand them. They j
own best interpreters.

The New Testament
ten, not in pure, classic:
but in a peculiar dialec
may be called Hcbraitttic
The writers were Jews, i
the IJrbrriv^ or rather
niaan^ or Syro-Chaldee 1
When thev wrote Gri
introduced into it the i
their own language. - 1
did the seventy Jews, w
lated the Old Testan
Greek by the command
my, king of Egypt. Tlv
lation was in use in t
ties' times, and from it )
most of the quotations i
Old Testament, which
in the New. Without

1806.] On Passages in the New Testament. 161

qnaintance with that translation
ind vith the Hebrew, a man
cannot be a very accurate critic
in the original language of the
New Testament. The study of
both may therefore be justly re-
commended to young gentle-
nien, wha contemplate the min-
isterial profession.

The Hebrews oi\en express
the nifierlative degree by adding
the word God. Exceeding high
mountains and trees are called
mountains of God and trees of
Ood, This Hebrew idiom is in-
t-mdnccd into the Greek of the
^cw Testament. Stephen says
of Moies that, when he was
^HMDi he was /air according to
^»^ or divinely fat r . Our trans-
lator! have judiciously rendered
*t exceeding /air.

This observation gives an ea-
*y sense to an obscure passage,
^3Cor. vlii. 1. Paul exliort-
'pgthe Corinthians to send re-
^to the persecuted saints in
Jenualem, refers them to the
(ttmple of the Macedonians.
^ Brethren, we do you to wit,"
w* we make known to you " f/ie
inte of Godj bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia." The
jnee qf Gody i. e. (according to
the Hebrew idiom) the diviiie^
tbt godlike, the abundant liberali-
ty, bestowed, (not on the church-
es, but) by, in, among the
churches of Macedonia, for the
relief of the brethren in Judea.
To this, and only to this sense,
the following words agree ;
** How that in a great trial of af-
fliction, the abundance of their
joy, and their deep poverty a-
bounded to the riches of their
liberality. For to their power,
and beyond their power, they
Mere willing of themselves, Sec."
Vol. II. No. 4. X

As the Hebrew verbs have no
present time, the past is often
used for the present. The wri-
ters of the New Testament
have, in some instances, written
their Greek in the same man-
ner. John tells us that, when
Christ discovered himself to
Mary Magdalene after his res-
urrection, he said to her, ^^ Touch
me not." Mary, transported with
joy at seeing her Lord alive
again, fell down and would have
embraced his feet, according to
the custom of the east, when
women saluted men of superior
character, especially when tliey
wished to detain them. Thus
the woman of Shunem saluted
Elisha ; and thus the two Marys
saluted Jesus. The Lord says
to her, " Touch me not," ibr I
am not yet, or have not yet as-
cended, {anabebekd) i. e. *' I (/o
not yet ascend to my Father."
You need not detain me ; you
may have opportunity to see me
again. " Go, tell my brethren,
that I ascend to my Father and
their Father."

The Hebrew verbs, by a small
alteration in the radical letters,
or in the points only, where
points arc used, give to actions
different relations and qualities.
These various forms and powers
are by grammarians called con-
jugatiuntt. The seventy, and the
New Testament writers have
sometimes used the Grtek verbs,
as if they had these Hebrew cow-
jugations. In Psalm cxix. the
Seventy use the neutral veib,
za')^ to live, in an acti-jv or tran-
si/ive sense, to quicken^ or caut^e
to live. The same Hebrew
iciiom we find in the New 'I es-
tament. Paul gives tl-.e Gieek
word, fAda, tu knuiv^ the power

162

Critical Observations.

of the Hebrew conjugation Hi-
phil to make known. He says to
the Corinthians, " I determined
not to hiow,'* I, e. not to make
known y or to preach "any thing
umong you, s;ive Jesus Christ
und him crucified." Thus the
same word is pi'oba!)ly to be un-
derstood in Mark xiii. 32, where
some erroneously suppose, that
Christ disclaims a knowledge of
future events. Speaking ol" the
destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus
says, "Of that day and hour
knowcth none, neither the angvla
in heaven, neither the Sony but
the Father." Christ had already
foretold the evcnty and given the
previous Btgna of it. Some
might wish for a knowledge of
the exact tifne of it. But this
knowledge, for various reasons,
was improper to be thm commu-
nicated. Jesus therefore says,
^' That day and hour none mak-
eth known ; no, not the angels,
neither the Son." To reveal
this belongs not to my commis-
sion ; " but it will be made
known by the Father," in the
course of his providence. We
find a similar mode of expres-
sion in Christ's answer to the
two brethren, who solicited the
chief posts of jxiwer in the tem-
poral kingdom, which, they im-
agined, he would soon erect.
They ask, " Grant that we may
sit, the one on thy right hand,
and the other on thy left, in thy
kingdom." He answers, " To
sit on niy right hand and on my
left," i, e. promotion to tempo-
ral honours, " is not mine to
give ; it is not committed to me
as the Teacher, Reformer, and
Saviour of men. But worldly
honours " will be given" under
my gospel, as they have been
heretoibre, to thcm» for whom

they are prepared of is
ther." They will be dii
agreeably to the usual n
of Providence.

This observation will
a passage in the 9th chap
Romans. ' " He hath m
whom he will hav^ men
whom he will he hard
An antithesis, which is
quent figure in Paul's w
is naturally expected, a
doubtless intended here,
hath meir.y on whom \
have mercv." The an
to this is, " He withholde
cy, from whom he will i«
it." But as there was n
word, in the Oreck lai
which expressed this ani
the writer took the word <
noy to hardeny and used it
ding to the intransitive o
tion, in which it would
not hardening another^ b
dening one^s «f(^ against a
or shutting up the bov
mercy. Thus the word
in the book of Job. T
trich is said to be hi
against her young ones
word, she is hardened^
same, which Paul uses
passage under conside
and rendered there, as it
it would be, " She harden
yount* oneit,** But the n
is, " She leaveth her
without care." So the ]
in Romans signifies, not tl
infuses hardness into si
but that he exercises, or i
to exercise his mercy
sinners, according to h
sovereign will and unerri
dom. To whom he v
shows mercy, and from
he will he withholds
leaving them to meet the
deserts.

I8<r>6.]

77/^ Decalogue.

163

K^hoevcr reads Paul's ivrit-

"Si with attention, will find

tbe^*^ I though he is a connected
re^^oneri yet he often suspends
the chain of his argument, to in-
troc:l uce an incidental, but pcrti-
sen e thought, or to dilate upon
gn ocxasional expression. Hence
the ^arentheda is more frequent
in 1^ is, than in the other sacred
vrL tings. Through inattention
to tills circumstance, some pas-
sages in his writings seem ob-
Bcuire, which otherwise might
be plain. There Is an instance
of tills kind in Rom. ix. 2, 3. '' I
have great heaviness and contin-
ual sorrow in my hc:irt, (for I
could," or rather did, *' wish my-
•elf" accursed," separated, ** fi*ora
Christ) for ray brethren, my
kinstnen according to the ilesh."
• XI tich pains have been taken
to explain, what Paul meant,
vhen he said, " I wished myself
Accursed, or separated from
Christ /or my brethren'* Wher-
**^ in reality he said no such
!*>^g. The expression, " I did
^*ta myself accursed from
Christ," or separated from all
c<»ncxion with him, is an inci-
^ta! thought, naturally sug-
C^tedby his sui)ject; and ilougiit
to be, as it is in some copies,
^d in some translations, inclu-
*W by itself in a parenthesis.
Then the connected readinp^ will
1*1 ** I have great heaviness
and continual sorrow in my

"5^rt for my brethren, my

kinsmen according to the flesh."
Thut he might not be suspei.tcd
<*f any prejurlice against the
•^*s in foretelling their rejec-
tion from the covenant of God
for their unt>elief, he observed,
that he himself was a Jew, wa^
|*ttly an unbeliever, and gloried
in his opposition to Carist. The

same thought oriurs ai^ain,
chap. xi. i. *- 1 >Ay then, li;itli
God cast away his peoplv, v.lu«ra
he foreknew l God lorliid. For
I also am a Jew, of the seed of
Abraham."

We shall, at present, pursue
these criticisms no farther ; hut
shall subjoin two or three ol)vi-
ous renuu'ks.

It is evident that the books of
the New Testament must have
been written in as early a period
as has been assigned to them ;
for that JltbraiHtical kind of
Greek, in which they are writ-
ten, was not in use alter the
general dispersion of the Jcv.s.

The peculiarity of style ami
diction, which runs throu^li all
the writings ascribed to Paul,
jjrovcs that they were all the
works of the same author.

The wisdom of Providence is
conspicuous in ordering the
books of the New Testament to
be written in a language, which
was soon to go out of national
use ; for a dead language rc«
mains the same ; a living lan-
guage, in a lapse of ages, is lia-
l)le to changes. The sense of
Scripture can therefore be more
easily and accurately ascertain-
ed, than if the language, in which
it is written, had been and con-
tinued to be, the living language
of a particular nation.

THKOrULLUS.

THE DKCALOGUE.

aixth Command wt^nt.

« Thou shalt not kill."

LiFK is an inestimable bles-
sing. On the improvement of
it depends our future destination.

1^4

The Decalogue.

We cannot calculate the loss a
person may sustain by being
thrust, without warning, into the
unseen state. The loss may be
immense, the injury irreparable.
Besides, society receives hereby
a deep wound, being prematurely
deprived of one of its members.
Our relation to one another
ought to restrain us from such
atrocious deeds. We sprung
from the same parents, and, be-
ing brethren, are bound to live
together in unity. Injuries,
which affect the lives of others,
have from the first receivod the
most marked expressions of the
divine displeasure. From the
creation of the world until the
duys of Noah, God was pleased
to reserve the punishment to be
inflicted upon murderers, im*
mediately with himself. This
appeal's from the history of Cain,
whom he banished from the
house of Adam, but would not
allow his life to be taken. Cain
dragged out his days in g^at
misery. His mind agonized in
reflection on what was past, no
less than in the anticipation of
what was to come. After the
flood, the sword was put into the
hand of civil magistrates, with
directions that it should spare
none, by whoin such an act was
perpetrated.* The murderer
was ordered to be dragged from
the city of refuge, nay from
God's altar itself, and to be led,
without the possibility of re-
demption, to certain death. Life
is a gift, wliich God values at the
highest rate, and guards with the
severest penalties. When a
murdered person was found, and
the perpetrator not known, such
steps were required to be taken,

as tended to excite the

detestation of the crime.*

Our I^rd, during his p

ministry, gave a commei

the Decalogue. On th

mandment which I am n

plaining he is particulu

Let us listen to the ui

Teacher, and imbibe divi

dom from his lips. ** 1

heard that it was said b

of old time. Thou shalt n

and whosoever shall kill i

in danger of the judgmeni

I say unto you. That whi

is angry with his brother ^

a cause shall be in danger

judgment ; jand whosoevc

say to his brother, Raca, i

in danger of the counci

whosoever shall say. The

shall be in danger of he]

The axe is here laid at tl

of the evil. It aims at tl

corous thought, or rash i

sion. Let them be immc

restrained. God seeth

man seeth. He recognii

crime in embryo, and i

state demands its extir

To him, the malicious Ui

or provoking word is disph

Let neither be indulged.

flame is yet under, but lei

the mastery, and you are u

From a trifling disgust, th

serious and widelv extendc

chiefs have arisen. Whi

son therefore to keep the

and to put a bridle upc

tongue. Or should we e

off our guai*d, and give tO(

a reign, let us take the alai

pairing as fast as we can th

chief, and being for the

more guarded and cai

Weighing the crime in it

gross from the flrst disgust

* Gen. iz. 5, 6.

• Deut. xxi. 1—9.

1806.] The Decalogue. ir»:>

perpetradon of the most atrocious ten of the most trivial nature,
act| God has adjusted the sevcri- must be expiated by mectiiii; tiic
tjr of the puDishment to the ag- anta^^nist in the field. Ifanoth-
gravationsof the crime, and shali er injures me, it is a poor re-
assuredly in his jud^ient be paration, to put it in his puwer to
known to do right. murtier my person, as he has
The court of Areopagus, so already munlered my reputation.
Tenerahle among the Greeks, If I have given the oflence, muht
and to justly celebrated among notiiing satisfy me, but to add
all other nations for the wisdom the guill of bluod to the injuries
and impartiality of its decisions, already oftercd f Is this, in eiih-
condemned to death the person er case, consistent with the sup-
againit whom the intention to pression of passion, the ibr^^ivc-
nnrder could be proved, even ness of injury, and the exercise
vhen that intention had not been of meekness, so often inculcated
carried into effect. Kay the by Christ and enforced by his
lynpcoms of a cruel disposition own example ? But why speak
vcit marked with care, and to such of Christ or his example?
punished with great severity. A They know him not ; they lion-
child, having Ixren found taking our him not. Indefianceof Ond's
a ttvage pleasure in wounding law, in defiance of Christ's dw-
ind nuuming such insects as fell trine ; in defiance of the wratli
in his way, was by this court which guards that law, and that
CMiidered as one, from whom doctrine ; in defiance of hell,
society was in danger. In guard- kindled for the punishment of
iBg its wel&rc, therefore, they those who take away their o>wi
thought it their duty to order lives, and the lives of others,
nchachildto be cut off. The their revenge must be gratified,
bdiia tribes, we are informed, and their blasted reputation bl-.r/.-
expiated murder in the follow- oncd abroad. The pretended
ing manner. The relations of /icnoi/r often mentioned as render-
^ deceased, as the avengers of ing the practice necessary, is a
^*)od| seek after the murderer, gilding over indelible disgrace.
Butif he be not found, the blood If it be honour to writhe in pain ;
^ the first they meet is shed, if it be honour to die accursed ;
kwever innocent, to atone for if it ])c honour to be joined witli
Ihe guilty. In such instances murderers ; thiit honour^ O duei-
»e sec great deviations from the list, thou hast fiurchaftid ; to thU
bv of God^ and indeed when- dit(nity thou shalt be advanct d.
ever we are deprived of Scriptui*e Thy name is execrated in hea-
M a guide, we shall greatly err. ven and on earth. If it be re-
Thc sixth commandment, as membered at all, it shall be re-
fxphiincd by our Lord, is totally membered witli ch'ead« as a
repugnant to a practice, which beacon to warn future ages of
of bte years has dreneiied our hidden and destructive rocks,
bnd in blood, and calls aloud for

rengeance. Duelling can be PniLOLonoji.

*xctLed and encoura(i;cd by him

miy, who was a murderer from ( To be ccaunurd,)

he beginning. An afl'ront) of-

166 Doctrines and Duties of Christianity.

OK THE CONXEXXON CETWEEV
HIE DOCTRINES AND DUTIES OF
CHKISTIAMTY. ^

lignant zeal for the doc
grace to blast the genu
and fruit of these very d
it has icd some to lay tJ
Messrs. Editors, on the appcndai^es, whi.

So far as my small experi- only to the substance of;
ence will enable me to judge, I to confine tiieir heads ai
iind among Cliristians, two op- within a small circle of
posite errors, equally prejudi- speculations, expressii
cial to pure and undefilcd reli^- sounds ; and to suspf
ion, and dangeraus to the souls positively condemn, as
of men. These have been vt-ry '"Jnt or unconverted her
happily delineated by the late ^^T Christian brother oi
pious and beloved Dr. Tappan. <-"»*» ^^^ho steps over thi
By publishing lae following note But such persons should
to a sermon, delivered at Ply- b^r that us Christian di
mouth, January 5th, 1800, you one regular and immens
may be instrumental in remov- &o each part has its claii
ing " the veil from the eyes of evangelical instructor ;
prejudice," and in correcting a duly attending to any oni
mistake, which might otherwise ^^ really befriends and
have proved fatal to the everlast- ^11 the rest, as conned
ing peace of many ; and at the it ; that he cannot dec
same time you will gratify the whole counsel of God, ii
"wishes of one, whose ^^ professed courses be limited to a
object is to promote general hap- ling topics ; that he ca
piness, and to do good to the justice, even to the i
souls of his fellow-mcn." part of the gospel, withoi

Clio, ly explaining and urging
EXTRACT. responding precepts ; a

" The connexion between the ly» that it would be as a'
several branches of our religion, charge hi:ii with making
especially between its doctrines certain truths, merely
and duties, while it presents one he docs not iiUcrwcav
distinguishing proof of its excel- with every sermon, as
Icncc and divinity, claims tiie that the compilers of th
unceasing and careful attention minstjr Cuterhisni did
of its professors and teachers, lieve in the depravity of
The most lamentable eiDrs and the satisfaction of Clirisl,
mischiefs have arisen from a dis- they do not notice them i
pro|K>rtionatcorcxrIusive zeal tor answer, but expressly )
certain parts of ChristianitVi de- eatli, only in one answc
t ached from the svsiem at larL-e. an hundred and nine I
This has frecinenliy led one de- " Ti) avoid tiisdis;;rac
srription of its votaries to map:- pernicious exireme,
nify ortiiodox opinion at the ex- class of lielievers seem
])ensc of a gospel temper, to ronsiderin.:^ Christianity
make faith swallow up chanty, as a vvjral or /iracficat
gowl feelings supplant good enforced by the assuran
works, yea, an ungracious, mar future state. They c

I Survey of Churches. 167

.a the sum and end of the and recovery by grace; by inspir-
and think the practice in*^ it with a proper rcspoii to
jfRciently secured by the the revealed holiness ami mercy
:s of our religion, which of God, to the wonderful mcilia-
imder so awful a sanction, tion and example of the Recleem-
;hest moral attainments, er, and to the promlicd succours
I extreme, thouj^h more of hisiloly Spirit. Is it not cv-
is equally dang;erous ident that Christian pieiy and
: former. It equr.lly sep- morality must rise or fall, as
rhat God and the nature these principles, which support
ling have joined to;;et in r. and exalt them, arc regarded or
it extols Christian pre- ne;j^lerted ( —
it strips them of their ** Tliose who would see, in afull
ght, and life, and force, and convincing light, the impor-
1 we grant that these pre- tant inlluence of these truths on
el before us a sublime practical religion, are referred
itirtue, we insist that the to Evans on the Christian tem-
r doctrines of the gospel, per, or to Wilberforce's Practi-
se only, direct and oblige, cal View, ficc."
ige and enable us to prac-
; and if these were set "•
le leading duties enjoined

hare no obligation nor s^kvey of kbw esolakb

g. It is generally agreed, churches.

natian dmy may be sum- (continued from page 17.)

m love to God, to Jesus

and our fellow-men. The most cursory survey of

I love neither is nor can our churches will convince us>

ted merely by the pre- that, in their whole internal

ijoining it ; but it is pro- state, they are far removed from

nd nourished by a cordial the sacred standard. Duties

F those doctrines, which plainly inculcated by Scripture

the proper objects and are omitted ; while opinions and

ents of it, or which ex- practices are common, for which

; true character and rela- there is no foundation in the

God, of Jesus Christ, of word of God. The neglect of

nan and Christian breth- g'fjft/iei disci /i/ine^ in its various

While these doctrines branches, is so prominent a fea-

\ see and feel our corres- turc in our churches, it has so

; obligations, they pre- m^irred their beauty, and opened

itives which constrain us a door for such disorders, that it

them, and convey those cainiot justly pass unnoticed,

influences, comforts and In this survey it will be pro-

which render our obedir per briefly to remark on a varie-

3t only practicable, but ty of irrej^ularities, which arc

and delightful. They found in our ecclesiastical disci-

e to our moral obedience pline. and which greatly obscure

nd evangelical complex- the primitive glory of our Zion.

connotating it with a deep Let us inquire, then, whether

tion of our ruin by sin, the memden of our churchet in

168 Survey of Churches.

general exercise a Muitable vfatch in private. In this y

and care over each other. One smaller improprietiefl

iinponant end of forming gospel conduct of Christians

churches is, that Christians, be- corrected, and their

iiig united in a social state, may rendered much more

have greater advantages to pro- When any one grosti

mote caiih other's holiness, com- the laws of our holy i

flirt, and usefulness. This end becomes a very seriou

"v^'ould Ix: answered in an eminent portant affair. Whetl:

degree, if Christian benevolence fence be of a public <

Were always active, and always nature, his brethren f

directed by inspired precepts, mediately adopt the

Each believer might, in a mea- prescribed in order to

sure, avuil himstif of the wisilom to repentance. And

and piety of the whole body ; plaint should be ma

while the influence of the whole church as a body, be:

body would be the conjoined en- proper method has be<

ergy and useiulness of all its private. But the duty

meml)ers. But how little of the reproof and admonit

mutual watch and care, enjoined generally neglected, i

by the gospel, do we find among fender is often quite

nominal Christians ! How little if not irritated at tli

does their conduct show, that brethren, who come t

tlicy ai*e seeking to improve The faults of Christia

each other in knowledge and in noticed, except by the

virtue I slander. And it is

When a brother is chargeable quently the case, that t

with misconduct, it is our indis- for some reason, will i

pensable duty to treat him ac- tell a brother a faxilt, '

cording to Christ's direction in been ciiarged aj^ainst

Mate, xviii. *^ Go, and tell him even take pains to inqu

his iau It between thee and him er he is guilty, are amo:

alone.*' If church members to circulate a repoit,

would faiihi'ully comply with this sentlally injures, if no

divine rule, and endeavour, in his reputation,
the spirit of Christian meekness Church members, wl

and love, to reclaim every of- ceived no personal affr

lending bixjtlier ; much would times excuse themsel

be done to diminish the Ircqucn- neglect above mention

cy of public censure, and to pro- ing, f/iat the offaidh

mote tlic peace and pui'ity ol the haa done nothing to in

church. The duty of /irivauiy and thcrtfurc that it ii

admoniMng is not coniir.ed to /articular concern ti

[liistors, bui is expressly extend- iiut even this excus

ed by the eposile to Christiuits quently made, showi

in geneiTil. There are faults in churcl.es are general!]

professors, which admit of no bic with virXvwif ///rir (

definition, and cminot be the aiidnot'JicthingaofJi

ground of any public transac- How little of the gosp

uon, but yet ougnt to be noticed men oi such a charac

iao6.]

Survey of Churches*

169

cr. And how few are to be
found, who have their Master's
intereit so affectionately at hearti
as to nise them above selfish
motives. Is not that, which af-
fects the honour of God and re-
ligioD, of more consequence,
than any personal consideration ?
We ought to feel a holy oflence
it every thing, which wounds
tlie church of Christ. We
should lament and reprove the
miscoftduct of our bi^thren, con-
sidered as sin against God, and
not IS personal injury to us.
fiveiy act of church discipline
ihoold spring from sincere uf-
ftctioD to the Redeemer's cause
and glory.

It is the direction of Scripture,
^ ooe, who is proved guilty of
^fttigressing tlie laws of Chris-
^t7, and, after proper steps
^e& in private, shows no marks
^ penitence, shall be cited be-
fcre the church \ and that, after
the church has dealt with him
^ kve and faithfulness, if he rc-
>nains incorrigible, he shall be
excommunicated. But do not
<)ur churches greatly neglect this
^tf ? Is it any thing uncom-
mon for persons, who are in-
lemperate, or profane, or in some
^r way grossly imntoral, to
continue in full communion with
Our churches, without ever be-
ing called to account for their
irimes \

How rarely do orur churches
take any proper notice of men,
who deny the essential truths of
Christianity. In some instances
they suffer those, who reject the
gospel and embrace the tenets of
infidelity. Thus they trans-
gress the apostolic command ;
*' a man that is an heretic, after
the first and second admonition,
reject ;" and they expose them-
Vol. II. No. 4, V

selves to a reproof like that,
which Christ gave to the church
in Pergamos ; " I have a lew
things against thcc, because tiiou
hast tjiem that holl thv d-.t trine
of Balaam, and thou hast them
also, who hold the doctrhit^ of the
Nicolaitanes, which thing I hrJ.«j.'*
If it be asked, who shall deter-
mine, what is Jalse doctrhif^ or
heresy? It is asked in return,
who shall determine what is im-
moral practice^ or ain ? Tiie
church has the same advantage
to judge what is heresy, as tliey
have to judge what is inmiorali-
ty, and the same authority to
censure members for the one, as
for the other. To connive at an
essential deviation from gobpcl
faith is as real a violation of in-
spired precepts, as to connive at
a deviation from gospel prac-
tice.

It is deemed a mistake of evil
tendency in our churches, that
firirate conj'cftsion is accc fifed for
Jiublic sifis. If a Christian com-
mit a fault, which is a discredit
not only to himself, but to the
cause of Christ ; how is the bad
consequence of his transgression
removed, except by manifesting
his repentance as publicly, as his
guilt is known. The enlighten-
ed penitent will rest in nothing
short of this. He will wish the
surrounding world, who know
his oiVence, to know liow ]ie
views his own conduct, and \%jiat
sentence he passes upon hin:-
sclf. How eminently was this
spirit exemplified in Da\id, after
he had sini.cd in the niattur of
Uriah. *' Considering his K*nk,
his age, and a variety oi' circum-
stances relutii:^ to i:is fonuiy. to
persons disaifecttd to his govern-
ment, and to ills cliaracter among
the surrounding nations, it mi^ht

170

Siiroey of Churches.

have been thought expedient for
him to be satisfied with secret
acts of contrition and devotion,
and with bringing forth fruits
meet for re/ieniance. But he
viewed the subject in a different
light, wl»en brought to reHect
seriously on his conduct and its
probable consequences. The
honour of (lod and of true reli-
gion was deeply concerned, and
with it the best interests of vast
multitudes. Nor did there ap-
pear any other way, in which
the bad effects of his crimes
could be so thoroughly prevent-
ed, as by his publicly taking the
deepest shame to himself for
having acted directly contrary to
that holy religion, which he pro-
fessed. Whatever might be the
consequences to himself and his
reputation, he seems to have re-
solved, without delay, to publish
to his family, his subjects, the
world at large, and all future
generation?, the judgment which,
in the sight of God, he now enter-
tained of his late behaviour. He
therefore not only composed the
fifty first Psalm, for his private
use, or to show to his friends, or
leave among his writings ; but
he gave it to the chief musician,
that it might form a part of the
public psalmody at the tabernacle,
and in consequence be circulated
through all the land, and among
other nations, and continue in
the church, for the instruction
and warning of mankind in all fu-
ture ages. Notliinjj can be well
conceived more humiliating, tli:in
such a measure ; nothing cdild
more decidedly show how much
he preferred the honour of God
to his own credit; in short, noth-
ing could more decidedly mani-
fest the depth of genuine repent-
ance." ilow different from the

conduct of David is that o
nal Christians in gene re
transgress the laws of
What a backwardness d
show to confess their si
often appears to be their
that the great evil const«
in transgression, but in
sion. if they acknowled|
sins, it is with manifeilt
tanre, and in a manner
particular and public, th
nature of their offence, ;
honour of Christ's cause i
And what is to be partirul;
marked here, the church,
ful of the Redeemer's co:
and glory, and govcri
worldly motives, accept
mutilated, inadequate con

Many more particular
or irregularities in the
ment of offenders might I
tioned. But it may be si
to observe in general, tl
chiuxhes at large seem in
measure destitute of thi
of fidelity. Neglecting tl
of (iod, they are gover
personal regards. The s
ty, with which Christ i;
the church, is ncarlv lost
arm of salutary discipline
sicd. Human friendship,
fear of man outweighs tl
our of the Redeemer a
welfare of /ion.

One disorder connecte
the general neglect of dis
is, that when a brother i
individual members, with
king the regular measu
bring him to repentance
draw on his account froi
cial ordinances. On comi
days this disorder sometir
pears great. Particular
bers of the church, conce
dislike or prejudice ag^
certain communicanti

1S06.]

Survey of Churches.

171

themselves from the Lord's sup-
per. If you inquire the reason
oCtlieir conducts their answer is,
Xhtt their Jeelingfi are suc/i^ r/iry
tannot flit dowTi laith a particular
bn*f/ier. Thus thev substitute
their own feelings in the room of
^pcl precepts. What a mani-
fest irregularity. Because a
brother has incurred our resent-
ment or displeasure, shall we vio-
late our covenant engagements,
£sobey Chnsi's dying com-
mand, retire from his church,
and deprive ourselves of the
blessings of his tabic i Yet so
lax is the discipline of our
churches, that, generally speak-
•ngi they tolerate such disorderly
withdrawmcnt.

h Would be a great omission
to close these remarks, without
noticing the almost entire neg-
te of baptized children. How
litUe is done for their religious
instruction ! What friendly, i)a-
ternal discipline does the church
extend over them ? Are thev

treated as children of the cove-
nant ? Do they feel themselves
. 10 be under the watch and care
of the church ? What a wide de-
parture is there in this respect,
J say not from the practice of the
fathers of New FLngland, hut
from the practice of j)rimitive
Christian churclics. The cove-
nant, which graciously comprises
children with their believing par-
ents, is ungratefully overlooked,
its advantages spurned, and even
the reality of it called in question,
and denied.

Another sul>ject of regret in
the internal state of our church-
es is, the want of intimate ac-
quaintance and fervent aiVection
among brethren. The covenant
in which church members are
joined} the nature of the Chris-

tian calling, their common difTi-
culties, dangers, hopes, and com-
forts, in a word, their common
cause should prompt them to a
free and unreserved intercourse
and friendship. But instead of
this, what a distance is there be-
tween them. Children of tlic
same father, heirs of the same
kingdom, travellers in the same
heavenly road, yea, members of
the same body, though they have
frequent opportunity to meet
and converse, hardly know one
another. Christians are stran-
gers to the spiritual condition of
their brethren, in consequence of
which they are incapable of
allcviatin,-' their sorrows, of aid-
ing their progress in religion,
and of promoting, or participa-
ting their joys. This ivant of
free intercourse among believers
and an intimate knowledge of
each other's state directly tends
to prevent unity of sentiment
and fervency of affection, and to
diminish all the comforts of
social piety.

The disorders, which have
been hinted at, in different de-
grees, characterize tlic generali-
ty of New England churches ;
though we may still notice many
pleasing exceptions. The conse-
quences of these disorders are
lamentable indeed, with refer-
ence to the prosperity and honour
of the Christian cause, and the
welfare of individual believers.

One sad consequence of the
evils, which mark the internal
stale of our churchcs> is, that ma-
nit iTOod mm are hindrrid /'row
rn'vrifji^ into a x'isiblc church
atutr.

Many, whose lives are ex-
emplaiy, and whose Christian in-
fluence is greatly needed in the
church, are perplexed, and kept

172 Surety of Churches. {Sept.

bark by (lie disoi*dcrs amonp; which) at the same time^ requires
Christians. Seeing little that is no sacrifices and imposes no re^
invitiiij^, or that promises utility siraints. Is not this a subject of
in a church standing, they neg- pious grief ? Who can think it a
lc( t a public profession. They small evil for tares to be so abun»
are fearful of forming a connex- dantly sown in God*s field, as to
ion with a church, in ^vhich overpower and almost eradicate
there is sucli a frequency of irre- the wheat ? What advantage catt
ligious, and even profane charac- be derived to the church froil^
ters, and which is so poorly the introduction of those, who
distinguished by its purity from have not the spirit of the gospeli
tlie civilized world. It is not and are in heail foes to Christiaa
pretended that prevalent disor- truth and sanctity ? What wiB
cicrs justify such Christians, or they do to advance the purity and
furnish them vrith any apology glory of Zion ? What will they
for neglecting their duty. But, do, but embarrass the effbrts of
in many instances, they conspire believers, efface more and more
with other things to occasion of- the sacred beauty of Christianxty»
fence in pious minds, especially &^ level its honour with the dust?
where there is a depression of This leads to another evil
spirit and weakness of resolu- connected with the internal state
tion, and to beget habitual hesi- of many New England churches.
tancy with regard to an open pro- It was the original design of the
fession of Christianity. Redeemer, in the gospel dispen-

It may seem strange to rank sation, to purify a people to him-
under the same head an tindeaira' self ; to establish a king^om»
/>/.' hicrvafte of church members, which should evidently appear
Vet in many cases, this stands in not of this world ; a holy churchf
iiv\ir connexion with the last which should bear the resem-
[.articular. Remove from the blance of its Head, and thus be
churrh of Christ that strictness distinguished from every other
of discipline, which he ordained ; society of men. But in the pres-
cxtini';uish the lij;lit of Christian ent state of Christianity, where
doctrines and Christian practice, is the line of discrimination bet
which shone in primitive ages; tween the church and the worid?
an<l yi'u open a door for the ad- What excellence of charactefi
mission of an unholy throng, what sanctity of life distlnguisht
That very state of the chui\:h, es the bulk of nominal Christians
whkli discourages the scrupulous from others? What purity of
conscience and the lowly heart, doctrine or discipline marks oUP
invites the self confident and the churches at large, as parts of the
worldly. As the spirit of Redeemer's kingdom ? With
Christianity is corrupted or sunk, what propriety can they l>e ad-
unr<rneweJ men find less in the dressed in the words of Christ?
cl.tirch to awe t!ieir consciences, " Ye are the salt of the earth, a
to humble their pride, and to city set on a hill, the light of the
abridge their pleasures. They world ?" Christ broke down
readily take upon tlicm a profes- the wall of separation between
sion, which custom stamps as Jews and Gentiles ; but his pro-
precious and honourable, and fessed friends have since broken

The Doctrine of the Trinity.

173

be will of separation be-

i» church and the ungod-

iaz discipline and other

disorders of most New

churches produce very
sffects upon the personal
rof real believers. If
'. the advantage of being
d with a church) where
liscipline was maintain-
ere eminent goodness
stantly exhibited before

the example of fellow
111 and where it was the
endeavour of the whole
promote the edification
f member, they would

higher attainments in
ge and holiness ; they
sar more abundant fruit,
If more consolation. But
f are like trees set in an
ly soil. Though not
larren, their fruit is less
t and less salutary, than
i otherwise be. Their
; health is impaired by
cibus atmosphere they
The errors and vices,
ich they are surrounded,
ough insensibly, a conta-
luence upon them. They
■ wrong principles and
lyed into wrong prac-
bout being aware of their
It is to be expected,
Kneral declension in the

the churches will be at-
rith a correspondent de-

in the piety of individ-
jvers.

xioral disorders found in
urches furnish infidels
ir most successful weap-
nst revealed religion, and

the greatest hiiiderdncc
jencral reception. The
visible harmony between
igious state and the holy

laws of Christ is a stumbling
block to the unenlightened world.
It tends to keep sinners ignorant
of the glory of the gospel, to
confirm their prejudices, and bar
their niinds more and more a-
gainst it. The enemies of relig-
ion make our irregularities the
topic of malignant declamation
and triumphant reproach, and
the foiindation of those argu-
ments, which are most injurious
to the cause of truth. In addi-
tion to all this, the church has
little prospect of rearing a pious
race, who shall be the sale de-
positaries of our holy religion.
We have gotie back from Godf
and, according to the natural
course of things, Christianity is
in great danger of an increasing
declension. Return^ we beseech
thee^ 0 God qf hoatSj look dovm
from heaven^ and behold^ and vitit
t/ua vincy and the vineyard which
thy right hand hath planted^ and
the branch that thou madeat atrong
for thyaeffl Pastor.

ON THE DOCTRINE
TKINITY.

OF THE

At a time, when the attention
of this part of the Christian
world is turned upon that im-
portant and fundamental article
in our holy religion, the diviiuty
qf CiiRisTy it is seasonable to
bring into view the best lights on
this subject, to aid investigation,
and direct to a right result. Drs.
Watts and Doddridge have de-
servedly obtained high repuU».-
tion in the Christiun world for
their piety, candour, talents and
leurninjj ; and though we would
call no man Mastery yet their
opinions on controverted points
are to be respected, as valuable

174

The Doctrine of th^ Trinity.

human teatixnony> and in this
view they are often quoted. In
a former number of the Pano-
plist,* was given Dr. Walls'
opinion concerning the doctrine
of the Trinity. I have taken the
trouble to transcribe and trans-
mit to you for publication in
your next number, the senti-
ments of Dr. Doddridge on the
same subject. The following
may be found in the first volume
of his Family Expositor, page 24.

^ In the beginnini^ was the
Word, and the Word was with
Gody and the Word was God."

PARAPHRASE.

In the bci^ivning^ l>efore the
foundation of the world, or the
first production of any created
behig, a glorious Person existed,
who (on account of the perfec-
tions of his nature and his !)eing
in time the medium of divine
manifestations to us) may prop-
erly be called the Word of God.
Jlnd the Word was originally with
God the Father of all ; so that to
him the words of Solomon might
justly be applied, Prov. viii. So ;
" He was by him as one brought
up with him, and was daily Iiis
delight." Nay, by a generation,
which none can dcrhire, and an.
union, which none can fully
conceive, the Jl'ord v*aJt himself
Godj that is, poatttMicdofa nafure
truly and firoficrlif nivixF..

His views are fully explained
in the following Xotv :

The Word vaa Cod.'] I know
how eagerly many have contend-
ed, tliat the word aov is used in
an inferior sense ; the necessary
consequence of wliich is (as in-
deed some have expressly avow-
ed it) that this clause should be

• • . •

* See p. 554^ vol. I.

rendered} the Word wc
that is, a kind of inferi
AS governors are calli
See John x. 34, and 1 Cc
But it is impossible b
here be so called, ai
a ^ovcrnorj because he
en of as existing be:
production of any €
whom he could govern
is to me most incredi
when the Jews were so
ingly averse to idolatryt
Gentiles so unhappily
it, such a plain writer;
apostle, should lay so d
a stumbling block on
threshold of his work] al
sent it as the Christian
that ill the begimiitig of I
there were two GodSf
preme and the other sub
a difficulty, which, if
would be yet farther inci
recollecting what so man
writers assert, that thi
was written with a p
view of opposing the <
ans and Ehionites (see
1. c. 26 ; o. c. 11. £us
Hist. 50. 6. c. 14) on v
count a greater accurac
pi*ession must have bee
sarv. There are so r

Stances in the writing!
apostle, and even in this
(see ver. 6, 12, 13, IS
0i*c, without the article
to signify Ood in the
sense of the word, that it
thing surprising such
should be \M on the wai
article, as a proof that i
only in a subordinate sei
the other hand, to cor
Christ as a distinct
ordinate God, would be
inconsistent with the c
press declarations of S
and far more irrecpnciles

Selections. . . . Cakin and Servetus.

175

Nothings I have said
A by any means be jiist-
preted in such a sense :

solemnly disclaim the

enlion of insinuating one
of that kind by any thing
ver written here or else-
The order of the words
original (0to< nv « A«yt;)
n that some have thought
le might more exactly be
df God was the Word.
trc are almost every
^ many instances of such
ruction, as our version
lidiat I chose rather to
ty than to vary from it,
laftly, in this important
I am deeply sensible
sublime and mysterious
f the doctrine oJF Chrhf*9
\ • here declared : but it
c quite foreign to my
to enter into a large dis-
of that great fouxda-
Mrr faith ; it has often
ie by much abler hands,
however, matter of cofi'
with me, on the one
lis 9tTongty to declare my
U : and on the other, to

leave it as fur as I could in the
simplicity of scripture expres-
sions. I shall only add in the
words, or at least in the sense of
Bishop Bunict, ^'that had not
St. John and the other apostles
thought it a doctrine of great im-
poriance in the gospel scheme,
lliey would have rather waved
than asserted and insisted upon
it, considering the critical cir-
cumstances in which they wrote."
(See Burnet on the Articles, p.
40.)

This eminent divine, in his
Paraphrase on Phil. ii. 5, 6, fur-
ther declares his sentiments in
unequivocal language on this
sublime suljject, tJiis '* great
JouTidution of our faith" as he
justly considers it, in which he
speaks of Christ,. as an "adora-
ble person," " possessed of di-
vine pcrfeclions,*' as of right ap-
pearing ^ as (vod, assuming the
highcut divine names^ titles atid
aftributes, by which the Supreme
Being has made liimself known,
and receiving from his ser\'ant5
divine honours and adorations.**

^electtonjof.

r OF calvin's treat-

;2IT OF 8ERVETUS.

snnebicr*s Histolre Litc-ra-
Sencve, /. 1. Genev. 1786.
-227.]

:ragical history of Serve-
lened 1553. It has of-
. related, to blacken Cat-
iracter, by his bitter ene-
id by those who had not
: pieces in his justifica-
Lt has bcea cobSdently

asserted, that the Geneva rc'
former long harboured an im-
placable hatred of tlie unfortu-
nate Spaniard, used every effort
to gratify his malice, denounced
him to the Magistrates of Vien-
ne, and caused seize him in the
morning after his arrival at
Geneva. Men easily believe
what is so positively asseriedi
and almost imagine it impossible
that the tale can be false. Yet
Bolxec, the cotemporary and

176

* Ccihin and Seroeuis.

the mortal enemy of Calvin, who
wrote his life only to tear his
cluiracier in pieces, and Maiiii'*
burn^, so celebrated for partiality
and misrepresentation, durst not
allege those pretended &cts,
which modern historians have
advanced. Bolzec says, that
Servctus's hatightiness, inso-
lence, and dangerous projects,
making him hated and dreaded
at Lyons, he left it for Charlicu ;
yet afterwards returned to Ly-
ons, and communicated his ideas
to Calvin, who keenly opposed
tliem ; and, on Servetus' send-
ing him his Reatitutio Christian'
h/iiiy broke off all intercourse
with him. Calvin however did
not betray his secrets, or cause
seize him at V^icnne ; for he
wrote to Viretus and Farel, that
if Scrvetus came to Geneva, the
consequence would be, the loss
of his life. Calvin naturally
concluded this from the spirit of
the laws and government at
Geneva, and from the ideas of
all sects at that time. Indeed,
lie bore with Servetus as long as
there was nity hope of his recov-
ery ; and it was the Spaniard
who fir^&t introduced personal
abuse into their controversv.

tiuccr, Oecoliimpadius, Farel,
Bcza, and even the gentle Me-
lancthon, appi*oved the sentence
passed against him. As it
would be unjust oii that account
to accuse these celebrated men,
jt is cqirally unjust to accuse
C'alvin of haired to Servetus.

But C'ah'Jn ahu,v'd hh confix
dcncfy and ttvtit to Vicnnc tkv I't-
tcrs he hud recdvnd from him^
«".'/ the Restitutio Christianismi
with ivhich he /lad /irc^^cmcd hijju
—That accusation is "xbsurd.
Could Calvin, whose name was
lacerated by Papists, expect at-

tention to his coniplni
gard to his letters, fron
gistrates of Vienne ?
Calvin as cruel as yo
Why was he silent i
years, why did he not J
lier period commence 1
cution of Servetus, anc
he not send to every pli
the heretic resided, the
had received from him
Restitutio ? It is evid
a letter of Calvin, date
ry, 1546, thatCalviDfi
of the punishment Ser
served, would not enooi
to come to Geneva, bu
ed to him what he hac
should he venture it.
ed, therefore, by keepi
a distance from Genevi
might escape the pu
with which he threate
if he came there. So i
from contriving to sub
to punishment in anotl;
Indeed, Calvin's wri
Magistrates of V'ienne,
ing them the Reatitui
answer no purpose,
have been ridiculous f
send them a copy of a l>
ed in France under th
or to point out what
ccptionablc in it, which
ing it would sufficiently
cordingly, the sentence
Viennci gives no insinu
Calvin had interposed ii
cess. U is true, that tl
trates of Vienne, kno
Servetus had correspoc
Calvin, applied to the «
Geneva for his letters,
equally true, that their
was founded on the err
book, and his own cor
not on these letters.

But Calvin^ informed
tuM^a eacajie from the

]

Calvin and Scvoetus.

177

f, cauMcd 9tize him two or
daif9 after hiM arrival at
«>^Factft do not quadrate
his charge. Servetus es-

from Vienne befo^e the
aon of the sentence, which
nned him to be burned,
rmie^ If he took fifteen
I his flight, hb would have
fc Geneva the beginning of
nd yet he was not seized
ill Idth August. Think
St he was concealed till
lOmewhei'e else. A little
Ice would prevent his tur-
where popery was estab-
I lest the clamours of Vi-
ilould overtake him ; and
tWas the first place where
Id expect shelter. Prob-
Ikereforir, he was seized,
''two or three days, but
is weeks after his arrival,
idctitotions against him

IV His saying, in his com*
r^ on Ptolemy, that the
vain-gloriously celebrated
iHity of Canaan, though
. in uncultivated and bar-
aiitry. 3. His calling one
I three persons a ihree-
t Cerberus. 3. His as-
fi that God was every
'And that every thing was
'He did not deny the
«j but pled the necessity
nvtion. The coimcil of
t demanded thai he should
t back to them ; but it bc-
t to his choice, he prefer-
e chance of a more fa-
te sentence at Geneva, to
rtainty of capital punish-
it Vienne.

lie we blame the primi-
»f jurisprudence, which
ted this process, it should
nowletlj^ed, that tin: coun-
ivenevu net^lcctcd nothing
■covering the li'uth ; ex-
[. No. 4. Z

erted every meah for persuad-
ing Servetus to retract ; and,
when all proved in vain, asked
the advice of the Swiss Cantons,
who unanimously exhorted them
to punish the wicked person, and
put him out of a condition of
spreading heresy. The intole-
rance therefore of the age, not
the cruelty of Calvin, dictated
the sentence 37th October, that
Servetus should be burnt alive.
Castalio alone had the courago
to write a dissertation against
the punishment of heretics,
which, though he was at Basil,
he thought it necessary for bis
own safety to publish under the
feigned name of Bellius. There
have been both former und later
instances at Geneva, of similar
violent proceedings against her-
etics. Id 1536, all were depriv-
ed of the right of citizenship,
who did not admit the received
doctrine. In 1558, Gentilis es-
caped death only by retracting.
Calvin says, in a letter written
at that time, that Servetus, if he
had not been mad, would have
escai>ed punishment, by re-
nouncing his errors, or even by
a more modest behaviour. But
Servetus persisted to defend his
opinions in blasphemous lan-
guage : the laws of the times
could not ' be \ioiated : and,
therefore, the endeavours of
some to satisfy themselves with
his banishment, and of Calvin to
render his punishment less cru«
el, had no elfcct. It is certain,
Calvin deplored Servetuu's fate ;
and the disputes . in prison were
managed with much greater
moderation on his side, than on
that of the panel. In a period
\^hcn the principles of tolera-
tion were not understood, zeal
against opinions subvorsire both

178

Rules for PrCiZcIwi^

\SepL

of nutuiil and revealed religion,
drove men to cruel and un-
warrantable extreme*. Calvin'a
situation was peculiarly delicate.
Roman Catholics accused him of
dangerous theological errors.
Their eyes were fixed upon him ;
and had he remained an indiffer-
ent spectator of the process
against Ser\ietus> they would
have pronounced him a favourer
of his opinions. Add to tliis, had
Servetus escaped* his gross and
abusive charges against Calvin
would have appeared well-found-
ed ; and Calvin's adversaries
would have availed themselves of
that advantage for ruining Ixis in-
fluence.

RULES FOa PK CACHING.

Fczivil amont* the pa firm of a dr*
ceased minister^ tinned If. C—
the cuth'jr unknoirn,

[From the Biblical Ma;;'a2ino.]

1. Discover do nioi*e of
your method than needs must.

2. Pass not any thing, till
\o\\ have bolted it to the bran.

3. Use the mother speech
and tonei without affectation or
imitation of any nian, tiiat you
may not seem to act u comedy,
instead of preaching a sermon.

4. Clog not your memory
too much : it will exceedingly
hinder invention, and mar de-
livery.

5. Be sure you eye God, his
glorvi the good of souls, Iiaving
the d:iv before mastered self and
ina.n-plca«iing ague. This must
be renewed totics quotient

(>. Let your words be soft,
few, and slow ; and see they
coiae n:> faster than the weakest
hearer c\w digest each morsel ;
priUsL- a whi!e« »nd look in.tlie

cliild's eye, till be has swallowed
Lis bit.

r. Look to your afiection*
most carefully, that they be noty
(1.) feigned, nor, (3.) fiorcedlf
let loose to have their full scope*;
for then they will either astt'^
run your judgment) or be a
temptation to vain glory. .

8. Preach speaking or talking
to the people ; look, on the pe^
pie, not on roofs or waUB^aod
look on the most mortified lacea
in the assembly ; let them know
your fM^eaching i» real taUung
with them, whereby they may
be provoked (as it were) to an*
swer you again.

9. Take heed of over-vordiQg
any thing.

10. Be sure yon have made
the people understand thorou^*
iy what is the good yoQ ezkort
them to, or the evil you dcboit
them from, before you brifeg
your motives and meant ^ aiid»

1 1 . Touch no Scripture slight-
ly ; trouble not many, but open
Uie metaphors, and let one Scrip*
ture point out the otheri the one
a key to the other.

12. Let the Scripture |e»ch
you, and not you it.

13. Be sure you feed yourself
upon every pause with the peo«
pie, before you pass it, else thai
will do them little good, and you
none at all : oh taste every bit.

14. Take these four candles to
find out what to say to the peo-
ple : (1) The Scripture unbias-
sed. (2) The thoughts and ex-
periences of good men. (3) Your
own experience. (4) The con-
dition of the people.

15. Break off any wherci
rather than run upon any of
these two inconveniences ; (I)
Either to huddle or tumble to-
gether spiritual things ; oi>

1806.] Rcvir(\}S... Historical Fiev) of Heresies, 179

(3) Tire the weakest of the
flock.

1 6. Never pass over one point
while fou have any thin^ matc-
rkJ to say of it, provided it be
on a spiritual point.

17. Let vour doctrine, and the
constant stream of your preach-
ings be about the chiefest spirit-
tial tliing9^ and let small contro-
versies and external duties come
in fay the bye.

18. Beware of forms ; neither
be tied to any one method.

19. Be always on that subject,
irhich is next your heart ; and
be not too thrifty and careful
what to say next, for God will
provide ; it will be ofTcnfiive like
kept manna, if reserved through
dinnnt till the next day.

M. Be sure to extricate carc-
fuRfi any godly point you speak
ttif out of the notions and terms
of divinity ; else it will freeze
inevhably in your mouth and
tkcir ears.

91. Let there not be disiigur*
lag of faces, uor snuffing in the
MAe, nor hemming in the
throat, nor any antic gesture,
pretending devotion, made grav-
ity \ which will make you seem
* loathsome Pharisee, or a dis-
tncttdman broke loose out of
Bedlam.

22. Do not care so much
whether the people receive your
doctrine, as whether you and it
are acceptable to the Lord.

23. Do not conceive that your
zeal or earnestness can prevail
with the people ; but the ibrrc
of spiritual reason, the cvidcnre
of Scripture, and tlic ikiwcr of
the Holy Ghost.

24. Do not think the hearers
can receive as you conceive, and
so make your own conception the
rule of dealing the btead of life ;
so shall you only please yourself,
and be admired but not under-
stood by others.

25. Let there be something in
every sermon to draw poor sin-
ners to Jesus Christ.

26. Take heed that your
comparisons be fiot ridietilou«,
and yet be not shy of homely
ones.

27. Study every Scripture
you are to speak of beforehand,
jest you overburden invention, or
presume too much upon your
own parts.

28. Take care to free truth of
extravagancies, of needless di-
gressions, needless heads and
enumerations.

29. Shun apologies, for they
are always offensive.

Bebieto of Ji!)etD publuatton0.

•*" HiHoricdl TiVro of Herrncty
"wrf Vbidnation of the Pritni"
iivr FuUh, Ryi As\ ISI'Fah-
^ANo, A. M. wimntrr of the
^hrlin Cfjiicord^ Ari;' Hnmfi'
**'rr. George Houjjjh, C'on-
^nrd. 1806. pp.274 i2mo.

_ A LEADING ohject of this trca-
Usc is to stale the gene ml chaia'>

ter, and to exhibit a concise view,
of the origin, spirit, and moral
tendency of Here/nj ; and clearly
to mark the point ol' difl'erencc
between that scheme ot" doctrine,
called orthodojL'y and those
schemes, which under various
names,' difl'er essentially from
it.

180

Hkurical P'^iev) of Heresies.

[

The yiov]l ift divided into ten
chapters. In the Jirat is stated
" general principles by which
heresy may be known." Under
this head, the author justly re-
marks that every system of reli-
gion^ which has appeared iq the
world, has had son^e disting;uish-
ing characteristic^ and rests on
its own peculiar and distinct
foundation ; and that ''Christiani-
ty rests on this truth, that Gon
has manifested himself to the
world by Jesus Christ, his only
begotten Son." p. 9,

In this scheme Christ appears
in the character of a Mediator
and Saviour, wbich implies, that
he has opened a consistent way
for divine, gracious communica-
tions to sinners. From ^' the na-
ture of this mediatorial work of
Jesus Christ, it is necessary that
we receive and treat him as
God over alif-r^s no created
being can perform more th$kn the
duty which he personally pwcs
to God. a proper atonement
for sin rests on the supreme
Deity of the Saviour." p. 10.

The gospel is stated to be a
manifestation of the divine pur-
pose to save sinners through faith
in Christ. As this faith is the
gift of God, and the immediate
effect of his operation, it is with
the greatest propriety called a
dispensation of grace. "If this be
the spirit of the Christian dis-
pensation, it is manifest, tliat
whatever takes away thai from
the gospel, wiiich is pcculiitr lo
it, or which makes it any other
than a dispensation of grace, is
Jitney, lie is an heretic, in
I he Scripture stnse of tlic word,
v/ho irliicics lo those opinions,
which cncourap:e him lo hope for
f ulvalion in any other wav, than
• i.roiijh II) 0 merit of a perfect

atonement, apd by a vital t
with Christ.'' p. 11.

Our author makes a di
tion between error in judg
and heresy, p. 11. A
whose heart may not be op]
to the spirit of the gospelf
yet, through wrong initrai
embrace essential error.
a person he does not conaud
stn heretic,

The object of the second
ter is to shew that *< all Hei
are known by the sapne gf
character, though they hai
peared under different nai
The one source of all here
dangerous error, our autho]
ceives, '^ is a heart which :
reconciled to the gospel ter
salvation:" [p. 14, IS.] I
a disposition to reject, or to
the force of the essential &
liar doctrines of the gospel*
monly called the orthodox
forms a common and distin(
ing feature in the character
heretics.

The orthodox faithy tsx\
doctrines of graee^ our a
considers as of synonymou
port. '^ These doctrines ai
hibited, in order, in the i
nine articles of the Chun
England, and in the Wea
ster Confession of Faith. *]
were the Doctrines of tb*
formation." p. 15. "That
kind have destroyed thcma
anrl that their salvation is «
of God," is considci'ed b
author as constituting the w
tlie orthodox scheme, p.
They, therefore, who em
und propagate opinions, i
counteract the spirit and te;
cy of this truth, arc consic
as justly chargeable with h<
Tl)e point v.here heretics
tinlr dci)arturc from the (

■]

Histciical Vicix) of Heresies.

181

Iniy he considers to be the
that " salvation is wholly

B- authory under this head,
takes to shew, that the doc-

of grace all stand nc-
ily connected with " the
f and perfect atonement of

.Christ." p. 22. His
pf ihis connexion are in^
IS, and we think scriptural
nclusive.

\ third chapter is divided
»wo sections. Tt« Jirst
y the scripture character of
." The second shews
' the design of the gospel
nsUes of St. John proba-
I to confute the error of
who denied the divinity
Dpement of Christ." The
ire proofs of the supreme
of Jesus Christ, in this
ft are exhibited in a clear
nvincing light ; and that
usages adduced for this
le are not misapplicdy is

from the nature of the
I and the design of St.

epistles to confute those
nied this dc'.irinc.

fourth and ./?/?/» chapters
tthe faith of the primitive
ians, and their conduct to-

iiosc who denied the di-
U)d atonement of Christ.
'X>pious extnic.ts, both from
lan and heathen writers, in
.t ages of Christianity, nur

saiisfactoriiv proves ilrat
mitive Christians !)clicved
.re denominated fhc doc-
of f^racc — that llu y were
ilarians,'' that ''tl-.oy be-
in the ruin of mankind by

of the first nran, and that
n of Gon l)ccame incar-
3 deliver sinners from the
iblc effects of the fall ;" —
in the necessity of divine

influence to renew holinc^ss in
men ;" and that, they " were
alarmed at the appearance of the
Unitarian doctrine, and took deci-
sive measures to arrest its pro-
gress, as an evil of most perni-
cious tendency." p. 78. 9 1 .

In the ifixth and seventh chap-
ters are brought into view, the
Arian and Pelagian doctrines,
which are shewn to be a depar-
ture from the faith of the primi-
tive Christians.

The etffhi/i chapter exhibits a
plain summary of the " doctrines
of the rtfarmation :" the ninths
an interesting account of the
*^ revival of the ancient hereties
after the reformation," by the
modem Socinians, Arminians,
Methodists, and Free-will Bap-
tists, whose opinions are shewn
to be subversive of that scheme
of religion which rests on this
truth, ^ that salvation is wholly
of God."

The last chanter is designed
to shew " in what respect, and
how far those systems of doc-
trine, which have been exhibited,
come witliin the p^cneral descrip-
tion of heresy." This is an
interesting chapter, and deserves
the serious attention of the rea-
der.

The author subjoins some
judicious and seasonable reflec-
tions and remarks, resulting
from the view of religious opin-
ions, given in the preceding
work^-and then closes Vith an
" Address," 1 st. " To those who
atiopt the Unitarian system."
•d. " To tliose who have trust-
ed in Christ as a divine Saviour,
and arc established in the doc-
trines of grace."

The subject of this work is
iTiunifestly of great importance.
There is certainly an essential

182

Tlic Shade of PlaiB.

difference between iluit system,
which is founded on the princi-
ple, that Christ is a divine per-
son, and salvation wholly of God ;
and that which considers him as
a mere creature, though ever so
exalted, and salvation, either in
■whole or in part, of the creature.
So different are these svstems,
that if the former be true, the
latter, by whatever name it is
called, is a practical error, which
tends to destroy the soul.

We think the author incorrect
in his distinction between an
error in judjjment and lie res y.
We believe with him, that heresy
lias its •origin in an ** evil heart
of unbelief;" but that error in
judgpfncnt has a different source
may be justly questioned. That
a person should be destitute of
sentiment for want of proper
means of information, can easily
be conceived ; but that any one
should embrace error instead of
truth, without any kind or de-
gree of evidence, can be account-
ed for pnly on the principle of
evil propensity.

The style of this work corres-
ponds with the design of the
author, which is to enlighten
and establish the minds of the
honest but unlearned, in the
great truths of our religion, and
to guard them' against the perni-
cious and prevalent errors of the
day. It is plain, familiar, and
commonly correct. The plan
of the work is judicious, tie
arrangement of the several pans
natural, and the principles advo-
r:it(:d, in our opinion, scriptural.
The facts stated are supported by
l)ropcr evidence, and the rcason-
i'«:*; ijrouiidcd on these facts, in-
icllij^iblc, and in general coikIu-
sive. The closing addresses are
icrious, pcr.intnl and useful.

On the whole, we i5
this a valuable and very'i
ble performance, and we a
recommend it to the attej
the public. To expose- «
ons error shows no want tt
ty or candour. In an
prevailing infidelity, whei
openly reject the articles
most holy fiiith, it yieM
satisfaction to the goo<
who " trembles for the afl
God," to see a man of pi«
enis and learning em pin
vindicating the pure docti
Christianity,' and displayin
in contrast with those
ments, which essentially i
the Christian scheme, anc
teract those salutary
which the j^ospel in its pi
calculated to produce.

The Shadr of Plato ; or^ a
of rrifgiorij morality and^
;;zr///. ^V Povm, in four
Bif David Hitchcoc:
vfhich is firrjixrd^ a Sk
the .'iuthor*s Life, H
Printed at the Balance
1805.

Having read the intn
ry sketch of the autho
reader will not expect to
this poem the choicest b
of language. The poe
must be confessed, is not
most elevated kind. The :
are not all expressive of
taste, and the vei'^iiica'
somellmes unharmonious
though in these respec
Shade of Plato will no
with the Pleasures of In
tion, the Deserted Villa
the Kssav on Man, it is
niL:vr.s destitute of merit,
munv eseijlcneics, but ol
li rent kind. The author <
crs soniu knov. ledge of h

RiTigiOUS ili!cll}gt7lCL\

183

Dgy, to which he has scv-
usioDS) and a good ac-
nce with the nuturc and
of man. But his pnnci-
U to illustrate the truths,
ulcate the duties of mo-
od religion. On these
i his knowled^^e appears
ixtensive> and liis senti-
lori'ect. These are the
le professes to have heen
Lerested in and devoted to
irly life. He dcvelopes
^n of several foibles and
reatly prevalent in socie-
cribes their ruiiious tcn-
and points out the means
scting them, lie incul-
intcntment, and resii^na-
Providence, by show in j^,
evils, incident to tnnii in
4d, arc neeessnry lor the
his virtue, and, it* riy^htly
dy win au(i;nie]it railier
ainish the sum of human
8S in the present state.
poem is presentedi as the
:e of wiiat passed in a
y scene of its author with
:tre of a venerable (ire-
V'e were at first surpristrd
ig the Christian reli:.^ion
id| illustrated and eul'orc-

ed with so much zeal and cmplj:i-
sis by a heatlien phHoso;>her ;
and were in doubt, whetiier to
attribute it to an ovc^rsif^ht in the
author, or to an undue use of po-
etic licence. But, on further re-
flection, neither of these suppo-
sitions appeai'ed necessary, 'i'he
human mind l)einj^ supposed ca-
pable of endless progression in
knowledge and virtue, it requires
no stretch of imagination to con-
ceive, nor of credulity to admit,
that the venerable shade, subli-
mated and improved by intei^
course >vith immortals for more
than two thousand vears, must
possess otlicr stores of knowl-
edge, than those which it receiv-
ed from Pythat^ras, or commu-
ni(.ated to Aristotle, while inhab-
iting its ancient tenement of clay.
VVe are glad to see proposals
for a second edition of this po-
em. We think it calculated to
do good. Tliough it may not
stand on the shelves of the crit-
ic or the virtuoso, it will hnd its
way to a numerous class of read-
ers, among whom it will be nei-
ther less useful nor acceptalilr
for the plainness and simplicity
of its appearance.

EcUsioiis JntdUgcncr*

'NITED STATKS.

r OF A i.Ei 1 iiii riioM Ml r>-
E Y, V E R M o N r , ^Ju I J J :;,

lav ha%'e lie»ril of an atl-rn-

lipoti in this, :u!(! .^i«ni.'* of

ibourhig tow: ••». 'ri.f-." Ji is

awukt-nipi; in TMiri.!.;'ti!rv

ncc, I'ft-n i.t'.iitvl i«» !lu".
Tlie attc'.i'i n stiil c'.m tin •;-.•*
?krt« ox'tiic u>.vn TliCii: i>

:ilsM ron*;iJeraM»» attcnti >n in Co:u
V, ;i'i, un-k-r thf ■^n.'ucliing'ol'iJic Kov
Ml'. Ji'ishucll. 'I'ho Loll! ]»;is done
niiicli i'lr iis ill \\\\^ purl of the coim-
tr\, aj'.l to Iiiin '": lin* tl-jiv . 'I'ljfift
ilk m«.'!v thin mmi -l .ttLr.nli.Mi l!» ri li;;
ion :it. tills linn', v\ i!ic Inwn"* «»f N<"<
lliivcn, VV\:Nhi*i«".viC, S:ilishiii-\, niij
Siinrrli.'i-i}. 'riu; iiU»'nii»in li:i> ;ti«<iin
b.nu* ili"j;"r«'i^ ri'xr.hril the fi>lIr/;'« .

Wo inuy iur,u" that G«h1 will ijplh-iii
Ills cuiisc, )i<»i t\it!i>i:tn.!iti^- tJie wot'ut
ajosiai'} ot in.m;. . NVluit ih as'iii \\\\\%
\s^\ to U; tijAhkl\iL liiAt wi^ u)».v iriivt

184

Missions In India.

flie nitcrcsts of utir own souls, ;ind
thobc ofihe cliUi'c-h iutlie liaivds <>t the
p^roat God, even our Saviour Jc;>as
Christ.

AVc arc happy to Icam, tliut tlie
CoUcj^fe in Mi'ldlcbury is in a prosper-
ous state for an iniuui seminary in a
newly settled couniry. The pr«;30nt
number of stuJeiits, u'c unduTitand,
!■» about j/.xf /, of whom a greater pro-
portion than is usuiil in CuUcges are
fierious. The relij^iciis int«fresu» of
Vermont are thouj^litto he intimately
cr»nnected with the success of this In-
Atitutioii, whlc'i i^ accordingply patro-
nized by the Ixidy of th,i clcrjfy in
the western di\i^ion of the State,
who vet faithfulK- lulhere to the doc-
trines of the reformation.

In Northampton, (Mass.) a very
nioasing ar.d jj^encral attention to re-
irjjfion j>rc vails, and is extending* to
!H;\eral of tKe ueij^hbourini^ towns.
Nunibcrs in these timns, particularly
in Xurthanipton, have been j.dded
to the cl'.in'ch, A^e hope of siuh us
sliall be saved.

Extract nf a Letter from dipt. Benja-
tfun W id tit J dated

Lo.VDO.v, Aprrr2, IftOG-

"Wt arc f^inij frini J.oml«»n t:.>
Calcutta ; two miK.sionahes with their
tt Ives are going with us from the Bap-
tist Socict\, ami a young woman cs-
pon.sed to a miivionary already in
IJiMipd, from the J.otidonsociet), and
there to be ni:irriecl.

One evenjijg hi:it week, I v\ciit w ith
•:«e of the nnssionaries wlio is •j'v*inif
uiih nu , with two or three others, to
drink tea with the Jew mi!ii>!vr, | Mr.
Fivy.^ While wc were at lea, \licic
tamo m two Jews iliat were awaki-n-
c«l under that sermon, which you
Iff.ird rnc spcakof ln-:iriiu^ hiin pre.icii
last tull, which wa^ the' f.r. r-tVnit - f
his labours. Tin so took lea wiih
Ki»t and after tea \i.is .•»\cr, iJi..re
fame in Uiive other Jews, the finit
i.\' his ministrv. ^Vhen thev had
tat down, I counted our number,
and found there were an cqt:al vxaw-
hi rof Jewsaiul Gentil'^s, i.i\of eacli ;
<»n which 1 (.'bs>ei*vcd, u\ul there w;«s a
remarkable instynce before our e}e-,
•»f liie partilit)!! wall between the Jew <
and Gentiles being br.jkvn de-An, u.^.d

proposed that wc slioiild joi
in prayer and praise, which
ily agreed to, although tb<
not herctofurc seen such a
perhaps' such a thiag had
place since the time of til
1 led in the exert- is;.*, tlic
followed, and the Jew* mil
eluded. When tfic exi
uvor, t!ic Jews took us by
Willi such expressions of
brotlicrly ufFection, as was
ifying." An

MISSIONS IN IN

The Rev. Charles Buch

Vice Provost of the colic

William, has lately publis

moir concerning ecclesiast

lishmcnts in ludia, whic

much curious ai.J vitluab

tion. The subject Is no le

of giving Chrlsliar.lty, A

civilization, to nni"l;stl» uf

in.^'s, now- sur»k i:i tl^e grc

ranee, and abated by the

cioui supers/itj jns. F:.»r th<

of this object, Mr B. (

tract into ih.ve orini.i",.al

fir;Jt relates {•> iljc eL.;v un«

lion of the Christian Faith

own euunir'. men sd* !tid in

.second treats ^j[' t!ie praci

ti%illzin;;' an. I eo:i\ejtingt

and the t]ii:\l fttiifs the j

ready ma.'h" in i ) ii civili:

in the pl..:\li:!..; of Clsristl

der e.ieh of the;c; heads i

man\ ariieles whicli dcserv

ti..in of every p-.:i">:oi» anxi<

mo'.e chw* L'ro -'■;*•:•■>'=; of lliii I
« o

kiiu'dtim ; a:id vtliu.h iu;*n
for enc ;i!:'rtj;..'ineijt for n
to pi'ocoird in llH'r iabjtir.-

The following Ktct> a.''e s
dcdic.;*Jon :

** New a<furccs of irjform
Oriental siil»ii!els, ha\o \n
bv ttie c.Mi'-.-e of l-'urt "^
Bciivral. 'I'hosc j.vrsons
held v^M;!.i,d si*iati..i is in t
ti'in dwj Iriic the Ki.-t four >
had co:i:t.i'il opportuniti<!.s
ing tl.«; CiAiiduct, an.l of I
opin".i)n^, ;.»r the nns't int
lives. Then: ;uv •.ittuiliec!
lc:.;e, at this ti'ni-, uj)wu
hundred h-arned nn.n, wii«j
ed fruin il.lilrenl parts of
sia, and Ariibia. In suf'!'
bi'Age. tl'.c munru'... .'»nd

1806.]

Missions in Lulia.

185

mnote irgknis are distinctly describ-
ed; tod tbeiri-arying sentiments, re-
ligious tnd political, may be accu-
rately investigated and compared.

**0f die learned Hindoos who
haie been employed as tcaclu'i*i>,
there were lately two from the De-
can, who profess 'the Christian faith ;
and comport themselves according: to
Christian maimers. Two Protestant
Uiissiunaries have also been attached
tu the institution ; one of whom is
lec^urt-r in the Bengalee and Shan-*
scrit department ; and has been for
many yeai*s employed in preaching in
the BengJeu laing-uui^fe tr> tlie natives
m the Nortti of HJudoostan. The
other is a teacher of the Taniul or
Malabar language ; and has been long
attached to a mission in the South of
the Peninsula.

^ "Mure desirable means of obtain-
ing accurate and original inlelligenr.e
could not have been presented tu any
one, who wished to invcsligatc tiic
ittteof the natives of Iiulia, with a
view to their moral and rcligiuub im-
plement.

"Under the auspices of Maniuis
WtDesley, who, by favour of Pro\i-
^nce, now presides in tlie govern-
voentof India, a version of the holy
Scriptures may be expected, not in
^ language alone, but in sev.
en of the Oriental tongues; in tlie
Hindoostanee, Persian, Chir.cic, and
Malay \ Orissa, Mahratta. a!ul Bcn-

S'ltte ; of which the four r'-»rrMi»:' are
c primary and popular l.tr^^u %jrcs
of the continent and isles oi A >ia.

"In the centre of tlie jiagr^n W'>rM,
& at the chief seat ofsupersnt^'jn and
idoUtrv, these works are carried on ;
^the unconverted natives assi^it in
^'e translations. The Gospels liavc
*l»eadv been translated into the P«-r-
*i«Q, Hindoos! nnec, Mahratta, Orissa,
^d Malay languages ; and the wiiolo
^''Hpturcs have been translated Into
the Brngalec language. One edition
^f the llcngalec Bible has been dis-
tnlnatri uinongst the n.illve-* : and a
'»contl is in the press f<jr tJu*ir use.
A v«rVnin of the Scripture^ in the
^hin. .,«• l:iTi{rua)fe (the lanj^ur.j,;'^ of
'^ifev liuhilred millions of men) his
aKo |)e«n iindri'takcn ; and a poiiion
0* »lu: wnrk is alrcarlv printed off.*'

1 liii second division of this nu-moir,
,^re.i\ni^ yf tl,^ practir ability of civil-
"Ui|j und christiani/inj^ the natives
Vol.11. Xo. 4. A A

of Hindostan, will be read witli in-
creasing interest. The following arc
aome ot his observations on the subject .

** To civili/e the lIind(Kis will he
considered by most men our dutj / hut
ih it practicable ? and if practicable,
would it be consistent with a wise
policy? It ha5 been alleged by some,
that no direct means ought to be u.se(l
for the moral impi*ovemeni of the na-
tives : audit is not considered liber;d
or politic to disturb their supersti-
tions.

•• Whether we use dii*cct mean^ «>r
not, their buperstitinns will be dl^-
turbtd under the influence of BriLi<>U
civilization. But we ought hrst to
observe, that there are multitudes,
who have no faitli at all. Neither
Hindoos nor Mussulmans, outcasts
from every faith j tliey arc of tlieni-
selves i\t objcxts for our benelicenee.
SubjecU of the British empire, they
seek a cast and a religitm, and elaiui
from a just government tJic franchise
of a human creature.

'* And as to those, who have a
faith, that faith, we aver, will be
disturbed, whether we v.ish it or not,
under the influence of Brilial. priiK i-
ples : this i!» a truth confirmed by ex-
perience. Their i)n:ju'lit< s weaken
daily in every European settl«:nie.it.
Their .sanguinary rites cannot novr
bear the nuonciay of English observa-
tion ; and liie intelligent among tlieni
are ashamed to confess the ab.^i.rd
principles of their own casts. As for
extreme delicacy towaids the super-
stitions of the Hindoos, thct under-
stand it not. Their igiu»ranci a':d
apathy are so extiemc, thr^t no niiMus
of instruction will give them serious
oifence, except positive vIolcTice.*

*• The mur.^l state of the Hindoos
is represented as being still wcrbC
than th.il of the Mahoaietans Th*>e.
who have h.id the best opportunities

• Tnc Chti:tiai jh "•• ::r..:r^, ;".■ ah.a.t
foiL'^eJbf c*o'<::^ of tne cc*nmo\ fij-
pUs vho ^htiit Xiith rrcut pleaiii*-e to t':t
di piitaticn ictikCLn Aim and the B*ah-
^nin* ; and are nut a little amu7e'.' v'.ct
the Brahyitint depart, iVid ap^oi^t
anfjthtr day for the di\Ciuuoi:. The
pciplr xotfttimt'X bring back the B'ah*
niins by c(fn*tiaint^ and urge them tj
the context again**

186

Missiwf in ImBa,

of knoxrlnf thein» tnd who luive
knoira tiiem for the loii|peft time,
cuneur in dec1ann|f that neither trnthy
nor honesty, honour, mtStode, nor
cbftritr, is to be fotun pore in the
bretst of a Hindoo. How eui it be
otherwise f The Hindoo ' eiiiidreB
hare no moral ingtructton. If the in-
habitants of the Britisl^ hlet had no
mnrAl instruction, woidd thej be mor-
al ? The lUndoos have no moral &00H.
What branch nf their rayth<^{|7 has
xt'jt more of falsehood and rice in it,
Uian of truth and rirtne ? They have
no moral ^or^. The robber and the
prostitute lift up their hands with the
infant 4nd the priest, before an hor-
rible idol of clajr painted red, dc-
fijrmed and dis^stingp as the rices,
which are pracused before it.*

** You will sometimes hear it sud,
that the Hindoos act a mild and pas-
sive people. Tliej have apathy rath-
er than mildness ; their habkude of
mind is, perhaps, their chief ne^tive
virtue. They are a race of men of
weak hodWr frame, and they have a
mind conlurmcd to it, timid and
abject in the extreme. They are
passive enough to receive any vi-
cious impression. The English
government found it necessary late-
h' to ennct a law against par-
ents sacrificing* Iftietr own children.
In the course of the last six mouths,
one hundred and sixteen women
were burnt alive, with the bodies of
their deceased husbands within thir-
ty miles round Calcutta, die most

* " The Hindoo wperttition has
been den/oniinatedlao^cWiMM^ and bloody.
Thai it w biooJjf, it maulfett, from the
daily itutancet of the female taerijice,
andtf the e^niviitiion (f tanguinary
or painful ritet . The ground of the form'
er epithet niar he ditcavereJ in ttie de-
ecription of their religiout ccrenionie* :
' There is ih tnoet sectt a right-handed
or decent path f and a left -handed or
indecent moife ofxsorthip*

** See Euay on the Religiou* Cere-
fiianUe of the Br ah mint ^ by IT. T.
Cciebroofe* ^'?- Atiat. Ret. vol. ^e. p.
28 1 . Tl^att ueh a prin ciple thould haxe
been adinUtel a* tj;ttem'itic into any
religion en earth, may be enntllered at
the latt effort of mental depra%itY in
the invention of^ a tuprrttition to blind
the underttanaing^ anl t0 ct^uft the
heart.

cinliMd qimw oF Bewg^
mdepcndeNtly oT tiMr •
tioos practieati tlMf 'IM di
by competent jodgoo m boh
spirit vudiotivn and mordli
hibithig itself at timet in «ti
inflttuation, which is vithoMI
pie among any otfaor people^

$ From April to October, 18

II *' Lard Teiffimauth, vtkii
dent qf the Atiatie Society in*
delivered a diteaurte, in vahick
tratedthe revengeful mnd pitfA
ofttie iBndoot^by inttdneet «4
cotfse viitAin hit own inowtet^
retiJent at Benaret.

" Jn 1791, Sbodithter Meer,
mi/i, honing routed to obey a m
ittued by a civil officer ^ ^jf*^
to compel obedience. To iw
them^ or to tatiate a tpifit ^
in hiinte(ft he tacrificed omt ^
fa^nily. On their approaek
hotue, he cart off the keaaofhii
ed H»Ct foidaof and thren it out

** In 1793, a Brahmin, nam
loo, had a quarrel with a man
field, and by vay tf reve^iging
on thit man, he killed hit own
ter. * / became angry, taid
enraged at hitjorbiiiaing m/e t
the field, and bringing my on
daughter Apmunya, noho vat
year and a half old, I killed 1
m,y tvord.*

" About the tame time, an
matricide vat perpetrated by ht
TFirnt, Beechuk and Adher* T^
men conceiving themtelvet to h
injured by tome pertont im a
Village, they brought their m^ii
adjacent rivulet, and calling
the peotle of the village, '
drevi hit tcymtttar, and, at on
tevered hit mother* t head Ji
body f with the prqfetted v.
avowed both by parent and *
the mot her* t spirit might Jorev
thote who had injured tliemJ
Ret. vol. iv. p. oo7.

" ffTojild not the principlet
Chrittian religion he a good j
for the principlet of these Bra}
the prtjvince of Benaret 7

" h will, ferhapi^ be obter\
thete are out individual it
True : but they prove all tka
^ired. Tt tliere any other bt
nafioi, on earth which can ixhii
trttancet f*

1806.]

Literary ItitvUigenct.

•* No trutli lias been more clearly

^emuiiiitrated than this, that tlie cum-

fnuniieiition of Christian initruction to

^c oativea of India is easy ; and that

tbr benefits of that instruction, civil as

vett as jnoittU will be inestiin&Uie ;

vhether we consider the happiness

difiViMd among so many miUions, or

their consequent attachment to our

govern Aentt or the advant:iges re-

luhinfc from the introduction of the

civilised arts. Ever}' thinj; that cm

brififhten the hope or animate the

policy of a virtuous pnople organic-

infiranew empire, and seeking' the

Bwist rational means, under the mvour

of Heaven, to ensure its |)erpetuity ;

t^ery consideration, \vc aver, woiild

|ifenutde us to difliise the blessings

of Christian knowledge among our

ludiao subjects."

A^Kfubiy* Mag.

GREAT BRITAIN.

SSCXETY FOR PROMOTING CHRXS-
TXAN KNOWLEDGS.

The annual report of this society
hat lately been published. It thence
W^-j^ that the number of childi-en

at school under their patror.apre is
7,108 .- that 8,r)60 Bibles. 11,044 Nc •••
Testaments and Psalters, Ij.ilft
Common Prayers, 19,Sj6 other bv'ird
book;;, and 108,776 small tracts haxc
been dispersed by the society, ai.d
that 16.) subscribing members iiax^
been added to their Ijjt since ti.^
la£t report, making the uholc num-
ber upwards of 2,700, Ch. Ob.

TRXSONERS OF M7A.1l.

Considerable exortiiins arc makv/i-r
to improve the opportunity of com.
municating religious knowledge X'>
the French, Spanis^h and Dutrh :^c%\
dicrs and sailors, who arc priso.ier*.
of war in this countrv, \v!:ich i;i Jl-
forded by their unfirtunaie .situation.
A minister, well acquainted with ihc
frcncli language, prcichea on Su?.-
day to the I'rcnch on board the pila-
ou .ship.^ at PortKmouth. Tracts hav«»
been printed in French, Spanish, and
Jliitch, and distribiueil among the
prisoners of those nations ; and the
New Testament, in Spanish, is now
printing with a vii*\v' to the same ob-
ject. The prisoitCi s are said to re-
ceive the tracts gladly. Ch. 0J».

Literarg 3fntclligencc.

CAST INDIA COLLECK.

fRB plan of this establishinont
^yprehends a Scnoot, into v.bich
^^ may be admitted at an <*.arly
^; and a Collvok, for the rccep-
•'^ of stiidentK at the agf: of 15, to
f'^main till tht-y are 18. As tlw
School ^vill be rondcred iutroilurtxu*y
••* the College, thuso who shall ii::ve
P^^icd tlirf>ugh both institiwinns will
♦njoy tlie advantage of a unifonn sys-
**^ni of education, b<'^un in early
youth, and continued till t'neir depar-
J|ir«: for the duties of thc.ir i)iil>-
he stations. The college is «'x-
<^|'isively appropriated to persons do-
*'?rtu:d for the civil sorviie of tlie
Company abroad ; tin: Sclioi»l v. ill i»e
•P«n to the pnblic at large.
. The Rev. M. H. Luscomde, M.A.
"appointed Head Master of the Schofi!,
^ Horn each scholar is to pa> 70
^^u per annum i which sum will

inclnde Classical Instructior., Fiench,
Writing, Arithmetic, Mathematics,
Drawing, and Dancing.

The College is» to be under the di-
rection and authority of a Principal
anil several Pr<»fessor8, according to
the following arrangement : JPrincpaif
the Rev, Samtel Hknley, D. D.—
J'tnfutsiori of Mathemattca and li^atU'
rai FltUotoph : Rev. B. Bkir.cE,
M.A. and Rev. W. Dealtpy, M.A.
Pnfttsort if Humanity aiiJ Phiioff^Y-
Rev. E. Li&WiON, M A. and J. H.
Bat 1 EN, Esq. M. A — Prnfes-tO' ff
/fiftnry ami PolitUai Kcononiv : R'?v.
T. R. Mai. THUS, U.i\.—Profei:*rrf
Central Poiky^ and the Ltus 'f /v'^V"
iand; E. Christian, E'*'!- M. A.
Prifessor (f Orivntai LittruV.ifv : \.
GiucHKibi-, Ksq. LL.l). Tw the
C llt'gc will be attached a French
MastiT, a i)ra»\ ing Master, a Fen-
cing Mastor, and other proper In-
structors. The annuiJ charge to tlie

188

List of Nem PiMeatims.

ttiident* in tbe Collcgv wiD be 100
guinea*.

The Principal is entrusted with the
moral end reunout imtmction of tlie
students, and ttie more immediate su-
perintendence of their condnet i and
will nreacb, in conjunction with tveh
Froleawirs as are in hiiy orderB, in
tbe CoUere Chapel, and perlbrm the
other omccs m the Established
Church.

The Lectures of the Professors are
aiTBiyed under four heads : I. Orien-
tal lAtenthare / comprising, 1. In*
Btmetion in the Rudiments of the
Oriental Languages, especially the
Hindostanee and Persian; 3. Lec-
tures to IHustftte the History, Cus-
toms, and MaMiers of the People of
India: — II. AfafAeitMM/ct and Ifatu-
ral fkiiofofkf / eomprislnr, 1. in-
atructionin tne' Elements of Euclid,
Algebra, and Trigonometry i on the
most useful properties of the Conic
Sedhmsy the nature of Lorarithms,
and the principles of Pluzions i 9.
Lectures on Mechanics, Hydrostatics,
Optics, and Astronomy ; illustrated
by Experiments, and rendered sub.-
nerrient to the arts and objects of
common life 1 with some elementary
instructions in Chjrmistry, Mineralo-
gy, and Natural History ;— 111. da*-
sieai and Gtnerai Ltitgraturei com-
prising, 1. Lectures to explain the
Ancient Writers of Greece and Rome,
particulariy the Historians and Ora-
tors ; 3. Lectures on the Arts of
Reasoning and Composition : and on
the ''Belles Lettres :"*— IV. Zow,
^ffof^i dnd Boiititai Seonomy t com-
prisini^. Lectures, 1. On General His-,
toiy, and cm the History and Statis-
tics of Modem Europe 1 3. On Po-
litical £con(»my 1 3. On General Prd-
ity, on the Lawa of England, and on
the Principles cf the British Consti-
tution.

The ' CoUagr-ycar ia -flvidB

TeRBSy Midi COHSMtMy*

weeks, the flnt begimunff Fi

and endmg June 19, aad &• 1

beginning Anguat 1, and — dii

cember 81. bi th« Uat w«ck

Second Tenn nnUie ****pi"

will be held I when the sfdwi

be arrangod in lour Uata moi

to their merita ; aoopyofwIdE

be inserted in the leeorda of tbi

pany \ and miitabie Prinea asA

als will be distributed. -^

This plan mar he espMft

Tentually to produce' happj' a

on the concerns of the Cnmpiy

East. The education of peraM

tined to fill the important oA

Magistratea, Ambassadors^ V

cial .Governors, Ice. should ,oa

be conducted on some such 00

hensiTC plan as the foregoing.

cultivation and imprm'cment of

intellectual poarera shoiild be a

panicd witii such a course of

discipline, aa mar tend to ezciii

confirm in them habits of ap|du

prudence, forethought, intcgrlQ

justice. And to render aadl 1

tem of education fully efBueat.

essential that it l>e foiuided on tii

ais, and eonditcted under tib*

tion, and in strict conformity wll

spirit, of our holy religion.

ceedtng on tliese principles, ii

reasoniibly be expected that th

stitution, under the favour of

idence, will lie productivo,' a

other happt effects, of a bcnig

enlightened policy towarda the 1

subjects of British India, teadi)

once to improt'e their aodal and

condition, and to diffuse dironi

the Eastern hemisphere the hli

influence uf Christian truth.

Llieft of l3etD JpubltcationjBC.

EtxvBif select sermons of the late
Rev. James Saurin, on the following
subjects : the omnipresence of God \
the manner of praising God ; |he
sofcreigoty of Jesoa Cnrist Itf- -the

church ; the equalitr of fliaiA
the worth of the som 1 the Ur
Jesus Christ ; the leauu'ectlmi
absurdly of Ubertiniam md'fal
tyi thelmrmanyofidigiMi'lHid

I List of New Publications. 189

heFobm t Kcntrml Nott, D. D. Preudent of Uiuon Col^
I. Priee 1 dol. Fhiladel- lege. SchenccUdy. John L. Ste-
\kW. BnuUbid. «t:nsoii.

t'MmamaitM of Urn Heut in Noah's Prophecy on the enbrge-
mwnd wcAlloqap^t prsy«r *od meat of Japheth, considered and il-
l^^he Sate pious and inge- lustnUed in a sermon, preached in
i^ JBIiiabeth Rowe-, renew- Putney, Vt. Dec. 5, 1805. By Clark
iWiAud Bt her request, bv Brown, A. M. late minister of Brim-
I B. D. Smalt ISmo. 1 toI. field, Mass. Brattleboro*. W. Fes-
Chnriestown. S. fitiieridj$e. senden.

tocriean Primer; including A Wreath for the Rev. Daniel
Mrnlcr Assembly's Shorter Dow, pastor of a church in Thomp-
■i divided into fi»ty-sis les- son. Con. on the publication of his Fa-
k«OBtentB, notes, and hymns, miliar Letters, in answer to the Rer.
Joshua Cushing. John Sherman's treatise of one God

itmm en the sorereign and in one person only, &c. By A* O. F.

afency of God, in nature UUca. Merrell and Seward,
he. Bv the Rev. Robert A sermon, preached at the ordina-
I, wi^sier of the Reformed tion of the Rev. Nathan Waldo, A B.
in Ernest-town, Up- in WilUamstown, Vt. Feb. 26, 1806.
Albany. Webster and By Elijah Parish, A. M. pastor of the
& church in Byefield, Mass. Hanover,

• Part 2. of die New Cyclo- N. H. Moses Davis, pp. 16.
Dictionary of Arts and Sci- A sermon preachea befbte the

(^Abraham Rees, D.D. r.a.s. London Missionary Society, at their
^ the last edition of Mr. eighth annual meeting, in ToCteaham
1^- Dictionary, with the as- Court Chapel. By John M. Mason,
^^Cfluneat professional gen- A. M. pastor of the Associate Re-
Knt American edition, re- formed Church in 4he' city of New-
VBded, enlarged, and adapt- York. London. Bri|^ & Cottle.
I eoontry, by several litera- A sermon, contaiiiing reflections
identific characters. 4lo. on the solar eclipse^ which appeared
loBs. PhiUdelphia. S. F. on June 16, 18061, delivered on. the
Lemuel Blake, No. 1, Lord's day following. By Joseph La^
agent in Boston. throp, D . D. pastor of the first ch ut«h

ite It a public meeting of in West Springfield. Second edi-

of Singers, who were im- tion. 8\'o. pp. 20. Springfield. U.
•Mudves in church music. Brewer.

■iel Emmons, D. D. Prov- The Sixth of August, or the Liteh«
,. I. David Hawkins, jun. field Festival. An address to the
Pidnction to the Stndy of people of Connecticut.* Hudson and
3 containing proofs of the Gotjdwin. Sept. 1806.
Igr and inspiration of the Sermons to young people ; preach-
ptnres ; a summary of the ed A. D. 1803*, 1804, on the follow.

the Jews ; an account of ing subjects : faith and practice ;
li sects ; and a brief state-w incjuiry concerning eternal life ; re.
kw contents of the several ligion our own choice < indecision in
the Old and New Testa- nrligion ; tlte principle of virtue ;
By Georj^ Pretyman, d. d. God's glory man's end and happiness ;
X«ord Bishop of Lincoln, encouragement to eariy seeking ; self-
ice 1 dull. Philadelpliia. dedication ; prayer ; obsen-ation of
Parke. tht* Lord's day ; the exccUvnce of re-

airse delivered before the ligion ; the liappini-ss of life ; the
of the Portsmouth Female standard of honour ; good company
Bt a third service, on tlic recommended ; caution against barl
Aug. 10^ 1806. By J. Ap- company ; caution against bad books ;
tetsmouth. S. Wliidden. fnigality ; dissipations the instability
nets delivered to the candi- of life ; procrastination i redemp-
iie Baccalaiu^ate, in Union tion of time ; reflectjona. on death 4
tthe anniversary commence- judgment ; the perscm and character
f 38^ 1806. By Bliphalet oi' the judg^ ; the state of thnsa '

190

Obkuay^

in tin-; -the fatuK bleiiedneAs of
the ri^teoiu. To wliich are added,
prayers for young famiiie^i. A1m>,
•ennoiMt 1. OQ reUgiovt education ;
St anawcr to the olgectioDg that edu-
cation in religion shackles the mind ;
3. raflectioM of the tjttd on the eariy
choice of religion. 6y Jamea Dana»
D. D. New Haven. Increatw Cooke.
1806. pp.503.

Unine. A poem. Small dro. pp. 144.
Boston. Samuel H. Parker. Price
riccnu. '

An hiitorical View of Heresiei, and
Vindication of the primitive Faith. By
AtA M'Fari«avd, a. m. roinijiter of
the gospel in Concord, N.K.
z« Tiis rasss.

Tho Sd Tol. of Scott's Commenta-
ry, embracitig the remainder of the
Old Testament, may be expected
from the press of W. W. Wood-
ward, Philadelphia, about the fint
4if Norember. Also, about the
tame time, vols. 1 and 3 of Adanra*
Leetuvea, with the plates i the o^her
two volumes will shortly be .published.
rnorosBD sir eusscairTioN.

Penelonfs ticatiK ^n the education
of daugbten|.r f^'analated from the
French, and ndaflkedtu Engliah ftad-
ers^ with an origvuil- chapter on re-
ligious studies. By Rer. T. F. Dib-
din, B. A.r. a. s. Idmo. 1 vol. widi
an engraved frontispiece. Price 1
doll, to aubscriben. Albany. Bac-
kus sind Whiting.

Contemplations on Sacred History,
altered from the works of the Ri^lit
Rev. Father in .God, Joseph Hall,
Bf D. sometime Lord Bishop of Nor-

wich. 3y Rev.'GenKgie %|l

A..14. eUapUin |o the £ar(i
From the Jd edition. 4
W. Vl^. Woodward, niln

The works of Dr. Be^JMi
lin, phik>sophical,.paUtiGeA,
rai:>-. . The work wiU he-
printed on a new Smell Pioi
vellum piper, in Urge, (i
work will be ornamented .fr
rous engravings, and e. H
portrait from Uie best lik«|i
ed to be in existence. Vi/i
each voL Pliiladelphift. •
Duane.

A complete History ot^,
Bible, as contained in tj^
New Testaments, incluicU^
oocurrences of 4iQ0 yearj^
laat of the prophets to jSp
Christ, and the lifs ofoii
Saviour and his aposUeSy
copious nottfs, cxplaiuitum
and devotional. From fu
the Ruv. Laurence ¥Lom%
With considerable addition
.provtoments. . By the Rn
Burder, author of VilUm.
fcc. Svols. 8vo. Price J|S
vcd. Philadelphia. Woo4
roRAKoy. ,

A dissertation on tht^f
that have bcea flrifiUed, «n
-fillini^, or will hereafter b
relative to the givat pened
years; tho Papal, dund jM
apostacies ; the tyrannical
Antichrist, or the Inlidel Pi
the restoration of the..J<
George Stanley Faber, B.:^
16s. sterling. London, r

Wtpnnmx ihefollcming aeamnt of Chancellor of the Ezcheqi
the death and charaeiar of Afr. Pitt, life of this distinguinhe^ i
one tf the most eminent etatetmen atty
age or country hat firodtieed, vi/i he i«-
tereithw to mat of our readera. It ie
tofiied/rom the ChrUtian OUerxer.

Editors.

THE RIGHT. HON. WILLIAM
PITT.
Ow Thnrsday, the 24th Jan. [1806]
«t half past 4 in the morning, at his
hAnse at Putney, died, in his 48tli
jear, the Right Hon. William Pitt,
kvst tMd t£ tbm Timsui/, end

had been dr!ipaire<l of lor S(
and hil health liad inateiial
ed' for many wucka anteced
diss<ilution ; a journey, wbir
to Bath f^iv tlie i^akc of tk
having failfil to prt<liice the
benefit. It was aaiid that .h
forrnecL by U'w physicians c
uroaching end, on Tuesd^
January, ar.i that he apsi
rccej^ e the intimation, ml
was unexpected, with that
wfak^ w:aa nalual to ,him.

I Obituary. 19L

r te sble ^ tfupy from the guished personages, by some refer-
im ef the 24th January, the ence to the general coune of their

f panicitUra respecting hit lives, which, undoubtedly, must b«

I, which are said to be ** from allowed to be the least fallible index

f .** of human character.

II being infbrmed by the Mr. Pitt has died at a period of

if Lincoln of his precarious his life, in many respects, peculiarly

fr. Pitt mstantly expressed affecting. Having resumed the reins

perfectly resigned to the di» of government, on the ground of the

9 and with the utmost com- aliegt^d iticumputency of tlie prcccd-

flked Sir Walter Farquebar, ing adraim<iU.ition, he had proceeded

present, how lung he might to form a strong coalition on the con-

Irre. Mr. Pitt then enii.'red tincnt, which whs suppused to prom-

onversalion of some length ise a happy adjustment of the aft'airs

Bishop of Lincoln upon re- of Europe. He- lived however to see

mbjects. He repeatedly dc- this new alliance broken, and Bona-

I the stron^^st terms of hu- parte still more ti inmphant than ever

iense of his own unworthi- over all the armies of the confede-

A a firm reliahce upon the rates. These calamities deeply af«

f God through the merits of fected his mind, and as the public

After this the Bishop of has been assured by Mr. Rose, in

payed by his bed-side tor a parliament, had a gi'eat Influence on

ibie time, and Mr. Pitt ap- his constitution already broken bv the

preatly composed by these fatigues att«. ndant on his official du«

rt of religion. Mr. Pitt af- ties, and by tlie anxieties inseparable

> jprocecded to make some from the weighty oares and responsi*

Dents and requests concern- bilities of government- His political

nn^ private alfsirs, and de- antagt»nists were preparing to charge

lit he died in peace with all upon him the disssters of Etirope*

C** and both he and his friends were

we advert to the account contemplating the expected conflict
IS given of the last hours of in the House of Commons, where he
puke of Bedford, we feel a felt prepared to make a foro, and full
iatisfaction in reflecting that defence, when he was called by the
e idiilosophical death has not God, who made him, to " gi\'C ac-
rized the late prime minister count of all things done in the body"^
Duntr)'. Mr. Pitt, as well as before a far more awfVil tribunal.
ke, in yielding up their de- {To be contimud),
ipirits, appear to have pro-
he good old fiiiili of their ,!

under what precise cir-

ces of bodily, or mental dc- Jodgb PATTERSOK.
J of the expressions ascribed

vtt may have been delivered ; On the 16th of September, 1806^

ther some of tliem may have died, at Albany, at the mansion house
iken merely in the way of as- ' of bis son in law, Stephen Van Ren-

H>questions, put, according to salaer, Esq. the Hon. William

if of our church, in her oi^er Pattersox, one of the associate

isitationof tlie sick, by the re- Judgrs of the Supreme Court of the

e prelate, once his tutor, who United States. The remote occasion

I him, we are not pnnlcula'.ly of his death is supposed to have been

I. It is impoB.qihlc for us ut a fall from his carriage, some months

sent momernt not to feel a since, which brought on the linj^ring

!p regret that a rr^ilar at- and distressing dL<;ease that termina-

: on trie duties of pnhlic wor- ted his valuable life. He endured

not constitute a part of the his sufTeiinjfs with exemplary pa-

r of this illustrious polilician. t'^nce, fortitude and resignation. In

ntion this circ.unistuncc, be- Mr. Patterson, it mky be said with

e feel it to be our duty to great tn:th,tliat his coiintri- has lost an

the accounts, w hich we re- able, independent and upright Judgc»

the Christian end of distiq- a real ana enlightenad patriot ; and

192 To Correspondents.

tbe State of New-Jersey, one of its prime of his Ufe, ii a towi

most valuable and respectable citi- deepest affliction ; but grea

sens. £ndeared to his family and consolation in knowing ihil

numerous friends by ever}* amiable and died a Chaxsti Aaf .
^uaiUty, bii death to tfaem, in the

" In his cold relics let the great discern^
That thev like him to death must soon retorn ;«>»
And while they see his footsteps led to Cod,
Let them pursue the bloominjr path he trod i
Thus when the cares of morud life shall cease*
Lxpirif, like him, tiie heirs of endless peace.'*

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

We thank THKOPUii.rs for his esccUent " Critical Obsen-atio
tain passag^ss in tlic New Testament," which will be found in thi

The autlior of " Letters tii a friend," entitled " Unirersalism
and destroys itself," is not forgotten, and shall be attended to in d

C. V. A. On **thc Execution of Laws," is received, and shall
department in the Panoplist fur which it is designed.

A. R. on religiout zeal g J. on Infidelity ; F. cm Faith, and on th
of Imputation, and the lines of Eezin, are received, and under 6sa

Zeta, On DavitVs Imprecationt agarmt hit enemies, is approved
appear in the next number.

We regret tliat we are compelled to defer, till our next No. the
cation relative to the exercises at the late commencement at Bo^
lege, with the excellent Address uf the President. Similar comn
from the other colleges would be acceptable.

Salvian, for uhom we huvc hij;h respect, has been neglected I
was inteiuied. He shall be heard the next month. At the same
appear, a review of Dr. Ni)tt'a Missionary Sermon.

The Vllth Letter of Cons tans, is on tile, as are several comm
prepared fur this numl>er.

The Biographer of President Duvies is requested to forward tl:
der ctf'his sketch eariy in October.

The reader* of the life of Rev. William Tevnknt arc requei
tice the following extract of a letter to t»iif of th<* Editors of ine
from the vtfner.iblc Dp. Joun Rodc.ck^ of New York, whirh, wh
rects on error, adds l;is sanction to the ge'ietai truth of the hi
sketch of tliat estraordinarv man.

•* My Dear Sir, " A>u- !>/, yui\

•• The dc>l|pi of thi* h^Xy letter, is to inform yon, that the name c
Mr. Rowland in ilic sketch of Mr. William Tenncil's life, which
you are publishing in your vilu.iblo Paiioplist, was ,7a': •:, noi Da
PinopUst p. 5S and 59, vol. 11.) I knew him ucll und often
preach. There Are **"}nv v*hor sni.uier mistakes, but they do not
feet the narrativfy v^liich is interesting ^nJ u<ctul.*'

ERRATUM.

In our 1a -t Nrirber, n 1J5, 21 col-,i:i::'.. Vn** -'.•. i-'tCAd uf
G^xi, &c. read.— F^rewul. then, t r-^vcr, to .lU i..^pv :tvd poss;bility
ui peace Tilth Heaver, of the sn.ile of a rccuncilcu Gjd. Sec.

THE PANOPLIST:

ORi

THE CHRISTIAN'S ARMORY

No. 17.] OCTOBER. 1806. [No. 5. Vol. IL

O&iograpf)^.

Mr. EDWARD BROMFIELD, Jvxr.

Tri following bio^raphicAl sketch of Mr. Edward BsoMriELs, jiin. is
fr«D the pen of the Rev. Thomas Prince, formerly minister of tlie Old
South church in Boston, a man of intcf^rlty, learning, and piety. We are
hamijr in rescuing from obscurity the memory of a man, who, though he died
St the earl}' age of twenty three years, lived long enough to discover
{hit he possessed genius and talents, which would have adorned any country^
in ii^ age. That Ids surprising talents would have been devoted to the glory
of his Maker, and the good of his fellow-men, had his life been prolonged^
there is tlic best reason to believe, as they i^ere sanctified by religion, and
onier Uie goTemment of a piuus heart.

— — Boston, Nco. 30, 1746.

IT is with great regret to and died at his father's house^
|hink, and I have often thought Aug. 18, 1746, to the deep re-
it a thousand pities that one of luctance of all who knew him.

the most extr«ioi*dinary youths^
for various amiable excellencies,
wptcialiy piety, joined with a
iDost accurate mechanic genius
uid penetration into the intemul
^rks of nature, which this land
^d age have produced, and wiio
<kceased last summer, should be
allowed to sink into oblivion
among us. Those who were uc-
<ltiainted with him, have no need
I should sav, it was Mr. Jid'

But to preserve his memory
in our public annals, I shall brief-
ly oliacrve, lie was ihe eldest
bon of Mr. Ed-.vard Bromficld,
merchant, in this town ; was
U>rn in 17*23, entered Harvard
College in 1738, took Ijis first de-
' }i;ree in 1742, his second in 1745,
No. 5. Vol.11. fin

From his childhood he was
thoughtful, calm, easy, modest,
of tender ailcctijiis, dutiful to
his superiors, and kind to ail
aliout him. Aj he i^rcvv up,
these ar^reeable qualities ripened
in him; a^id he appeared very
ingenious, observunt, curious,
penetrating ; especially in the
works of n^^ture, in meclianiral
contrivances and manual opera-
tions, which increased upon his
stu.'H'ini? the mathcmalicul sci-
enccs, as also in searching into
the truths of divine revelation,
and into the nature oi genuine
experimenti.l piety.

ilis genius first appeared in
the accurate use of his /ten ;
drawing natural landscapes and
images of men and other aui*

194

\Life of Edbjar4 BrimftldyjM.\

xnalsy &c. making himself a mas-
ter of the famous Weston's short
hand jti suth perfiection, as he
was able to take do^n 'every
'vvord of the Profesbor's lectures
in the college hall, sermons in
€h^piil^lr«nd4Mtimonies, pl«M,
&c. in Courts of Jodicaturc. As
he ^'fOk' iYL^'£M^:yrith .j^.d^aTt
scdatC) unprejudiced and mos't
easy way of thinking, he greatly
improved in knowledge ; and
tliercwith a most comely ssweet-
nesS) prudence, tenderness and
modesty, graced aU4iis conversa- -
tiou and improvements iu the
eyes of bU about 4iin^
^ As jnonttmenu 6f his extraor-
dinary industry and ingenuity ;
in two or. three minutes view,
I see he haa left iu his study,
(1) MafiB of the earth in its vari-
ous projections drawn with his
pen in a' most accurate manndr,
finer than I have ever seen the
Kke from plates, of copper. ( 2 )
A number of curious JJial^ nruide
with his own. hands: One of
which is a Triangular Oclodcci-
mat; hamng about its center
eighteen, tnangular planes, with
their hour lines and styles, stand-
ing on a pedestal, though unfin-
ished. (3) A number of Optical
andother mechanical instruments
of his own inventing and mak -
ing ; the designs and uses of
which are not yet known. (4) A
considerable ' number of Alanu-
•^erifiUy of his own writing ; con-
feainiBg extracts out of various
authors, with hiaown pious med-
itations and self-ix'tltctions ;
tliough almost all in shoi*t hand,
.with many characters of his own
devising, and hard to be decipher-
.od. (5) As he was well skilled in
A/fwi'c, he for exercise and recre-
ation, with his own hands, lias
■mado a...niou accurate Organ*

with two rows of ke)
hundred pipes ; his i
ing twelve .hlundnrd,-
fbre he completed it.*
manship of the key
surprisingly nice t
exceeding any thing
that ever came here
land ; whiqh he de
merely to refresh hi
with harmony to i
and regulate his vi
lightfttl songs to his
for, Preterver^ Bei
Redeemer^ He thoi
thor of nature and
by hift'early choristc
with which the dAy-
tcach us to awake
and begin our mom
with grateful hymii
praises to him. J
surprising was, that
few times looked i
side work of two c
gans which came fn
(6) But what I w
write of isi his clei
of the properties i
vast improvement
AScroMcopfs^ most
grinding the finest |
thereby attaining U
drous views of the i
and works of natuae
to think that some
least have never app
tal eye before. U<
art and instruments
grec, as to make a
ber of surprising d
the various shapes
contained in a vanei
ingly minute purticl
bles, iasccts, &c. a
yet smaller clustera
posed the particles-^
ters, Sec— -that he :
making haste to thi
.^iimrmt J^iaturalia^

1:^06.] Life of LtiKvard EroinfekUjiiiu

l%>

lalnntest and original atoms -of
n^atcrial sutjslanccs.

In .shoiti he could meet with
IaO curious piece of mechanism
t»ut he could readily sec its dcH-
cicncicSf make one like it, and
happily improve. At one time,
he told me, it seemed as if we
iHJght mu'^nify almost unbound-
edly, or as xltr as the rays of liy;ht
prestrvcd tlieir properties and
coiiJci he visilHe. At another
fiiuc, that he saw a way of bring-
^v^i^ suii-lxrams in such a manner
^^^ number into a room in tlie
5^1dest day of \« inter, as to make
Hasvami h> he phased, without
^Ay.otlier medium.

/earnestly urged him to \\nte
d^Ov delineate and publish his
^discoveries, for the instruction of
'>>tii and glory of God : but his
excessive moaesty hindu*ed him,
ftnd now they are gone without
"•^overy. I can only relate a
'^|>ecimeu or two which once he
-showed me, as ioilows.

The first of which I remember
'^d|, he put a small live louse in-
^ htn Micmscope, and project-

^ . the shade on the wall

«>" the beating of the coUcc-
^trti sun-beams on him through
^<£ glass, we pix;sently saw big
^Uida boiling, and his muscu-
*^r partb exceed to uni versed,
^'iiiient convulsions, which in-
^ Reused till he died in an in-

The other, yet more wonder-
^1, I took down at the time in
Writing, viz. April 18, 1744, as
^<jUows. lie put in the place
Miereof a mite of a cheese ; and
Jt projected a shaiie Jlt» half
inches long, 120 half inches
Hix>ad, and about as thick as
Abroad. . If the room had been
iOO feet square, he could have

made the shade of the mite 1 vo
feet in Icn.'^th, Sec. He then put
in its place a small particle of
gutter Water, about as ion^;,
broad, and thick again as the
mite, and it projected a thin
shcidt, which looked like a migh-
ty lake, wherein were swimming
with inimitable life and swiftness
a number of extremely small an-
imalcuhu whose shade was but
half an inch lung, and about pro-
porlionably broad as in the mite.,
bm less in tliicknes!^; bv which
I then computed thus.

•

The shade of the mite
'7.\^ half inches long
i20 half inches broad

25,920 square hah' inches su-
perficies
120 half inches thick

r>,l 10,400 cubical half inclie:» in
the whole.

By which we clearly see, that
25,920 of those half inch anj.
malcula could lie side by side
on the back of that one mite ;
and that 3,110,400 of them to-
gcthcr would not make a body
so large as his.

V/c also saw the animalcula
overcome with the collected heat
of the sun beams, and die in
struggles ; before which their
motion was so extremely swift,
oiU' sight was unable to define
their dimensions with any exact-
ness.

This okscrvini; young gentle-
man told me, tiiat about a fort-
night before, or the beginning of
A|)ril, when these animalcula
were so much nearer (heir fcrtal
stale, they were so small as at
tlie same distance to project a
shade of but a tenth of an inrh

196

Life of Edward Bromfield^ jtm.

tOct.

in length ; by which I then com-
puted thus.

The shade of the mite
108 inches, i.e. 1080 decimals of

inches long
60 inches, i. e. 600 decimals of
inches broad

648,000 square dec-
imals of inches superficies

600 decimals of
inches thick

388,800,000 decimal
cubes in the whole.

By this we may see, that
648,000 of those decimal animal-
cula could lie side by side on the
back of the mite ; and that
388,800,000 of them in a heap
together would not amount to
the bigness of his single body.
Yea, as the half inch animalcula,
and consequently the decimals,
were not half so thick in propor-
tion as the mite, it would take up
more than double of those cubi-
cal numbers to equal his body.

Marvellous are the works of
God ! Yea, they are honourable
and glorious, as the inspired
writer tells us ; and therefore
sought out by all those that have
pleasure therein.

By the observations above, es-
pecially considering he could ea-
sily have magnified the shado of
the mite to above a hundred feet,
yea, in a manner unboundedly,
&c. mcthinks I can easllv con-

ceivc, how all the children of
men from Ad:im, might, in their
original stamina, be enclosed in
their parental stamina ; and so
in the loins of their primitive
ancestor be autuallv united to
liim, as iiir. liviTi^^ meinl^ers, at
the time of the first transgres-

sion, and therein contract a coo-
tamination with him.*

But those observations served
to convince me of what the
wonderful Sir Isaac Newton Kas
sagaciously premoniahed ; that
upon the improvement of mi*
croscopes, material substances
would appear so transparent^ at
to prevent our perfect discovery
of them.

These are but two or three in-
stances of the many entertain*
ing discoveries of this txtraor^
dinary youth, who 1 doubt not
has now the discerning powers
of angels ; capable of aeeing
without instruments or nyat
tv^n the finest parts of material -
substances, with all their created
beauties and the wondrous ope-
rations of their Maker in them ;
and yet entertained with sublim*
er views. As there ^vas -attch a
conjunction of ingenuity and pi**
ety in him as is rarely aeea*
among the sons of men ; ao faia
ingenuity sanctifiedy became an
instnmient to promote his pie-
ty ; either to advance his knowl-
edge and veneration of Godf or
help excite, and fit to adoret
serve and honour him. In a
very tender and weakly body^ he
had an indefatigable soul» waa a
wonderful redeemer of time*
and the above were some of hia
recreating exercises, which he-
made subservient to the glory of
God, when he found it needful
to divert from his intense r atv-
dies of divine Revelationy and
his own conformity to his Ci

* The reader will cmiaider these
as the pluloHiphical iipeculationa of
tlic Xlvv. Mr. Prince, for the correct*
iK'ss of \vhich the. editors'do nothoM
thenifsflvea responsible.

ifloe.]

Life of Sarah PdrterJicU.

197

tor, Sioctificr aiiii Saviour ; to
the Jatter of which« he, by divine
gtvcci was turned in an eminent
numicr about six years ago.
Siaee which happy change with-
in himi nothing seemed to en-
gage his soul and draw his at-
tcDtioD so much as the studv of

Chriity that most admirable pcr-
MNii above all created beings,
ind the most wondrous work of
ademption in its various pro-
giVHhre branches, from their
first original to their eternal
coniammation. And could the
key of his characters be perfect-
ly ^Korered, it is hoped a re-
nuffbUe delineation might be 91-
Mghnen of his experimental and
active piety.

1 would on this occasion beg
theitider's patience for one ob-
a^nidoii more ; viz. that as be-
aiiicilhe moral qualities of se-
ranty, kindness, prudence, gen-
tkaess and modesty, displaying
in hii Yery countenance ; there
ippeared especially in the air
indlook of his eyes the strong-
ttt signatures of a curious and
*ocvate genius, that I i*cmem-
ber ever to have seen : from this
bkI other remarks in others, I
Ml apt to think, that even every
V^ty of the human mind, and
**n m their various measures,
■sy, by the operation of God,
•* feast, become even visible in
^^ human countenance and eye
^ Ocar spectators ; anci as tlie
appearance of the evil qualities
w nialice, madness, raf»;c, Sec.
anion^ tise damned, will cternal-
'y cxciic their minual horror ;
^ the amiable excellencies of
*^*e saints in lij^ht, and i^hovc
^hcm all, of the most j^iorious
^ of (#od, will eternally blazt?
*^*it in ihe countenance auJ eye,

to their perfect and perpetual
pleasure and admiral ion.

THOMAS PRINC::

LlFIi OF SARAH PORTP.RFIRI.Tl.

IVrittvn hij a ftmalv friemi /rom

I WAS born in Ireland, in the
county of Donegal, in the parish
of Raphce, Auj*. 13, 172.3. 1
had pious parents, who instruct-
ed me in the Christian religion,
and set good examples berorc
me. When I was about 1 1 years
old, I trust God was pleased to
effect a work of divine grace in
my soul. After my first expe-
rience of tht truth of the gospel.
I was for some time left in the
dark, and greatly feared that mv
change was not real. At length*
I was brought to see that I had
neglected a duty in not giving:
myself up to the Lord in a public
manner. Being a!x)ut seventeen
years old, an opportunity pre-
sented, and I offered myself for
examination to the church in
Raphce, of which the Rev. Da-
vid Farley was pastot. The
church, after exaniination, saw-
fit to receive me into their com-
munion, and I cannot but hope
God was pleased, at that lime, to
grant me tokens of his savini;
love. A blessed season it was
to me. / sa: under his bannn
wir/i ddii^ht^ and hh fruh r.'Q9
s:vcft to ;wy tantc, Xcvcr heforc
Were such clear discoveries niauc
to my soul of the love of Chris?,

• It is ♦vstificri of Mrs. .Sirah P..r
torficld, In a jii»lici»iis frieiul, th^i
a'le wns fi)r many years an on^.-imcn
to tht* chmvh in Georjcfttt ••»•.!!, Ar;n*n'>.
.ind died much ctof M"n»<i fsy hT
ChristikH ?cqMairt*-.:n»'v

198 Life of Sarah P on erf eld. [0^

and erf my union to him. I great sntisfartioti of many

found liiin a lialc rtstin;c pl^xe, boarH.

and coiiUl trust my a!l in I)i.> When T\e had been abc

hand. C> it was jt^/od to ijr lli».rc. three v/eeks at scu, a very mor^^ca.!

One hour with Chri>t is bt-tter lever broke out, and spr^i^ad

than a thouhund elaewlitrt." I tlirough the whole ship's co vn*

now bcijan to live anew. My pany. In this melancholy sit 'VJa-

love to Jesus >\as su(:h, as to tion v/e vtie reduced to gf ^at

orcrcoiue all other affections, distn^ss. It is enough to mzzmke

lint this comfortable fri.nic, at- one's heart ache to think of ^3ur

tcT some time, subsided, and 1 condition. Xot one was abl^ to

was Iclt in darkness, under th.e help n-nolhcr. My mother aa&n<l

hidings of God's face. I never her children were preserved sand

ouestioncd the foundation of mv restoreri to health. TiiankK lo

hopv, yet I often grieved alter (led (or such a riiercy, whcrm so

my absent Lord, who for vise many were daily dying aroajnd

and holy ends withheld from me \i«.

sensil)le communications. At But (fod, who knoweth «U|

one time in particular I was thini^s, and never does «iFiy

brought into great darkness, and wrong to his creatures, did not

overwhelmed with grief." But, suffer us to rest here. Sdff err

blessed be God, I was not left to trials M'ere appointed for mis.

give up my hope, nor to quit my When we had been as much" afc

relation to him. To him I cried, ten weeks at sea, we were vi»i^

as my (iod and Father, who pit:- ed with a violent storm, in wlii^ti

eth his children. How soou did our r.hip was much wreckedf a-«d

he come to my relief. >ve \\cre all very near heiniir Itpw^,

When I was about nineteen The C:\ptain at that time thoiif5'''t

years old, my father went to we were nesr land, and expected

Pennsvlvania, in America, and everv duv to make it, and to tiT^^

findin;.^ a plantation suitable for into po't soon. But Ciod bi^

his family, he wrote over for my different fwirposes in view. T*

mother and the children to take violence of the s*orm drove

pass;i;;e in the first vessel and to the eastward. The sei ra

come to Pennsylvania. Accord- «j:reatlv. Our m^sts i>:aven"

intjrlv niv mother with three »ild we w^re in a (distressed sit '^'^

dau;^htci's took passa^vc on board atlon, even at our \vit*s ci^^ **•

a hu'v^f ship, which was goinp; Then wc cried unto the LoB-"*^'

with passengers to Philadclphii. and he hear- us, and came doifc^**

Julv 1?8, 17U, we sailed from for our deliverance. O that '

Londonderry, Captain Jlovvcn could praise t!ie Lord for k'^^^

being commander. For some goovhies*, and for his loTii"» 6'*

time after v%e sailed we had pleas- kiitdriCNK unto us.
ant weather, and every thing was At that time thi^ Capti"*- '"

agreeable, excepting our sea- thou'^Iit proper to put all hai* ^^

sickness. The ship's company on allowance, as he did not kn^:^^*

daily assembled on the (quarter- where the suip was. or how lo«"^*-^

deck for priyers, whicii were we shouM Ijc coniinui-d in c^ *•*''

perfornu-d alternately by four or present situation. His reckc^*^'

**ive of the passen;;ers, to i\\c in^j was cut, and he knew n» ^

Lift of Sani/i Porierjivld. 1 99

ft stetr his course. One ivith land) and came to a place
, day, a small portion of avlled Newhurbou'r, about thirty
od a quart of water was miles cast of Kennebcck. Get-
allowance.. This wus ting two small vessels there*
ii for ten or twelve days ; they came buck for the plunder
vcre put on half allow- of the ship, which had been cast
ecptinii^ the water, which upon a small islur.d and broken
.tkiued the same. Ten to pieces. They tarried, until
ler^ we bpoke a ship, they hud collected what plunder
supplied us with provi- they pleased to take, with which
m our allowance was not they returned to Newharbour,
d.f. Tiie btonii was now takin^^ with them a few of the
.and we were relieved servants and pu&seu)^*rs, that
HP distressing leurs. were on the island. These were
399 made land on the sold for their passa|i;e ; but in
^OasC; found it to be a this way they were delivered
•island, or neck of land from their distressini; situation.
1-enly by a few Indians. The rest of the passenj^crs urerc.
p was anchored, and we left iu ihe most melancholy clr-
d a few days on hoard, cumstauces ; but a kind Provl-
>tain and others took tlie dcnce furnished us with somc-
li and went, hoping to thin,(^ to support nature. We
ni£ French iuhalnlanls ^ found some muscles on the beach*
'ued without any success, which, with sea kelp and dulce,
e then ordered to land we boiled in a pot we had brought
. island. Accordin^^ly on shore, and were nourished by
dU' load of people were them. This was all the food
ind scattered round the we had for as much as twa
wkhout any provision, months. A distressing time I
aberof people could not, But God supi>oried me even at
ne, lie less tlum a hund- that time, and gave me hopes of
^e were told, that the last relief, which 1 ever maintained
Dukl bring us some pro- in the very darkest hour. Ev-
biU were disappointed, ery cLiy more or less died around
iaion was sent us. Oh, us. It was observed that ihe
ressed situation 1 some men fulled sooner than the wo-
lome almost distracted, men, and that a greater propnr-
owiiig what to do. tion of them died. Thei*e was
semed to stare us all in scarcely one to help another, as
, and very soon marked every one had sufficient to do
y ibr his victims. for himself. The provision of
we were landed, tv.eniy each day was to be sought in the
/ of the p;(sseiigers set day, as the manna was in the
ook for inhabilunts, but wilderness.
yer after heard of. Proh- The Indians soon visited us,
:y all perished, 'ihe and added much to our distress^
, mate, and seamen lett robbhig us of all they could fiiid,
and went in search cf wlijch wc had brought from tJie
ats. After a few day:*' ship. Iu a severe snow storm
he eastward, they fell in we hur.g our clothes on. trees ta

200

Life of Sarah Porterfield*

shelter us. The Indians came
and took them down. When I
oflcred to resist them, one drew
his hatchet and attempted to
citrike mc. I drew back and left
them to take what they pleased.
Among other things they took
our pot, in which we boiled our
muscles ; so that we were in a
most distressed situation. At
Icnj^th 1 providentially thought
of a sauce pan, which some of
the passeni^ers had. I went
and found it lying on the ground,
the owners all being dead.

Some further particulars de-
serve to be mentioned. I was
la!ided in one of the iirst boats.
As lay mother and sisters were
landing, one of my sisters died.
All being in confusion and trou-
ble, there was none to bury her,
but myself. I performed that
service with great composure.
I then had to take care of my
mother and other sister, who
were somewhat helpless. God
gave me strength, so that I was
enabled to do something fur
them, as well as for mvself.
Tor some time we appeared like
a very thick neighbourhood, be-
ing divivled into separate com-
panies. Our company consisted
nf iiine persons.

When tlie boats v/ere landing,
as I stood on the beach, a child
;»l)OUl two years old was put in-
to my arms. I looked raund to
ice who was to take it from me,
hut found no one that would own
it. r iu(|uired^ tvho takes care of
:.hi» child y A little boy, about
twelve years old, answered, wo-
hodi/j Afu'i/rtiy but I. Oh how I
ieit, knowing that this child's
]/urenis had both died in the ship.
1 was obliged to lay down the
iliild, and leave it to the care of
him, who had the c^e of us all.

T&e boy and child were ac
&r found dead» lying tog
A most sorrowful sight i

I went to see a cousin of
who lay at a little distatu
feeble state, unable to ri
asked her, whether she lu
thing to eat. She said, ye
other shipmates gave hei
cles, when they got at
themselves ; but added]
could eat some boiled du
she could get any. I told
would get her some to-mi
On the morrow returning
her, I found her dead, and
al more by her. — Walking
the shore, 1 found a boyt
seventeen years old, sittiQ|
disconsolate, with a book J
hand. I said to him, wh
you do here ? He answei
am looking for the captain
is coming to carry mc o
Island. I said to him, c
promise you th&t favour \
he said. Well, replied I,
depend upon it, for I don
lieve he will ever come
again. Upon this he
bitterly ; but I could not
suade him to give up his
and do something for a s
tencc. In a few days, h<
found dead, with his book
under his head.

The people bci^rtn now
very fast. There was no t
ling any where, but dead 1
M ere found, as few were b
AH were so weak and he]
that they had enough to
keep life in themselves. I
distressing situation we re
ed, until every person, of *
wc had any knowledge o
Island, was dead, exteplir
mother, n-y sister, and n:
At thut time our fire wem
itnd we Jiad nothing to stril;

Lifi of Sarah Porterjield.

901

SercTBl tooWB had fidleni
I melted away . Another
Hi when vre l^ere in such
: for fire. This scene
all the most hopeless ;
to cover us, but the hea-
nd nothing to eat, but
mnacleai In about one
r our fire went out, my
died ; and there she lay,
H corpse, by our side.
Tc not able to bury her,
ny thing with her. My
rask to fail very fast, and
RtB were very low. I
\ down beside a tree to
f head against it ; but
iMiaght 1 must not lie
I rose, and went down
leach, got some frozen
rand carried them to my
^bo ate them. We then
t down beside a tree.
f courage began to fail.
nothing to expect but
yet did not wholly give
hope. There we were,
reued sisters, surround-
!iad bodies, without food
, and almost without
/. I had no shoes to
stf which were much
by reason of the cold.
Dimd was covered with
ind the season was fast
ag, it being nearly the
of December ; so that
every reason to expect
should soon share the
our companions. But at
ne God merciruUy ap-
for our relief, and thus
himself to be the helper
helpless. To our great
t, we saw three men
islatid, who, when they
hed us, appeared to be
surprised to find us liv-
took courage and spoke
ft. Having related to
. No. 5. C c

them our distress^ one of them
asked me, if it were not better
to be servants, than to die on
the island. I said, yes. They
then asked me several questions^
which I answered as well as I
could. They appeared pitiful,
told us tha( they had come from
Newharbour with two vessels
for plunder, and offered to take
us on lK>ard. We gladly com-
plied with their invitation, and
were hurried to the vessel. As
I was rising from the frozen
ground by the assistance of one
of the men, I put out my hand
to take a small bundle, which I
had preserved through all our
difliculties, and which contained
some clothes and books, espe-
cially my Bible. Seeing me at-
tempt to take it, the men prom-
ised to take care of it for me.
Trusting to their honour, I lef^
it with them, but never saw it
more. I also desired to see my
mother buried, before I left the
island. They engaged to see it
done ; but I have reason to fear,
they never performed their en-
gagement. After we were on
board, they treated us very
kindly. The captain gave each
of us a spoonful of spirits and
half a biscuit. This was the
first piece of bread we had tast-
ed lor two months. When col-
lecting the plunder, the people
told us we should have whatever
we claimed as belonging to us
in the ship. This was more
than we expected. After plun-
dering the ship and stripping
tlie dead, they sailed. Then I
saw the last of mv miserable
abode. In five davs we arrived
at Newharbour. Ourncw friends
then appeared disposed to take
advantage of us, and to sell us as
servants to satisfv themselves

202

Life of Sarah Porterfield.

lOcf.

for their trouble in saving our
Iiy«s. This was a trial almost
irisuDporiable. But to our great
comtort, a man came on boardi
who was from the same place in
Ireland, from^ which we had
come. He was kind and pitiful,
and endeavoured to comfort us.
God then appeared for us, and
raised up a friend, who came
and took us to his house, and
there tenderly entertained us,
bidding us be of good cheer, for
he would not suffer such ruf-
fiiins to take advantage of us.
This gctntleman gave us every
consolation ia his power, and
conversed with ua in a very
Christian manner, which was af-
fecting and comforting. He
proved very punctual in fulfill-
ing his promises. We tarried
with him, until we had so fur re-
covered, as to be able to work
for our living. This gentleman
wrote to my- father in Pennsyl-
vania, informing him^of our sit-
uation, and did all he could to
forward the letter as soon as
possible. This was about the
last of December, 1741. In the
mean time he provided good
places for us. My sister was
ment to live with a friend of his
at a place since called Bootliimy,
and was very happily situated.
Soon after she went there, a
happy re.vival of religion took
place among the people. I trust
that site was made a subject of
the work^ I tarried at Ncwhar-
bour through the winter* The
next spring I came to this place,
(Georgetown) and was employ-
ed in a family, where I enjoyed
the privileges of religion, as
well as very kind treatment.
Both the man and his wife were
professors of religion, and were
greatly animated by the good

work, which was going on in the*
place. At that time there was"
manifest a general attention to
religion. Having no minister,
the people met together every
Sabbath, and frequently on other
days, for the purpose of wor*
shipping God in a publio man-'
ner, by prayer, singing psalnisy
and reading instructive books.
In this way their meetings were
made both agreeable and usefuL.

Some time in the summer mjr
&ther came to visit us. He in-
tended to take us with him to
Pennsylvania. But before bis
arrival, I had an offer of mar-
riage, which my situation sceao-
ed to upg^ me to accept. Nor
had 1 ever any reason ta repent ,^
of my choice. November, 1742)
I was married. My father tar-
ried with us through the winter.
The next summer he took mf
sister and returned to Pennsyl-
vania, where he spent the re-
mainder of a very long life, as I
trust, in the service of God.

I lived very agreeably with
my husband thirty years. We^
had eight children, two sons and
six daughters. All these, ex-
cepting one daiighter, God hi
seen fit to take from me b]
death. But he has graciouslj
supported me under the rod o'
afiliction, and enabled me to sing
both of mercies and of judg
ments.

In the year 1741, when man;
professed to meet with a divi
change, my husband was
fi>lly brought to embrace t
gospel, and gave evidence, bo
living and dying, that he was
follower of Christ. My tli
eldest daughters experienced,
I hope, God's saving grace u
der the ministry of the Re ''•
Ezekiel Emerson, who ia sw^U.

1«06.]

Life of Sarah Porfrrfield.

20S

continued as an ambassador of
Christ among us. The other
children God was pleased to
look upon in merer, I trust, in
thcir-latt sickness, and to afford
-me -comfortable hope respecting
■ihem. Oh that I could praise
the Lord for his goodness, and
bless him for his wonderful
vorks. But I -fail in the at-
tempt. Make up, blessed Jesus,
my deficiency, and glorify thy-
idf ; andl let saints and angels
ucribe to the sacred Three all
honour and glory forever.

These dispensations of Provi-
dence I have thought worthy of
thukAil remembrance. When
I reriew God*s dealings with me
in the Tarious scenes of life, I
u filled with wonder and amaze-
mcK. Great has been his
goodness, and g^reat my unwor-
thiness. I view him as my cov-
cttnt God, who foresaw these
trills, and was graciously pleasi-
^ to prepare me for them, by
Wng me into covenant with
Umself. He has upheld and
supported me under all my tri-
tb ; so that I have abundant rea-
SQDto say, he has n^rr been a
Jhrtient helft in lime of need. I
llare reason, as it seems, more
UisD any one on earth, to acknowl-
^ge God's goodness, which has
been so abundandv .manifested
towsrds me, even from my
youth.

I am now seventy -six years
old. Through the goodness
of God I enjoy a comforta-
ble state of health, and am able
9^erally to attend tlie worship
^ pod, and to unite with his

children in gospel ordinances'
As to earthly connexions, 1 see m
to be left alone. But I would
not say, that I am alone, for the
almighty Father, I trust, is with
jne, and ha3 been my .helper.
And I feel a comfortable hope,
that he will never forsake me.
Blessed be his holv name, for
enabling such a vile creature « as
I am, to trust in him. In him
I hope for happiness, through
the glorious Mediator, whose
blood is I sufficient to take away
all my sins, so that I may be
pi'esentcd spotless before a ho-
ly God. My unworthiness is no
bar to my salvation, since Christ
Jesus my Lord is infinitely wor-
thy. My anchor of hope has
been, for many years, cast with-
in the veil. My &ith rests on
the Rock of Ages, against which
the gates .of hell can never pre-
vail. Though winds and waves
have often beat heavily upon me,
my anchor never has been, and,
I trust, never will be moved.
Notwithstanding the various tri-
als of ray life, I have never been
left to renounce my hope, or to
murmur against God, but would
justify him in all he has laid up-
on me, considering his mercies
to be much beyond all my afflic-
tions. For his mercies have
been new every morning ; great
has been his fsuthfulness every
night. And now unto him, who
has wrought all my deliverances,
both spiritual and temporal, be
ascribed the whole praise of my
salvation. Amen.

Georgetown J June 6, 179$.

Lettpr to a

o»

BeligioujBt CommunicattoniBtt

LXTTSa TO A VBIEVD,

Shaming that David's im/trtcation9
againtt hi* emtwuu vopre coHMtent
vtith piaut hcnevoience,

Detfr Friendj

Your inquiry is important
and difficult. The following obr
servations are offered in free-
dom- If they contribute any
thing toward a natisfiictory an-
swer» I shall be more than re-
quited for my attention.

In the first place I shall cite a
passage from Home's prefiu:e to
the Psalms, in which he attempts
to solve the difficulty yoi^ have
presented. ^< The offence taken
at the supppsed uncharitable and
vindictive spirit of the impreca-
tionsy which occur in some of
the Psalms, ceases immediately»
if lYe change the impera^ve for
the future, and read, not '^ Let
THEM BE confounded,'- &c. but,
^^ They shall be confounded,"
&c« of which the Hebrew is
equally capable. Such passages
will then have no more difficul-
ty in them, than the other fre-:
quent predictions of divine ven-
geance in the writings of the
prophets, or denunciations of it
in the gospel, intended to warn,
and to alarm sinners, apd lead
them to repentance, that they
may fly from the wrath to come.
If the imprecatory fonn be still
contended for, all that can be
meant by it, whether uttered by
the prophet, by the Messiah, or
by ourselves, must be a ratifica-
tion of the just judgments of the
Almighty against his impenitent
enemies, like what we find as-
cribed to the blessed spirits in

heavep, when such judg
were executed. But by t
ture rendering of the veil
ry objection is preclud
pnce.^'

Scott, in his excellent
mentary, shows himself tc
the same opinion. ^ '
parts, (the imprecations)
be considered, either aft
prophecies, or as divinely i
ed declarations of the c
doom awaiting all the opj
of Christ." He gives it i
opinion, that '^ ^here the
rendering contains simply
diction, and changing the ;
for the imperative or op
implies an imprecation or a
the literal version is cei
preferable. Yet," he say;
cannot be denied, that the
of imprecation is often ua
implying that the impenite
emies of God and his Chri
perish, with the approbati
aU holy creatures, and tht
very prayers of believei
themselves and the churcl
be answered in the destn
of their enemies."

But whichsoever of the
pretations is adopted, vre
argue fix>m David's genera
duct and acknowledged cl
ter, that his imprecations
uttered with benevolent fee
View his treatment of Sai
persevering and mortal ec
when God delivered him
his hands, and he was sol
to put him to death. Had
vid been actuated by rev
how quickly would he havi
stroyed him. But he nob]
fused, and treated his impla

M06.] David^s Imprecoiions against /us Enemies. 205

untmj Dfith respea and tender-
not.

How benevolent was his conr
duct toward his enemies in
thm aiiictions. ^ As fi>r me,**
ht njh '* whw tbey were sick^
ay dothing was sackcloth ;' I
hmnbled my soul with fiuitingy
and my prayer returned into
viae own bosom- I behaved
l^ielfi as though he had been
JBf friend or brother^ I bowed
dm beavilyy as one that mourn-
cdi for his mother." This is
in excellent comment on the
fivine oonimand ; Love your m«
' fflmty Men them that curse youj
d0 go9d t9 them that hate youy
viifinyjor themj vho dea/dte^
fkU^ wr you and fiersecute you.

Gach being David's habitual
chsnctert can it be supposed,
that Us imprecations were dic-
tited by malevolent feelings ?
Ca a person of such benevolent
CQoduct express any other than
beacvolent desires in his prayers ?
h is common to abound more in
fikadiy wishes, than in kind and
ICMTous deeds. It is many
tines easier to pray for others,
tfuBtodo them good. But to
iDppoae that David's impreca-
tioiia were expressive of malev-
olcDce, would make his prayers
leas friendly than his conduct.
Indeed the supposition is con-
trary to the whole tenor of
Scrijpture respecting his charac-
ter. He is uniformly represent-
ed, as a man of distinguished pi-
ety^ a man after Cod*a ovm heart.
Why is it not reasonable to
consider Davicl's imprecations,
as the dictate of pure benevo-
lence ? The enemies of David
were the enemies of Jehovah.
They opposed the glory and
government of the Most High.
They set tbemsfdves against Da-

vid, not merely as a private per*
son, but as a servant of God, and
a very distinguished character in
the church. His cause was the
cause of God and his people.
Hence he prayed ; *' Stir up thy»
•elf and awake to my judgment,
even unto my cause, my God,
and my Lord. Let them shout
for joy and be glad, that favour
my righteous cause." Opposed
to all holy beings, the enemies
of David deserved destruction.
He cordially acquiesced in it, as
just. He felt benevolently to-
wards them, and had a deep sense
of their awful doom. But he as
deeply felt that they deserved
endless punishment. Accord-
ingly he said ; let them be destroy^
ed. I have fervently prayed,
that they might repent. But as
they remain incorrigible^ I acquis
esce in their ruin ; for it is per-
fectly just. In this view, my
friend, ought not we to feel, as
David did ? Do not the wicked
deserve endless destruction ?
Shall our hearts rise in opposi-
tion to the Judge of all the earth,
and object to their doom ? Or
shall we submissively say, let
justice take place.

Contemplate the perfect be-
nevolence of the Redeemer.
How tenderly did he weep over
Jerusalem ! How graciously did
he pray for his murderous foes !
Father^ forgixfe themy for they
know not what they do. He even
laid down his life for the salva-
tion of sinners. Yel he denounc-
ed awful woes against the Scribes
and PhariseeSf and gave tiicm up
to final ruin, as incorrigible
transi^ressors. '* Till ye up the
measure of your fathers. Ye
serpents, yc generation of vipers,
how can vc escape the damn3-
tion of hell r"

S06

The Perfection of Chris fs Example.

Paul could wish himself ac-
•ursed from Christ for his breth-
ren the Jews. Still he approved
the final ruin of Christ*s enemies.
Jf any man love not tbe Lord Je^
««• Christj Jet him be tmaihema^
maranatha. The same regard to
justice disposed him to say ;
Mexander^ the cofi/ieramithj did
me much evil. The Lord reward
him According to his works.

The truly benevolent man
may deeire the destruction of
thosC) who are finally rebellious.
Benevolence supremely regards
God and his kingdom. The
glory of God and the blessedness
of his kingdom are infinitely
more desirable, than the happi-
JBcss of individuals. No one in
the exercise of benevolence tri-
fles with the happiness of others,
or desires their' misery /or ita
•wn aake. The virtuous citizen
desires that the murderer, the
robber, and the midnight assassin
may be detected and receive their
just deserts ; not because he is
malicious and desires their mis-
ery for its own sake, but for the
peace of society, and the honour
of its just laws. So, while the
Psalmist had no direct pleasure
in the punishment 9( others ;
yet for the glory of CUjfli and the
good of his people, hipttiyed for
divine wrath upon the wicked.
He knew that the glory of God
required the destruction of his
incorrigible enemies. As God
would be honoured by that
event ; so would the blessedness
of saints and angels be promoted.
This accords with the language
of the heavenly hosts ; Alleluia,
salvation, glory, and honour, and
power unto the I-ord our God ;
for true and righteous are his
judgments, for he hath judged
the great whore, which tiid cor-

rupt the eardi ^ith her fc
tion, and hath avenged the
ef his servants at her 1
As the inhabitants of heav«
press perfect benevolen
praising God for the destr
of his enemies ; so Dav
truly benevolent in prayl
the same event. How wl
at the final judgment, wl
the wicked will be si^
from the righteous, and i
their awful doom P In th(
else of perfect benevoleiK
righteous will say, amen^
irrevocable sentence, depA
cursed.

My dear friend, how con
how remediless must b
destruction of the wicked
fulfil the desire of all holy \
Let David's imprecations r
us of our awful doom,
die impenitent. All th<
and good will unitedly say
let them be fivniahed with
lasting destruction. How t
hope for salvation, except
present life we repent, a
come reconciled to God, f
we can rejoice not only
mercies, but m his judgi
And let us also remembe
the same benevolenccy
will dispose us to acquiei
the just punishment of si
will lead us, by fervent p
and zealous, unwearied exi
to seek their salvation, wl
is an accepted time and
mercv. Ze

THE PEHFECTIOX OF CH
F.XAMPLF..

Jksvs Christ came in
world, not only as a Kede
but also as an Instructor,
religion which he taught U

The Perfection of ChrisVs Example. 207

led in his own life. This may operate to the g^ood of
onple is perfect. It its objects ; but not to the inja-
^ never appeared in ry 'of others. Though there
sfbrey and has never are some iiarticular virtues, or
ice. branches of virtue, which his

fireheruive example, worldly condition never called
ndeed, some virtues, into action, yet he has exempli-
mid not directly ex- fled all the radical U. fundamental
there were some re- virtues of religion. If we intro-
:h he did not sustain, duce these into oui' practice, oth-
>ited other more gen^ ers will follow, when occasion

which, being form- calls.
:ai t, and drawn into There are many examples re-
1 lead to the exercise corded in Scripture for our imi-
at universal bejicvo- tation. These, though excellent
i appeared in him, in the nuiin, were not perfect in
our intercourse with every thing. They were chiefly
Lspose us to ju9tice^ eminent for aingle and fiarticuiar
d fidelity ; virtues virtues. Moses was celebrated
:ould not so directly fw* his meekness ; Job for his /ia-
b« life, having never tience ;, David for his c/^voK/72r«t;
:ular profession his Elijah for his zeal ; John for his
or worldly gain his suavity of temper. But in the
y his attention to life of Christ every virtue is dis-
his aflection to breth- played in its full lustre. It is a
' his care for his dis- great advantage to see our ^hole
as shewn parents and duty marked out in a single life,
lilies, how they ought and to contemplate it in one
heir houses, though view, without the trouble of sc-
uttained the natural lecting from a number of cxam-
a father. He ex- pies the best things, and putting
articular affection for them together in one character,
atives and chosen This is done to our hands in the
ut he never shewed pattern of Christ. His example
ionable partiality to is suited to the case of a// Chris-
tural aB'ection in him, tians, in all times and filaces. It
ad its just operation ; is designed for universal benefit ;
no influence on his and thcreibre is abstracted, as
the capacity of a «Va- much as possible, from peculiar
his relatives he of- situ^itions, and adapted to cir-
isier terms of salva- cumstances common to mankind.
lo higher advantages If he had appeared as a temporal
, than what he offer- prince, or an opulent nobleman,
8. And indeed, his he might have given an excel-
ere nut the first who lent pattern of justice and liber-
him. Those were ality to the rich and powerful ;
n, sisters and parents, but he could not so well have ex-
e will of his heavenly hibited the duties of those in
'hus he lias stated the private life, or in a moderate con-
t of natural aUcction. dition. jiis example therefore

908 The Perfection of ChrM's Example.

would havtf been much lets use-
ful on the whole ; for the rich
and great make but a small pro-
portion of mankind* But as he
appeared in a low condition, he
was able to exhibit the virtues,
which immediately concern the
great body of the human race,
and to exhibit them in an easy
and fiimiiiar manner, adapted to
their observation . This exam-
ple was not raised by worldly dig-
nity above the sight, but by hum*
ble poverty brought down to the
inspection of common people.
Every one may see in it some-
thing pertinent to himself. Ev-
en the rich and great may learn
from Christ the duties of their
high station ; for though he ap-
peared as a private and a poor
man, yet his works proved him
to be a messenger from heaven.
The poor from him may learn
the duties of their humble con-
dition ; for though he was rich,
yet for their sakes he became
poor.

Christ's example was without
drfcct. Other examples may bo
cncouragcmenu lo virtue ; this
only is a standard of virtue. In
every other example, however
good, we lind imperfection.
There is, at best, a mixture of
wisdom and folly, of rectitude
and depravity, of good and evil ;
and before we imitate it, we must
separate the mixture, expun)^e
the faults, supply the defects,
and place the good by itself.
But in the example of Christ
there is virtue without defect,
purity without blemish, humility
without meanness, innocence
without weakness, wisdom with-
out aiiifice, constancy without
stiflness.

Tiic divine character is the
standard of moral perfection. But

this is a& object of fiAlb
sight. In Christ the ]
character of God is c:In
down to mortal view in i
soft and easy light, that v
heboid it without terror, an
t<nnplate it widiout amaai
That God is a being of ho
justice, truth and goodnei
believe ; and that we ougfa
like him in these perfectio
acknowledge . But it is a s
advantage to see these |
tions fiimiliarly exemplif
him, who came from the
of the Father, and mani
himself in our flesh.

The divine character i
feet ; but there are many.;
essential to religion ift
which can have no placo i
Deity ; such as meeknes
mility, resignation and u
nial. Of these virtues w«
an example in Jesus Chrial
being in the form of God|
bled himself^ and was mi
the likeness of men.

The example of Christ
viras human and suited t
condition of man^ so it wa
descending, and adapted l
condition of every man.
was nothing in it distant a
served, dark and intricate
it was all Iree and open, e
be understood, and level
weakest capacity. He nev<
ced religion in austerity of
ners, i^cculiarity of habit, :
fication of 1x)dv, refinem<
speculation, or depth of
inj^ ; but he made it to con
the strict virtues and plain •
of a huly heart and life ; ii
to God and charity to meii
humility, meekness, patienc
contentment. He carried
simple, uniform design to
glory to God, and happin

4806. ] The Perfection of Chris fis Example. 5309

aaeii. There is nothing in all and the difficult virtues, which

^bis, but what erery man may were most distinguished in

«anlf onderstind. By reading Chriat, have been least apparent

the fifc of Jesus one may better in the grtat men of the world.

learn what it is to be a good In this respect he exceeded all

vaiif than hy turning over all others^ and gave the most unde-

thevotanies of ancient or modem niable evidence of the goodness

yhiiOBophcrB. of his heart, and the excellency

Another excellency of Christ's of his religion.
esanpte iiy that it agrees with Such an example, while it
hia own instructions* It is no- marks out the course which we
olae^ but his own rules re- are to pursue, should animate
to practice. He was not our resolution to enter upon^
like die Scribes and Pharisees, and to persevere in that course.
bid on men's shoulders Jesus, as a man, had, indeed^
burdens, which they many advantages, which we
wooUaot move with one of their have not. He was * bom holy/
fingers; and who daily contra- and free from those inordinate
Hitiiei in practice, what they propensities, which arc common
abvniHNisly enjoined in precept, to us. He was anointed with
lie acted fully up to his own the Spirit above his fellows.
syatMB ; and in prosecution of it The Spirit was given him with-
M may things fiir more hard out measure. In him dwelt the
snd difficult, than what he re- fulness of the Godhead. But
qsiretf of us. In this he differs still, as a man, he was compassed
ma other teachers, who go far- with our infirmities, and tempt-
tiherin precept than in pattern, ed as we are. And he knows
It is a recommendation of how to have compassion on us,
Christ's example, that in it the and his grace is sufTicient for- us.
difficult virtues of religion Sensible of our weakness, we
most conspicuous ; such as may be strong in the grace,
Iteekness under provocations, which is in him.
loire of enemies, the forgiveness We may perhaps think it
of injuries, contempt of M'orldly would have been a greater en-
riches and honours, labour and couragement to us to have seen
sdMenial in doing good, and our duty practised by one, who
Tttience and resignation under came near to us in weakness ;
great ofBictions ; and yet all by one, who was no more than a
these are modest virtues, which man. But then we must cun-
isake no ostentation of them- sider, that the Son of C;od,
sehes, and are least apt to at- thouf^h without any sinfulness
tiact the notice and esteem of in his flesh, was made in the
the world. The virtues of liktnetia of our sinful flesh ; he
those, whose characters have bare cur infirmities, and sufTer-
^iually been celebrated, are ed beinj^ tempted. Mis exiim-
•ithcr of the easy, or of the pie therefore couM not ha\c
•howy kind ; such as may be come nearer to our case, vitli-
P^'actised without self-denial, or out wantini^ that perfectioii,
*t!ch as will excite admiration in which is its highest recomnien-
^ spectators. The modest dation, and which makes it an
Vol.II^V6. D D

•210 Survey of Chnrehes.

infallible rule for our condilct in he believet one system of

life. ions opinions, or another.

The perfection, which appear- such apparent indiffereo

ed in Christ, is proposed to U8r our societies may conceml

us the object of our aim-; but prejudices against the g

not required as the conditibn of faith of the reformed ci

our salvation. Through the and a secret persuasion, ti

righteousness of this great Re* embmcos and will preach

dcemcr, Ciod accepts that peni- lax sentiments, for whici

tencc, which renounces sin with have a strong predilecdoa.

abhorrence, and that faith, which Now from whatever i

purities the heart, and which such negligence in our chij

humbly and ardently aspires to and under whatever sp

the measure of the stature of names and fair pretences

the fulness of Christ. In him seek to hide itself, it is f

believers are complete ; for to of great magnitude ; at ^

them he is made wisdom, right- pear from the following a

eousricss, sanctifi cation and re- rations,

demption. First., h /« a viola titm

Theofbilus. spired firecrftta. By aoi

. . rect commands, and by

^ plain intimations, God urg

on Christian churches tj

suBVKT OF NEW BNOLAND portaucc of usiug the

cuuacHss. watchful care respecting. '

/in, .• J x- J. i^-ox lieious sentiments of their

(Continued from fiage 173.) Z rr *u

^ . ^ / a / ei.5. If there come any un

TjiE incrcan'ng' itidifference ff says John, and bring ns

Qur churchee respecting- the theO'^- doctrincy that is, the doct

logical opinionn ofminieteray is an Christ, which he preachi

evil proper to be noticed in this ccive him not into your

survey. In general, very little neither bid hitn God aptt

inquiry is made concerning the he that biddeth him God afi

religious qualifications of a partaker of hi% evil deede^

preacher. The question, wheth- who, from choice or neglj

cr he embraces the doctrines of encouraige those preachei

the gospel, often exposes to con- hold not the true doctr

tempt the pei*son, who offers it. Christ, arc, in a measure, c

Churches manifest an undue re- able with all the fatal efi

ganl to the external accomplish- their errors, Paul gives a i

munts of ministers, with a cor- direction. / beseech you,

responding inattention to the pu- rr;/, mark them^ -ofho cau»i

rity of their sentiments and the ions and offencea contrary

sanctityof tlicirlives. Itisnolun- doctrificy vfhich ye have it

frequently the case, that a man a7ul avoid them. Not vei

is introduced into the sacred of- like this is the injunction

fu^e, when it Is not known either omon. Ceaacy my non^ t

ilbm his preaching, or conversa- the inatruction^ which cau

tion, or from the pi*oceedings of err from the worda of kno%

the ordAining council, whether Christ inculcates caution

1806.3 Survey of Churches. 211

fune subject. Bevare qf false has gh'cn such plain directions
finfiAei9f mAa €omt to you tn what charactors to choose for
Mheefi*a eiotkingj but inwardly religious instiMCtiorS) aiui such
4irt nvadng wotvea. Peter's solemn cautions to avoid those,
proph^c eye foresaw that the «rho liold not the true doctrines
church would be misled and of Christ, how can the churches*
conupted by such chai*acters. without g^eat y;uilt, netjlcct the
Tktrt ^B€Ttfalat profiheu among duty ? What displeasure of (lod
tkefieotde^ cutn 09 there shall be do they incur hy their cold in-
fdae ieaekert .among you, who difference respecting a subject,
trimUif sAali bring in damnable on which he hath given tlicm
beremegj even denying the Lord such abundant instruction, and
ikat kowgbt Ihemy a^d bring on so many precepts and 'learnings.
ikaueiuea jmft destruction. Secondly. The evil of that in-
Pral beheld the churches of difference, which many church-
iGalatim actually infested by de- es manifest respecting the relig-
ceiTen. There be some^ who ious sentiments of ministers, ap-
irouble you, and would pervert pears from this consideration,
the gospel of Christ, What a that erroneous sentiments are
great evil he esteemed every de- commonly connected "ivith the ivant
yarture from the gjDspel doc- <f Christian piety. It is to be
trine* appears, from the anather expected, that men will feel and
ma ht denounced against the act according to their prevailing
propagators of error. Though belief. If their sentiments are
pe^ t^ nn angel from hofvejg lax, their practice is likely to t)e
ftnaeh uny other gospel unto yon so too. Christianity is one con^
than thai nhich we have preached sis tent whole. Its theoretic and
uuo youj let him be accursed, practical parts perfectly harmo-
He IS so impressed with the im.- nizc, and arc inseparable from
portance of the £»ubject, that he each other. The cordial belief
immediately repeats the solemn of gospel truth tends directly to
pentence ; if any man preach any promote the holiness, which the
uher gospel unto you^ than that yc gospel enjoins. Nor can gospel
kgpe received, let him be accurs- holiness be found, except in con-
edf. By Jeremiah, God highly nexion with evangelical senti-
criminates his people for ap- nients. For example. They,
proving false prophets. ^ won- who disbelieve the divine glory
derful and horrible thing is com^ of Christ, cannot exercise to-
Vditedin the land; the prophets wards him that religious faith,
prophesy falsely^ qnd the priest* worship, and submission, which
tear rule by their means ; and constitute an essential part of
my people lox*e to have it so. In Clsristian holiness. If men en-
addition to this, the Scripture tertain erroneous apprehensions
particularly points out the requi- of C-od*s character, law, and gov-
&ite qualifications of gospel min- ernment, they must be errone-
isters ; of which this is not the ous in their religious practice,
least important, tlmt they hold lor every part of true Christian
fan the faithful word, and teach piety has respect to those ob-
the things^ which become sound jects, and must receive its pe-
doctrme. Now after Scripture culiar complexion ^m the man^

212

Survey of Churches.

lOci.

ner in which they are appre-
hended. Defective views of the
evi] of sin will be attended with
deiecLivu rcpciklunce. Disbelief
of t!)c atoi^iMiient) as it arises
from a wronj«; idea of God^ natu-
rally occasions a miuplaced hope
of his favour, r.veu the minis-
terial uffis.e, though ever so sa-
cred, canr.ot inp;ralt solid Chris-
tian piety upon antichrislian
opinions. The belief of the
heart will show itself in the life.
The Spirit of Christy which
guideth into all the truth> does
not dwell in those, who reject
the truths lie taught. How im-
portant an arUcle, then, in a gosr
pel minister's character, is his
belief. And how great an evil it
is in many of our churches, that
his belief is considered of no im-
portance. It is treating with
indifference what is essential to
a minister's personal religion.
Indeed, those churches, that are
not desirous tc asccrtainv wheth-
er a preacher believes the scheme
of evangelical truth, are equally
unconcerned as to his experi-
mental godliness.

The same remarks are, in a
considcral)le degree, applicable
to the indifference, which
churches show, respecting the
religious sentiments of their
members. Such indifference,
oiten miscalled charity^ is found
in those only, who overlook the
importance of regeneration, and
are disposed to build up the
church with materials, which
the fire of the last day will con-
sume.

Thirdly, The evil now under
consideration rises in our view,
when we consider the extensive
2vflur'7ice of a miniater^h religious
BC7itimcnt9 ufion Ms own conduct
in the sacred officcj and upon the

interest qf the church. If a min-
ister cordially bdievqi the whole
counsel of God, he iHU not shiw
to declare it ; as Paul saya oC
himself and the other apoalka,
we beUeruci and therefore S^tak* ■
Peter and John ejq>reaaed the ^
same sentiment ; we eannoi hmi -
s/ieak the things^ which we have •
secft and heard. As a full ezhi*
bition of the truth is ao capitals -.
part of ministerial duty, how in* -
dispensable it is, that every iiu&«
ister fully believe the truth. .
For we are not to suppose duft
an honest man's preaching will
go beyond his belief.

The beneficial efiecU of dis-
playing evangeUcal truth need
not be particularly described.
They have been acknowledged
in all ages of Christianity, Thf
conversion of sinners, and the
progressive holiness of the saints
have taken place through the
instrumentality of divine truths
On the other hand, how wofU
is the consequence of withhold-
ing the truth and propagating ,
error. It has been felt, and is
now obvious to every beholdei^
in many New England chufches*
Th<ur faith, and with it their
discipline and morals have been
gradually corrupted. From the
erroneous sentiments and loose
conduct of ministers, multitudes
of nominal Christians have taken
a licence to cast off the restraints
of the law and gospel, and to live
according to the course of this
world. They no longer fee! the
obliiJ^ations of their holy profes*
sion, and arc not distinguished
from the children of disobedi-
ence. All the evils found in the
churches are promoted by erro*
neous, unfaithful preachers.
Their influence is pernicious al-
so, with respoct to men in gene- •

Survey of Churches.

213

iDTicUon of sin is pre-
The wicked, instead of
Jemnl^r warned, are flat-
ith delusions, and so
idisturbed, in an impen-
ite. Go to the places,
le salutary truths of the
ire withheld, and &Ise
I exnptj declamations, or
ral essays are substitute
rir place. Do you find
deeply impressed with
linality of living without
Jie world, and with the
ice of a penitent, godly
> you hear them serious-
sing the question, IVhat
do to be saved f a ques-
lich the apostles always
to hear, and were ready
ir, but which many cler-
it this day totally dis-
Sice, and treat with
What a pestilence in
Btian world is the influ-
luch ministers. Even
: godly have their share
jury. What edification
derive from the instruc-
God*s house, when the
omentous truths are
rer in contemptuous si-
(rVhat a disturbance and
ust it be to them, if,
ing to the temple of rc-
hey cannot know, but
fic place where the light
;n should shine, they
overshadowed with the
error ? Docs not men*s
ce upon the gospel min-
it IS conducted in many
New England, instead
noting their salvation
belief of f/ie truth, tend
rary purpose ?
:er8, who arc not estab-
the belief and love of
el, will not be faithful in
cause. They will not

cultivate his vineyard, but leave
it to be laid waste. They will
resemble the shepherds so se*
verely reproved by Ezekiel, wlio
fed themsetvea and not the Jlock,
7^he diMcaaed ye have not strength^
ened^ said God by tlie prophet,
neither have ye healed that Vfhich
fvaa sietf neither hai*e ye bound
tLfi that which mas broken^ nei^
ther have ye brought again that
which wa» driven awayj neither
have ye sought that which was lost.
They subject themselves to the
fetal sentence of those, who da$/Jf
with untemfiered mortar^ who heal
wounds sUghtlyj and cry, PeacCf
/ieacey when there is no /leacc.

When, therefore, churches
are negligent of the religious
sentiments and the piety of their
ministers, they show themselves
wholly unconcerned respecting
the effects of the gospel d|spcnsa«
tion. In a degree tliey are re-
sponsible for all the mischief
which is done by unqualified
teachers. They arc guilty of
encouraging and supporting
those, who not only refuse to go
into the kingdom of heaven them-
selves, but, by the errors of their
faith and the unholiness of their
example, hinder • others from
entering. So that, if the woful
influence of erroneous teachers
is seen in the corruption of the
faith, the discipline, and the
morality of the churches j if
nominal Christians are loosed
from the restraints of religion,
and openly conformed to the
world ; if conviction of sin is
prevented, and the impenitent
are flattered and hardened ; and
if God's own people, instead of
being edified and comforted, lose
the sensible blessings of religion,
pine for want of spiritual food,
or are for a time carried away

214 Suroey of Churches. [Ot

with Ihc current of popular error ly doctrines, Vhlch exalt Chrf

and vice ; if thege, and other like tianity above the darkness '

effects take place, they are in a pag;an]sm. Must all these thiiq

considerable measure to be be endured, as little diflerenoc

charged to the criminal negli- of opinion, which should IM

gence of the churches respecting lessen our esteem, nor intemil

the religious sentiments and the Christian communion, and whic

personal holiness of gospel min- do not unfit men for a chmci

isters. state, nor even for the sacred d

Fourthly, Negligence as to fice ? What a false moderatioii

the sentiments, which ministers what a mere show of r^ndmr

bold and propagate, is aniwfdicit would this be in the cluircheso

eontemfit of Christ and his gosfici, Christ ! What a forget fulness 0

Is it not his peculiar glory, that their obligations to him, audi

he is " full of grace and truth >"' betraying of his honour into th

Is it not one great end of his hands of infidels. Atbcst,wfal

coming into the world, that he an inglorious neutrality in i

might bear witness to the truth : cause, which ought to be deare

that he might scatter the clouds than life !

which hang over the world, and Can we seriously survey Nei

enlighten mankind with spirit* England churches, and compar

ual knowledge ? Is not the mis- their present state with thd

sion of the Holy Spirit to guide pristine purity, without grief iBi

men in^ all the truth one great amazement of soul ? What db

advantage of the gospel state ? coming man does not see, win

In short, are not the doctrines of feeling Christian does not bewfl

religion the substance of the the apostasy of these latter time)

revelation, with which God hath and the fatal success with wluc'

blessed the world ? And is it the open and secret enemies c

not through them, that God Christ have laboured to poisa

sanctifies his people ? How impi- the souls of men, and to eflec

ously, then, do many churches the destruction of truth «n

undervalue the gospel of Christ, godliness ? Can we be Christ*

yea, with what contempt do they disciples indeed, and behold wit

treat him, and the design of his unconcern, the d.irkness of erro

labours, sufferings, and blood ? overclouding the light of th

To what a low ebb is religion gospel, and veiling its divin

reduced, how are the inipres- beauty ? Must not our heart

sions of God our Saviour erased swell with sorrow, to sec thi

from the minds of his professed men proudly dare to villifv* 0

friends, when they can uncon- studiously to conceal the etcrni

cerncdly behold a flood of errors tniths, to which tho Son of Go

overwhelming the land ; when bore witness ; that so manj

they can carelessly see those, who X:?/';w the joyful "sount

who are set for the defence of sliould love durkntss rather ths

the gospel, breaking down all the liglu, and ofller their delude

boundaries of truth, and public- souls a sacrifice to infernal ms

ly disclaiming, treacherously ice ; and that any who profc*

tindermining, or ^' subtilizing to believe the Bible, should b

into an airy phantom," those ho-r have with such cold indificrcoc

Survey of Churches.

215

r were no wise concern-
honour of tlie Rcdeem-
if his cuuse might be
y abandoned, and the
.of wisdom in his guspcl
I empty speculations, or
B} intricate points, and
were a triHing matter
divine purity and liglit,
I darkness possess our
nd prevail in the world.
he way, in which tiie
yea, the churciics of
V their gratitude ior the
f his mercy ? What
1 treatment of that rcvc-
aicb his infinite love lias
.1 What an eniertain-
Lhis of those important
which flow from the
f the greatest prophcl,
upported by tlie slrong-
loat moving arguments;
rhich bear the stamp of
wisdom, and are bright-
the lustre of an eternal
:e. And what lamenta-
Ided to our grief, when
ler, that these evils ex-
w England, where God
le the clearest discovur-
mself ; where he plant-
burch a nadir vincy and
rcy cultivated it and
it fruitful from age to
New England, for which
h done so much in his
ce, and which he hath
1 and blessed, as a thea-
is abounding grace ; in
gland, whose cliurches
:n justly famed for the
' their faith, ttie strict -
their discipline, and the
: of their piety, and
unts Ciod hath set up, as
IS examples to future
*an thcy^ who love the
and duly value his
ew the apostasy of New

England qhurches without blush-
ing and grnazement ? And will
they notfteize every opportunity
to show their adherence to the
adorable mysteries of his gospel f
What momentous arguments
are these, friends of Immanuel,
to raise your zeal, to add Hfe and
constancy to your endeavours
and fervour to your prayers for
the defence of the truth. The
eternal love of God, who sent his
^)on to illuminate your souls with
celestial knowledge ; the won-
ders of the Saviour's grace ; the
native beauty, the divine simplici-
ty of the gospel, surrounded
with all the glories of redeeming
love, recommended by every con-
sideration of gratitude and duty,
and testified by the loudest ap-
plauses of angelic hosts, furnish
an endless train of irresistible
motives, and conspire to animate
your hearts with holy ardour in
the cause of Zion. Lift up your
eyes, and behold your exalted
Lord. From his glorious throne
he looks down to notice the or-
der, the purity, and fidelity of his
churches, lie directs your eye
to the scorn of the nmltitude»
the hatred of the learned, the
blindness and rage of rulers, and
the furious eflbrts of infernal
spirits, which afflicted him, but
cuuld never shake his resolutioUi
or drive him from his cause.
He ]>oints to the shame he despi-
sed, to purchase honour for you ^
to his torturing cross and dying
blood, which saved you from
everlasting death. lie repre-
sents to you the ullurinjj; glories
of a lorgivinj^ God, the pure joys
of faith, and the eternal pleasures
of the sanctuary above. He re-
minds you of what his almighty
arm wrought for your forefa-
thers, and shows the blessings,

126

On the Doctrine of Persewrance.

-which are deposited in this fa-
voured land, as the goodly heri-
tage of you and your children.
And he waits to see what in-
fluence all these arguments will
linve upon you, and what return
you will make for all this display
of goodness. Will you, then,
with an unfeding heart, see him
roi)bed of his majesty and glory,
and his cause basely betrayed ?
Will you consider it, as a matter
of indifferance, whether his min-
isters preach, or his churches
receive the distinguishing truths
of his word ? Can you, without
emotion, see the dangers which
beset unwary souls, and the ap-
proaching ruin of this declining
age ? Churches of New England,
once comely and glorious, arise
from your bed of sloth. Cast
off the lukcAvarmness, which is
BO hated of God. Show your-
selves on the Redeemer's side.
Sacrifice all other interests,
however dear, to the interest of
truth ; all other passions, how-
ever strong, to the cause of
Zion, and all other persons, how-
ever great and honourable, to
the honour of Christ. Behold
the grace of your exalted Sa-
viour, and hear that voice of
mingled love and terror, Mhich
once warned the lapsed Ephe-
sian church, and now warns
you ; Rrmrinber^ thcrrforc^froin
fvhencr thou art falter y and ?\ -
firnt^ and do thy , first workfi ; or
rise I will come unto thfr f/uicAluj
and wilt remove thy eandleaticfc
out of its place^ exce/it thou re-
pent, ' Pastor.

•X THE DOCTRINE OF PKUSPl-
VEHAVCK.

The reader doubtless rec.ol-
ifctS|that in the Panoplist for

August, 1806, page 107
menced some remarks,
the signature of J. C.
difficulties supposed by t
ter to be involved in the c
of saints* fierscverance,
joined to these are sonu
vations by another handi
edly in reply to the forn
designed to elucidate tl
trine, and remove the dif
suggested. The writer
former remarks has nc
nor design, to enter :
public discussion of the i
in question.' The dill
proposed were ebvioua.
certainly desirable, that, i
ble of a Satisfactory expli
they should receive it.
observations explain the i
of his first publication,
about again to trespass
patience of the public ; ai
may again demand his r
They will be found in wl
lows.

He acknowledges, ¥rith
ure, the spirit of candour,
apparently dictated the o
tions of LuTUER. He ac
edges, likewise, the for
pertinency of many of \X%
vatioTis. If we are to vi
ai'guments of Luther
tended to defend this d
upon the ancient, Cal'
ground, it is rcudily cor
that many of i!iem are
means destitute of force i
gcnuily. But were they i
cfl to defend it on this gi
We certainly conceive the
not. We may have m
the design of the writer,
wc assure him the mistak'
vohint:\rv. The opinion
oicni (lalvinists was, that 1

Luther.

On ilic Doctrine of Perseverance.

217

dp ever, and at all
^n some moral qual-
lic^ distinguish tliem

upregeDeratc^ ; tlmt, iu
lilgc of the apostlc) they
tb. unto deathy because
' remahieth in thim. But
|iQn« to our apprehen-*
Dot the foundation, on
uAtr^it arguments rest.
itwer to the question of
0/ would have become q/'
ad he died in the midttt
net? Luther replies,
iad died iuifictiiftnity he
ve been lost." Here, it
ived, the author fairly
f that, in his opinioni
i totally apostatize from
holiness ; that he fell,
aei into precisely the
>rai state, in wliich he
iiously to his convcr-
Vhat LuTiiKK belifvcs
lig David, he doubtless
concerning other good
le believes, that they are
eft entirJy lioly, and
ea entirely sinlul. lie
believes, with the disci-
dr. Wesley, that there
He instances, in which
D from holiness ; but,
iy frequently do this ;
that the life of every
I is little else, than an

rising into holiness,
ing into sin. But liiough
» with the disciples of
'j in believing that saints
1 holiness, he does not
with them, tliat any re-
person will finally per-
z supposes, tliat the cov-

grace, tiiouj^h it do'vS
ent those wh.o emhrcU'e
lecouiin;^ just as sinhil
R'cre be lore, <l</es, how-
cure them from eternal
n.

No. 5.

V. r.

On supposition that J. C. a-
greed with the Methodises, as to
the final defectib'.lity of saintsy
what would Luiher have him
do ? Would he have him believe,
with Calvinists, that those who
are born of God are always dis-
tinguished, by the temper of
their hearts, from the unrenew-
ed ? No : he would have him
believe no such thing. He is to
meet the common opinion of
Calvinists only halfway ; he must
embrace their belief of the final
salvation of the regenerate! but
reject their belief that the rcgcx^-
eratc always continue possessed
of a holy principle.

If these be indeed the senti*
ments of Lutheu, it is impossi-
ble for us to perceive the perti-
nency or propriety of his re-
marks. On the ground; which
he occupies, unless we have mis-
taken that ground, we conceive
it impossible to defend the doc-
trine which he advocates. This
is the reason of our again re-
questing the attention of Lu-
ther and the public to our re-
marks ; beciiuse his arguments,
however clear and forcible, iu
themselves, yet, resting, as we
conceive, on an unstable founda-
tion, have no tendency to obviate
the difliculties we before suggest-
ed. Consistently £nough with
his scheme, God may be said to
persevere in his dele rmi nation
to glorify the saints ; but with
no propriety can the saints be
said to persevere, unless perse-
vering, and not persevering, are
terms of the same import.

Nor is it true, according to
this theory, that God perseveres
in his love to s:;ints. if they be,
at times, dcsiiLule o( every moral
(]i;al.;y to d'':iti«jj.j;uish thtm from
the un regenerate, hy. raunot, at

218

On the Doctrine of Perseverance.

those seasons, love the one more
than he loves the other. If it
be said that he loves them be-
cause he designs to render them
holy, and save them \ it is obvi-
ous to reply, be had tiiese de-
ftigus when they were unrenew-
ed ; and yet he had, then, no
more complacency in thcm^ tlian
in any other persons of the same
moral character, not comprc-
l)^ndci1 in his designs of salva-
tion. Heb. vi. 4, 5, 6. It ia irri'
/loaMle for thoHCy v^fio were once
enlightened^ and have tasted of the
heavenly ^i/'ty and huvt been made
partakers cf'the Holy Ghost y and
liave tasted the good word of God,
and the fiowera of the vjorld to
comfy if they shall fall axi'ayy to
renew them again to re/ienfance.
Luther tells us, that these
words relate to real saints, and
not, as some have supposed, to
awaltcncd sinners^ paitially re-
formed. Between these two
opinions we make no decision ;
but would ask how this sense of
the text coincides with the doc-
trine under consideration I The
apostle, if speakinpj to re-
newed persons, tells them what
would be the consequence
should thov fall awav. It
would be impossible to renew
them ajjain to repentance.
This is Lltiikr*s explanation
of the passage : but he still be-
lieves, tliut David did fall awav,
and that every regenerate per-
son frequently falls away, and
yet is renewed again to repen-
tance. How is this? SomelKxly
must be wrong. Will it be siiiil,
that by falling away, the apostle
did not mean simply falling away,
however complete, but an irre-
coveralfle falling away ? Then
the text will amount precisely to
thisi " Those, who fail irre-

coverably, it is ii
recover ;" which w
indeed, but not muc
tie's way of wriui
person need to be ii
if he remained iir
death, he could not
by repentance, be
Pray what dcfectic
gainst which these I
so solemnly wame
apostle mean to con
timent ; "If you ;
eluded from the
grace, it will be i
introduce you into
How could they I
from this covenant ?
secpience of total i
cording to Luther
for David is suppo
to have been in the
state, during his fal
John before his con^
therefore, apostasy
excluded him, he
been excluded.

LuTHKU very jus
that " it is the metl
ration, to shew saint
hand, the crown of ri
which awaits the fait
other, the certain rai
overtake them, if the
to folly:* But do I
again to folly, who
particle of holiness,
perfectly sinful ? "^
not suppose, that «
awaits such. Nay,
that many such will
saved. We are toh
" the do< trine of \
ought never to be vie
a light, as to render
diligence in well do
cessary, than it won
doctrine were not t
are by no means \
controvert this : Bi

1906.]

Luther* s L^ucr :? ErjTr.:i^i.

2\9

srbit Lc-TBER vouid hare us
tfumsidcr as the doctriDe of pc r-
jKveraocc render Uiis less xilccn-
-saaryf ihan it ^ould be, \£ liu*
•doctrine were not true ? 1 he
Arminian says, ^* If there is in
.^nyaelf nothing of holiness, I an**.
sn a state of condciuiiuiiuT)/*
*The Calvinist savs the same.
!l¥hereas the doctrine in question
^iierta, that David, when aSsu-
lutcLy destitute of holiness, was,
ixverthclesSf in the covenant of
^nce ; and, of course, that a
person's finding in himself, at
present, no exertion nor princi-
ple of piety^ proves nothing;; a-
gainst bis being in the covenant
of gracei nothing against his be-
in^ aa heir of glury. The Cal-
-'vinnt tells a professory ^Mf you
entirely lose holiness, you are
lost" The abetter of Ihe new
«doctnne tells him, or may tell

him, consistently with Ii.s pr>-
ciplcs, " Kvrry I't-hovcr iVi-
qucntly becornes civcstLii of all
his holiness : unu there lore >ri::-
finling yourscll Jesiituit* of i.o',.-
ncss, at present, is no \^To\i\ of
your bcini^ iinre.;eneraic." TIit
one makes pcrseNeran«*e in «>..'
djim ncccssarv to balraiion ; the
other docs not.*

The writer assures the pub-
lic, that the above remarks are
bv no means intended directlv or
indirectly lo operate against tlie
doctrine of saints' pcrseveranrc,
but against an attempt to defeivi
that doctrine on grounds, that he
cannot but consider as unsu'ip-
lurul. J. C

• See thi« doctrine more partirn-
larly eonsidercd by a writer in the
PailopUst for December last, page
^39.

S)clcctionjBr.

LUTHER'S LETTER TO ERASMUS.

To the life of Luther, already published, it is thought proper to subjom
^ following extract of his letter to Erasmus, which is hon* introduced, with
Attecfthe remarks which accompany it in Dr. Hawei:** Church Histiu-y.

.'.company

''It has been often sut^jj^ested,
^ the Reformers thcmschxs
^%re at variance on the most
important doc:irines of the gos-
pel; and that Luther and Calvin
<fi&red greatly in the funda-
lAental articles of their creed.
Whereas, except in the matter
rf Christ's prescncx- in the Eu-
charist, all the eminent men a-
niODg the reformers of that day,
i^oncurred in the same funda-
mental truths. As 1 liavc been
charmed myself (bays Dr. Ilaw-
tift) with ihe plainness aiid sim-

plicity of the testimony of Lu-
ther, exJiibited in the following
extract, 1 have produced it as
the most conclusive proof of the
sentiments of this j^reat re-
former.

** It is among our deepest mis-
eries, and the |)roof of our sad
declensions, that we, of latter
times, have departed fi*oni ** the
faith once delivered unto the
saints ;" revived in tfuif thnj in
all its primitive ghny : und.
thanks be to Ood, after lfu:g ob-
scurity, again rising in itw bright*

220

Luther^ s Letter to Erasmus.

ness in the present generation.
May its great Revealer manifest
his own almighty influence, and
cause the word of truth to run
and have free course, and he
glorified throughout the world,

" Erasmus had attacked Lu*
ther on the doctrines of predes-
tination and grace ; and accord-
ing to the present cant of ob-
jectors, he urged, " What can be
more useless than to publish this
paradox to the world ? namely,
that whatever we do, is done, not
by virtue of our ov>nfree vifi^ but
in a way of necessity^ 8cc. What
a wide gap does the publication
of this tenet open among men,
for the commission of all ungod-
liness ? What wicked person
^ill reform his life I Who will
^are to believe himself a favou-
rite of Heaven ? Who will iij^ht
against his own corrupt inclina-
tions ? Thcrcforcx where is ci-
ther the need or the utility of
spreading these notions from
whence so many evils seem to
flow ?"

" To this Luther triumphantly
replies, " If, my Erasmus, you
consider these paradoxes (as you
term them) to be no more than
the inventions of men, why are
you so extraordinarily heated on
the occasion ^ In that case your
arguments aflcct not mc s for
there is no person now living in
the world, who is a more avow^ed
enemy to the doctrines of men
than myself.

But, if you believe the doctrines
in debate between us to be, (as
indeed thejtarc) the doctrines of
God ; you must have bid adieu
to all sense of shame and decen-
cy, thus to oppose them. I will
not ask, whither is the modenty
of Erasmus fled ? but, which is
much more important) where^

alas ! are your fear iMd'
ence of the Deity, irhei
roundly declare, that this I
of truth, which he has re
from heaveni is at best a
and unnecessary to be ki
What ! shall the glorious
tor be taught by you his cr^
what is fit to be preacbcf
what to be suppressed ? \
adorable God so very del
in wisdom, and prudence^
to know, till you instruct
what would be ttarfui anc
pcmiciAus ? Or could nc
whose understanding is ii!
foresee, previous to his i
tion vf this doctrine, what
be the consequences of I
vealing it, till those conseqc
were pointed out by yout
cannot, you dare npt^ av
If then it was the divim
sure to n^ake known these '
in his word ; and to b
messengers publish them a
and to leave the consequer
their so doing to the wisda
providence of him in
name they speak, and '
messages they declare ; w
thou, O Erasmus, that
shouldest reply against Go
say to the Almighty, what
thou \ St. Paul, discoursi
God, declared peremp
whom he tvill he hardeneth
again, God vjilling to 9ht
wrath, is^c. And the apost
not write this to have it
among a few persons, and
ed in a comer ; but wrot"
the Christians at Rome :
was, in effect, bringing thii
trine upon the stage of the
world ; stamping an uni
im/i7-i'matur upon it : and pii
ing it to believers at
throughout the earth,
can sound harsher in tht

1806.]

Lut/ier^s Letter to Erasntu^!.

221

nmimcised esfrs of carnal men,
than those words of Chnst, many
arc called J but few arc chosen 7
and elsewhere, / know ivhom I
h€tve chosen. Now these, and
^mifer assertions of Christ and
hts apostles, are the very posi«
tioQs which you, O Erasmus,
brand as useless and hurthil.
You object, if these things arc so,
who will amend his life ? I an*
swcr, without the HdIv Ghost no
man can amend his life to pur-
pose. Reformation is btit vur-
nished hypocrisy, unless it pro-
ceed from grace. The elect and
truly pious are amended by the
Spirit of God : and those of
mankifidy who are not amended
by fdm^ will perish. Ycjfu ask
moreoTer, who will dare lo fjc-
Itere himself a favourite of Hea-
ven? I answer, it is not in a
jnan's own power to believe
himself such, upon just {^[I'ounda,
till he is enabled from above.
But the elect shall be so enabled :
they shall be enabled to believe
themselves to be what indeed
they are. As for the rest, who
are not endued with faith, they
shall perish ; nixing and blab-
phemingf as you do now. But,
say you, these doctrines open a
door to ungodliness. 1 answer,
whatever d«jor they may open lo
the impious and profane, yet
they open a door of righteous-
ness to the elect and holy, and
shew them the >\ay to heaven,
and the path of access unto God.
Yet you would have us abstain
from the mention of these j;;rand
doctrines, and leave our people
in the dark, as to their election
of God. The consequence of
which would be, that eveiv man
would bolster hiniscll' up with a
delusive hope ofu share in that
s^vation> which is supposed to

He open to ali : and xUu* i^i-nii-nc
huniiiily, aiid the prjciical jcar
of God, would be kiLk«:ii out of
doors. This would be a pretty
way indeed of st(/pp:ng up the
gap KiMsnius eomnlains i>i\ in--
stead of closinp; up the dcor of
lictntiousiicss, as is falsely pre-
tended, it would be In fact
opeiiinj.; a r;ulph into the neilier-
most hell. Still you ur;;e,
wijere is either the nucessiiv or
utility of ]>reacl;intv [)rv:ueslina-
tion ? God l;inisilf tearhes it,
and commands '^■' to teacli it :
and that is answc ernou^;h. W'e
arc not to an-aiim the Deitv, and
bring the motives Cif his wili to
the test of hutlian soruiinv, but
simply to revere boiii him and it.
He who alone is ali- '.vise and all-
just, can in reality (however
things appear to us) do wronc^ to
no man ; neither can he do any
thing unwisely or r:jshly. And
this consideration will sufVice to
silence all olijeclions oi' truly re-
ligious persons. However, let
us, for arj^umenl's sake, ;-o a
st;p farther. I v.ill venture to
assij.jn, over and above, luo \i:vy
important reasons why tlusu
doctrines should be publicly
tnui^ht ; 1st. j'or the Imniilia-
tifyU of our pride, and tiic mani-
festation of divine v^race. (iod
hath ass»; redly promised his fa-
vours to the truly hv.ni!)Ie. 15y
the Cnihj /mmf'fr^ I mean those
who are endued with r»:pentance,
and desiRiir of savinj; themselves :
for a man can never be snid to be
truly penitent and humble, till
he is made to know that his
salvi.l'on is not suspended, in any
measure whatever, on his oua
strt:; -tlu machinations, endea-
vcnrs, free will, or works : but
entirely depends on the free
pleabure, purpose, dctermina-

222

Dr. Doddridge^s Letter.

tton, and efficiency of another^
even of God alone. Whilst a
man is persuaded that he has it
in his own power to contribute
any thing, be it ever so little, to
his own salvation, he remains in
carnal confidence : he is not a
self despairer, and therefore he
is not duly humbled before God ;
so far from it, that he hopes
some favourable juncture or op-
portunity will offer, when he
may be able to lend an helping
hand to the business of his salva-
tion. On the cx)ntrai'y, whoever
is truly convinced that the whole
work depends singly and s^bso-
lutely on the will of God, who
alone is the author and finisher
of salvation, such a person de-
spairs of self-assistance : he re-
nounces his own will and his
own strength : he waits and
prays for the operation of God :
nor waits and prays in vain.
For the elect's sake therefore
these doctrines are to be preach^-
€d : that the chosen of God, be»
ing humbled by the knowledge
oi his truths ; self emptied and
sunk into nothing as it were in
his pi^esencc, may be 3avcd in
Christ, with eternal glory. This
then is one inducement to the
publication of the doctrine ; that
the penitent may be made ac-
<]uainted with the promise of
grace, and plead it in prayer to
God, and receive it as their own.
2d. The nature of the Cliris-
tian faith requires it. Faith, has
to do with things not seen. And
this is one of the highest degrees
of faith, stedfastly to believe that
God is infinitely merciful, though
he saves (comparatively) but
few, and condemns so many ;
and that he is strictly just,
though of his own will he makes
such numbers of mankind neces-

sarily liable to datntation.
these are some of the. Juni
things whereof^ faith is theevii
dencfe. Whereas, was it io
power to comprehend themt.
clearly to make ou^ how God ift^
both inviQlably just, and infinite*—'
]y niercxful,^ iiotwiihstaodyig th^
display of wrath, and seeaijnp
inequality in his dispenaatioiiip
respecting the reprobate, &itb
>%'ould have little or nothing to
do. But now sipce these mty
ters cannot be adequately cooif
prehended by us, in the present
9^ite. of imperfection^ there it
room for t}ie exercise of fiuth.
The truths, t^ereforei respecting
predestination in all its branchet
should. be taught a^d puhliahcd.
They, no less than the. other
mysteries of Christian' doctrinet
being proper objects oif fiuth» op
the part qi God's people/^ ■

• -«

EXTRACT OF A LETTER fnOII

Dll. DODDRIDGE, TO MB«

PEARSALL, OF TAUNTONf COKr

TAIN'INO A UEUAEKABLK aSs-

' LATION.

^^ There was a GermaOt who
laid himseltout for the conver-
sion of the Jews, lately in LoQr
don, one of the most surprising
linguists in the world : he form-
ed a resolution, when but five
years of age, of learning the
languages in use amongst the
Jews, without any reason that
could be assigned ; so tliat the
pure Hebrew, the Rabbinical«
the lingua Judaica^ which dififers
from both, and almost all the
modern languages of the then
European nations, were aa fa-
miliar to him as his own native
tongue. Willi this fumiturfifl

Afiecdotcs.

223

rith g^reat knoMledg;e of

nd love to Christ, aiid zeal

! talvafion of souls» he had

twelve of the thirty-six

of his life in preach-
ihritt in the syno^gues,
ic roost apostolic man-
warning the Jews of
enmity to God ; of tlieir
fy BB rejected by him ; of
ly hope that remains for
by returning to their own
ih ; and by seeking from
igfateousness of life, and
^ their souls under tlie
ling of the blood of that
ncrifice. God blessed his
B in many places ! In Ger-

Pohind, Holland, Lithuu-
[ungary, and other pans
fh which he had travelled,
rhan 600 souls owned their
rtion to his ministry, ma-
r whom expressed their
ixMicem to bring otiiers of
vrethren to the knowledge
t great and blessed Re-
r; and besought him to
:t their children, that they
preach Christ also.
Doddridge adds, that he
one of his sermons, as he
ed it in Latin : that he
not hear it without many

and that he told him that
n converted a Rabbi, who
aster of a synagogue.

AJ^ECnOTKS..

jioTORious swearer, who
sawyer, being employed
Ling cofiin-lxiards, and find*
le of the pieces of timber
which they are cut harder
Lsual, said to his compan-
This is a d— d hard piece ;

it will make somebody a d*-d
good coffin." He had no sooner
uttered these words, than he fell
backward, and expired immedi-
ately. It IS remarkable that hi a
own coffin was made from that
very piece of wood of which he
bad been speaking.

Serious matters, like deaths
should never be spoken of in a
light and jocose, much less in a
pix>fane manner.

THE INSOLENCE OF INFIDELITY
SILENCED BY TUB TESTIMONY
OF TRUTH.

A SCOFFING infidel of consid^
erablc abilities, being once in the
company of a person of weak in-
tellects, but a real Christian, and
supposing, no doubt, that he
sliould obtain an easy triumph,
and display his ung^ly wit, put
the following question to him :—
*' 1 understand, Sir, that you ex-
pect to go to heaven when you
die : Can you tell me what sort
of a place heaven is V* " Yes,
Sir, replied the Christian, Heav-
en I* a firefiarcd filace for a fire~
flared pcofiic ; and if your soul
is not prepared for it, with all
your boasted wisdom you will
never enter there." —

* Fur vain applause traiugreM not

scripture rules ;
< A witty sinner is the worst of fools.'

YOUTHFUL BENEVOLENCE.

Ix the institution of Saint
Catherine at Petersburgh, under
the di Ideation of Madam Bred-
hofl*, an. elderly lady of distin-
guished talents and sweetness of
disposition, the following little
circumstance occurred : — In this
institution, which is supported
by the Empress dowager, a lim-
ited number of young ladies are
admitted, free of expense, by

fi24 Anecdotes.

ballot ; l>ui others are received do nky business with all tk

upon payiuf^, as it is termed, a gence I couldy as a preseiM

pension. At the last admission, and to repress every tuiq

two little girls, tbe eldest not ex- of its consequences, k»<

ceeding ten years of age, the that there was an Hand

daughters of a naval captain, could easily overthrow

the father of a large family, pre- pursuit of this kindy aad

sentcd themselves, and draw, the every attempt eithor to %

one a prize, and the other a wealth or fisime.*'
blank. Although so young, Letttome** Life of Dr. Fah
they concluded that fate had, in ^ '"

this manner, resolved upon their It is said that the late

separation ; they felt it, and wept. ^o\\n Brown of Haddington,

Another young lady, to whom pissing the Firth of Forth

the next cliaiKe devolved, drew a tween Leith and Kinghom,

prize ; au'l observing the distress ^o** * fellow passenger, oni

of the Mstcrj, without holding appeared to be a Highland i

any communication with their n^^"- Mr. B. obscrvedf

parents, or with any other per- much grief, that he freqi;

son, spontaneously ran up to the ^©^^ ^^^^ name of God in '

luckless little girl, presented her but suspecting that to m\

with the ticket, and leading her J^»ra in the presence of thi;

up to the directress, said, *' See, P-»ssengers might lead only

Mailam, I have drawn a prize ! ritate him, he forbore sayinj

but my papa can afford to jxiy thing till he reached the <

the ])ension, and, I am sure, will site shore. After landings

pay it for mc ; — pray, let one B. observing the nobleman ^

who is less fortunate enjoy the »"!? alone, stepped up to

good that has happi:ncd to me." and said, '* Sir, I was ao]

This charminv,^ anecdote was im- hear you swearing while o

mediately reported to the Em- passage. You know it is wr

press do\vat;er, who expressed '* Thou shalt not take the i

the highest dcli;i:hl, and ptiid out ^^ ^'^e ^-ord thy C;od in \

of her own pir.-sc the poiision of ^^« ^^'^ *^hc nobleman, liftin

tlie little benelactress. l»»t and bowing to Mr. B.

Carr*it Ahrrh. Sum. /i. 369. the following reply : *' Sir,

turn you thanks for the re

A GOOD HiXT Fou MKN IS iju- yo" hiivc njw given me,

siNK.ss. shall oiuleavour to attend

" I KVDEAvouR (ssvs the I'Ue i" fuiuro : but," added he, •

Dr. Fothergill in a Icltt-r to one you said this to me while ir

of his friends) to follow my bu- ^>^t» I believe I siiould hav<

siness, beaiuse it is my duty you thioiurh with my swon

rjtlier than my interest ; the

latter is inseparable from a just The po'.ver of conscienci

discharc:e of duty ; but 1 have lately ni.inlfestcd ina remar

ever UK>:ic.l at the profits in cJet;rce, in a nun of the nar

the last place. At my first set- Coop'/r, ot" Hawkesbury-U

ting out 1 wished most fei-vcntly, Glouciistershire. He had

aud I endeavour after it stilly to endured a gre^t horror of ra

•]

Dr. Lathrop^s Sermon.

225

about an hour before his
I declared the cause of it ;

iw«s» that, about forty years
ke had assisted another
of the name of Horton (who
ibout two years since) in
eiing a Mr. Rice, a survcy-
the roadS) whose body they
into a well, where, soon
:he fact, it was found ; but
urderers were not known
aw. — IIow many dreadful
9 will come out at that
day^ when the all -wise and
hty Judge shall make in-
IbD for blood ! and how
fill will be the operation of
kbce in the world of misc-
the retrospect of innumei'-
rimes unpardoned ! Blcss-
5 they who have an interest
s bk>od divine, which ckan-
hmi ail sinl Evan. jMa^,

L John Mason, in the reign
ward the Sixth, being near
iMlutiou, and sensible he

had but a short time to live^ up-
on his death-bed called for his
clerk and steward, and delivered
himself to them to this purpose :
— ^^ I have seen five princes, and
have been privy counsellor* to
four ; I have seen the most re-
markable observables in foreign
parts, and have been present at
most state-transactions for thiity
years together, and I have learn-
ed this, after so many years' ex-
perience, That seriousness is the
greatest wisdom, temperance the
best physic, a good conscience
the best estate ; and were I to
live again, I would change the
court for a cloister, my privy
counsellor's bustles for an her-
mit's retirement, and the whole
life I lived in the palace, for one
hour's enjoyment of God in the
chapel." He concluded with
saying, " All things else do now
forsake me besides my God, my
duty, and my prayers."

Evan, Mag,

IKetiietn of J0etD publicationsf.

won, containing reflections
the 9oiar ecUfiBe^ tvhich afi'
red on June 16, 1806. de»
red on the Lord^s day/oiiov;-
, By Joseph Lathrop,
», fiat tor of the fir at church
West Sfiringfifld, Second
(ton. Springfield, Mass.
Dry Brewer, pp. 20.

B aged and respected au-
if this discourse has chosen
lis text) Amos viii. 9. Jt
eotne to /tana in that dauy
the Lord^ that 1 iviil cautic
m to go down at noo7iy and I
arken the earth in the clear
I. Vol. 11. F F

day. He observes, that as Amos
was a shepherd, who watched
his fiock by night, he would
naturally take notice of the
different appearances in the hea-
vens ; and that hence we find his
prophecy tinctured with astro-
nomical allusions. He remarks
also, that according to Archbish-
op Usher, there were two eclipses
u? the sun in tlie time of Amos,
wfiich happened at solemn festi-
vals, and struck th.e people with
great conbiernation ; and he
considers the text as prefiguring,
bv allusion to an event of this

gloomy kind, the calamities^

226

Dr. Latlrop^s Srmcn.

which HuD$; over the house of
Israel. After these introducto-
ry obserTations, he makes a few
moral and religious reflections.
1 . That v>e have rrason to rejoicr
in the firoffrr€e^ ^vhk'i ha* been
made in the icienceSf and /forticu'
tarty in astronomy. 3. That an
ecli/iBe of the sun may firo/ieriy
lead UM to contemplate the gloomy
change*^ which await U9 in this
guilty and mortal state, 3. 7'hat
the darkening of the earth in a
clear day brings to mind thejinal
judgment. 4. That total dark*
ness at noon^day reminds us of
the solemn scene tf the Saviour^s
crucifixion. 5. ITtat the cheer-
ful lights which foUowft an edifices,
is a natural emblem of that moral
change^ in which a soul is brought
out qf the dbrkness of sin atnf
guilt into the nutrvelloiis light of
fiurity^fiardonjandfieace. 6. That
the obscuration of the sun in the
sky bids us contemfilate the unin*
terrufited brightness of the hea*
venly state.

To those, who are acquainterl
with the excellent theolog;icnl
publications of the American
clergy, it will be needless to
commend the correctness, per-
spicuity, and simplicity, which
mark the style of Dr. Lathrop.
The following paragraph, which
is found- iwder the frst refec-
tion^ furnishes* no unfavourable
specimen of his manner..

" We see innumerable worlds roll-
ing around us, at vast, but various
distances ; with different, but incon-
ceivable rapidity. These all perform
their motions with regularity, and
observe their times with exactness.
They obey their destination, they
keep their order, they never inter-
fere. Sliall we not fear the power,
admire the niisdom, adore- the good-
ness of that Dcing, who made aful
adjusted, who suatains and directs
ftich a stupendous aysttm^and con-

<lcrs it subservient to our liap
These ration.iT sentiments an
iint and delij^tful in then
and far more conducive to pi
\irtue, than the tem^rs cf tka
stitious ignorance, which vici
comet flaming in the sky, ei
scurntion of the sun at nt>on-*
ery lailure of the full orbed 1
nig'ht, even' unusual noise 1
from the clouds, every stra
pearunce in the heavens, an
earth, as awfully portentous (
dire, but unknown, calamity.*

The following passages,
the ffth rejircfhii^ indica:
rect views of divine trul
will be wclcocTc to the
tian.

" How s:i(l .ind p^lmmy i«-i
dlti(m of a giillty mortal, w
vinced of his mimcroiis trs
sions, feels binisoU' Cfmden
eternal' death. The dlvineUn
Vi-as ddivcred- fn)m Sinai in
and darkness, in cUuids and t
thunders terror and dcstnicti(
ears^ But how happily is h
re%-erscd, when light, beamit
Mount J>ion in the dlscorei
promises of the gftspel, bfca
his soul, exhibits to him a d}
viour, a forjfivinj^. God, a san
Spirit ? Wliat joy sprinp^ n]
he finds the po\vor of sin »
his enmity to God shiin, his
tion to the gospel conqtiered,
ery thought captivated to tl
dicnce of CJnist ? The Uffht i
and Us sweetness i« increase
siiccecdinpj to previous darkn
the hopes and comforts of rel
the soul are exalted b\' the'ir <
to-preceding anxieties andfea
awakened, 3eapondinj>p souls,
to the Sun of Ri^jhteousnes
shines from hea\-en with salri
his beams. Howe^xr gfuilty,
thy and impotent ye fWcC t
grace sufficient for you; t
righteousness to justify you, p
to support you, the Sy>irit
you. Li^ht arises in th
Turn your eyes fVom the clo
direct them to the sun. Chri
a lipht into the world, that w
er believeth in him should n
in darkness. Look to him an
saved/*

JS86.]

PrcsLLm A'cit's Sc/nrjn.

227

Strmait preachtJ before the General
JbtenMr of the Prvthyterian Church
in the Umhed States nf America : by
appointment of their standings covi'
fnittee tf mutons. May 19, 180(5.
fubtiehid at thih request. By
£LirBAUET NoTT, D. J). Preii'
dut fif Union Coile^e in the State (f
i:e%jrcrk. Phibaclphia. J.Aitkeii.

Tbb .pFeach&r chose for his
text the following words, .4 Cor.
2T. 58. jllway abounding in
ike work qf the Lord,

**By tbounduur in the work of the
Xoid iiuy be unoerstpod aa uc^^uiesc-
cace in the divine government, and
a constant and cordial co-operation
>ridi the Divine Being', in accomplish -
in; iu objects ; one of which, and an
illuitrioiM one too, is the establish-
IDeatof the universal rei^n of the Met'
«'sl OS earth.** p. 7.

The object of the discourse is

to induce the co-operation of the

auditors in this work of the Lord

viib respect to the pagan tribes.

With this view the author

jncceds immediately to notice

the following particulars ; viz.

The certainty of CAritt'a kift^

im. It9 perpetuity. It is to be

advanced by human exertions,

7b su/cceed iu such an attempt

fdU be glorious, £veo to fail^

I0er having made sincere endeavr

mrf in so good a cause^ vfill be

glorious.

We think « text niight easily
have been found more impres-
sive, and better agreeing with
the general design of the ser-
mon : but we. cannot easily con-
reive of a sermon Uetter adapted
to the occasion.

Dr. Nott entert^iins very high
ideas of the hnal progress of the
gospeU and supposes tlie millcn*
nium is to consist not uf a thou-
land yeai's literally, but cither of
as many years as tlicru areduys in
this period, i. e, 360,000, or else
^f an iiulcriziite bui vast num-

«« This opinion, that Christ shall
reign a thousand ycai's on earth, gives
a %'er}* different aspect to the present
state of things, and funushes no in-
considerate relief to the dark and
(Usinal picture which tliis world would
otherwise present. How different
will be the entire view, sliould it ap-
pear in the sequel, that the thousand
years of peace promised to thechurch^
ai*e prophetic years, and ^denote
not a millenarv, but a vast dura-
tion." p. 11.

Every friend to the best inter-
ests of man would rejoice at
finding this opinion supported
by Scripture. How far- the pas^
sages adduced in this sermon
constitute such a support, we
leave the reader to determine.

That there is considerable

force in the following argument)

we think, cannot be denied.

** In tlie economy of redemption,
four thousand years were spent in
preparing the way fbrthe introiduction
of Messiah, the birth of Christ. Two
thousand more in vaoquishinc^ his en-
emies, and fixing the boundaries of
Ills empire— an empire which is to
endure but for a thousand years !
Satan triumph in this world six thou-
sand years, Jesus Christ one ! Is this
consonant to the dictates of reason,
or the analogy of providence ?*• p. 12.

Another argument is this. If
the millennium cominve but sim-
ply a thousand years, the world
will not exist much more than a
thousand years longer. The
Doctor tliinks, that according to
bcripture representation (Ps. (!ii.
Isa. li. Heh. i.) the eaith will not
be destroyed till it shall have
waxen old and decayed.

" As doth a garment, so God de-
clarcSf that heaven and earth shall
wax old. And till they have waxen
old tliey shall not be destroyed.
They must first be despoiled of their
beauty, marked by the lines, and pal-
sied by the influence of age.**
p. 17.

As this noble stiiicture of
heaven and earth appears so

229

President Noifs Sermon.

■ound and brighti after the wear
of almost 9ix thousand years,
the author concludes that with
Common use it may cndut^ more

than one thousand years to come.
** it does Dot appear that those
heaTeni and thia eaitb, which aher
^ lapte of six thousand yean, still
qispUy so much magnificence, and
i^ne m so much glory, will, in little
more than a thousand years, have
gzowh old as doth a g^anneht, and be-
come unfit for use." p. 18.
. A prudent inan may jud^
h6w long a garment win last ;
SL akilful ^utificer, by elamining
ihi limbers of a buildfag, may
judge how long it will stand ;
but notteV it is fa^lievedi but the
divine Architect, so thoroughly
krioWs the structure of the uni-
verse, as to foretel either its con-
tinuance or dissolution*
. The following reflections, aris-
ing from this extended view of
the Millennial period,are animat-
ing^'uid furnish a fiiir specimen

of our author's «tyle and manner.
'I,** Whatjdeas does this article give
na of the dp^if^ of Deity in creation
and .wdempuon ! How ^ august ap-
p^ar^ the ehAracter, how complete
|he victory of Jesus I Where once
stood m cross now stands his throne.
And the 'same world which once saw
tfve transitory triumph of his adversa*
ly, now sees bisown abiding triumph,
Slid pays to his divinity a perpetual
homage. This glorious period tlie
djeath of Christ principally respects.
All previous Cvmuuests are unimpor-
^t. Those subdued by his grace
during six thousand years, will be
few compared with the number who
shall crown Iiis final triumph. How
great that number will be I dare not
even coi\]ecture. But, though I dare
not, I love to agitate the Question ;
to recount the hundred and forty and
four thousand; to contemplate, and
to become absorbed, in that greftt
multitude of the rcdetmed, from
among all nations, a multitude which
no man can number .''

In relation to that happiness

which believers will experience^

at meeting in heaveilf

whom their charity hasi

strumental of saving, the]

er exclaims,

*' Moment of unutterable
Angels, could angels covet
emulate your bliss, and suHb
come partakers in it." p. 33.

Will not the angels exp
as great bliss at beholifii
redeemed of the Lord
to Zion, as any of their
beings, who may have bi
strumental in bringing
tliither ?

Though we cannot g^

unqualified approbation i

sermon, we, on the who!

sider it as possessing no

ry degree of merit. It }

gelical and deeply impi

The author imitates, will

success, the thunderin

quence of the Fretich-

One can hardly read the

ing paragraphs, without

ing, that the writer had t\

the fidling mantle of

Saurin. In reference

Pagan world he exclaims*
•• And now, O my God, wh
shall I say > Can the unfeelin
of man contemplate miser
most extreme, and not be nu
Fmm the hill of Zion, beami
light, and smiling with life, le
rect your view to tlie vale of di
and the shadow of death.

** Yonder are the pagans,
of humanity, O that I could c
them to you !•— cold, naked, fa
friendless ; roaming the deser
ing with revenge, and thirsi
blood.— Yonder are the
Friends of Immanuel, O that
describe them to vou, assen
the ground of enchantmept,
^iigthe delusions of witchcrai^
ing the heavens by the saci
dngs, and paying their impioitt
tions at the shrines of devils !
From these profane devodc
hoary warrior retires. His at
tcr with age, he reaches the til
of his but, and siidu beneath

1806.]

Religious Intelligence.

229

tMb « the cold etrtb» hit bed of
3nfli. No STmpftthizing^ friend par*
taket in hii mitciy* no filial hand is
ttretched oat for his relief. The
tile of bisyputhhas forsaken him ;
hit daughters are carried captive ;
\k um» have been slain in battle.
Iihinsted with sufTerings, and weary
tf liiCy he turns his eye upon the
|me. Bat the ^ravc to him is dark
jkid dent. Not a whisper of comfort
ii beaid from its caverns, or a beam
tflfgfat glitters on its gloom. Here
Aeontain drops, time ceases^ ctemi-
J begins : Might v God, how a^^-ful is
Mieene whidi follows ! But I dare
aot attempt to lift the veil that coy-
fn it K moment since, and this
imwrtil soul was within the reach
nijnjtt: now its destiny is fixed,
m joit, eternal Sovereign ! arc thy
decSuoBs." p. 28, 29.

'* Can It be that the tender mercies
of Mch an auditory arc exhausted ?
Have jou then notliing more to lend
to Jesus Christ ? Have you nolon^j^r
snjr iloii lo bestow on your sufienng
bifthitn, and shall I tell them ^ou
ktvs not ? sliall I recall the mission-
Ms you have sent them, and cxtin-
pith the hopes which your former
cksiities have inspired ? Shall I pro-
iSBiee on the savages their doom,
sbiD I say to the pagan just emerg-
ing 6om the gloom of nature and di-
Wftiig his steps towards the hill of
Kfcf £c hack into your forest, cover
'tyour altar vith victinu, mutter
mgAify onttmM to the ttart, and be

iatitfied viitk the vain hope rfthe coun-
try beyond the hilU ? Arc these (lie
sentiments of Christians ; Ciiristians
whose hearts have been softened by
redeeming love, whose immortiil
hopes rest on sovereign nierr\', and
whose unceasing song, through cu r-
ftal ages, will be, g^ace, rich grace >**
p. 37t 38.

The Hurt that Sin doth to Z?r-
iiex*er» ; to which is addedy a
ivord of entreaty to all thoHCj
that name the name qf Christy
to dcftart from inir/uity. By
Nathanikl McIntire. Bos-
ton. Belcher and Armstrong.
1806. pp.41.

This little pamphlet, the pro*
duction of a layman in a humble
walk of life, bears the marks of
piety and good sense. The au-
thor seems to possess an inti-
mate acquaintance with the
Scriptures. Some little inaccu-
racies must be e^^pectcd, but
they are readily overlooked by
those, who wish for a plain rep-
resentation of important truth,
and who prefer a pious senti-
ment to an elegant period.

Eeltgtoujer 3[ntcUtgcnce.

UNITED STATES.
RiGULAH iuUTcourse has for some
years past subsisted between the
General Assembly of the Presbyte-
rian ehureh, and the General Asso-
ciation of the State of Connect init.
Lately the Convention of the State
of Vermont have been i-cceivcd into
the connexion. Delegates from e.ich
of these representative bodies at-
tend and art at tiicir respective un-
nual iiR:etings, and communicate in-
fcnBAtion concerning the state of re-

ligion, j^'ithin their several jtirisdic-
tions, and confer together, m itli a view
to devise measures best atlaptetl to
presci*ve the harmony and advance
the prosperity of the churches.
Much advanta'i^ to the cause of <*ur
common Cliristianityhas alrcidx been
the result ; & it is earnestly liuj)td ihal
the Congregational churches in M:is-
sachiisetts uiul New Hampshire will
speeciily muke the necessary ur-
rungcments fur joining in tliis useful
int&rcoumc.

230 Oftlic General Assembly. [O

The General AsiemUj, at their jwara, if prompt and e&ctnal

nicciu:^^ In May last, received the tures be not taken to fumiah a eupdly

iuUowjii^ rcpurt frum the He v. Gcr- of roiiiiiten, much grater than tM

«hom VV liliauis, their delegate to the exittiri^ state of things is likely la

Coiivciuion of Vermont ; produce. The Assembly were^ iBf

** 'I'hut ugrce«bly to appointment, deed, deeply affected fay the neV|

he aticu led during tlic whole of their which they had taken of this subject,

stfSsioDS, Mhich were held kt Pitts* and were e&trcmelv aoUcitoilt t»

lord — Llui he was received and treats adopt the most ef^cient measurtti

cd in a manner, which discovered which circumstances i>ermit, to rem*

hi^ii reo|>ect fur the General Assem- edy the evil, which exists, and to pra*

tiv i tiiut nu very important business vent its MigmenUttion. But, at th^

except ihc common concerns of their Pre8b}'tcrics of which thp As^cnUr

chuich, came before ihem— that very have the oversight, ar« fCfttered

ajrceaUe accounts were received <» over a wide extent of countiy, an4

the rcvivid of religion in various their circumstances are known tQ bo

paits oi tiie Sute*-tnat the churches extremely various, it occurred, tha^

m that quai'lcr si>pear to be dwelling an abwlufe injunction on idl the PTeo-

to^elhcr in iMirinony , and that with- byteries immediately to enter on the

in the term of tlut:e years past, a execution of the plan proposed, migbt

%er)' great change, favourable to the bear hard on some, if not be entirely

cauMi of rehi^'ion, has taken place— incapable of execution. On the other

that it has been a time ol rei'rcshing, hand, ^Mifly to reeommend an atten*

ill wluch the visible chui-ch has been tion to the ]>lAn, without attaching

greatly incxeased^^at they have any responsibility to the neglect w

coiue into more regular order ; and the recommendation^ appearra to thtt

are combining their councilb in exer- Assembly incompatible wittk tlio

Cifting Uic discipline ol* the church :— high importance of the subjeet, and

that they appear cordially desirous with their own duty as the guardiaBa

that the inicrcourite now begun be« of the church, bound especaalbr to

tween them and the General Asscm- provide for their people a supphr of

b|y may cs: continued." Che word of life. It was therewo

The Abttcmbl) , at their meeting in determined to take a iniddie eavat

Ma", l>iaii, submitted to the conoid- between theike extremes, so as, if

cration oi the several Presbyteries possible, to avoid the inconvemcnoo

in their counexioc, " an Overture re- of both. With this in view, it waa

>|)ec ting Uie education of pious youth resolved to recommend, ami the JU^

for the minLvtry ." lu May, 1806, semhly do hereby matt eamettfy iiiopwa

the Assembly resumed this impor- mendl to every Presbytery under

tint subject, and having been made-ac- their care, to use tbeir utmost oBp

quaiutca with th*: opinions of the scv- deavours to increha^Jtty all naitabla

^■A Pi LsbyiericK, which ha.ppily were means in their power,'tne number of

in (mi son, tliey <* determined, that promising candidates for tlie hofy

the pari of tne werttLre^ vihick relate* ministr} — to press it upon the paiv

to tnc icicuion and education of young ents of pious yottth to educate them

'incn (J piety and talent* for the gnupel for the church, and on the youth

iutiuMrj, ijrtseutb a plan, wliich they themselves, to devote their talcnU

couoidcr as well deserving their and theiriives to this sacred callingf—

C(;iinicnunv.(* And bupport. K is, in- to make vigorous exertions to raiae

dved, an obvious and melancholy fimds to assist all the yimth, who

fuel, thai the candidates for the gos- may need assistance — to be carcfiil

pel mini, iry, within the bounds of tlia't the youth whom Uicy take oil

The Pic;;b}urian church, at present, their funds, give such evidence aa

i'. jv-i-aiiy dispi-oporiionate to the de- tlie nature of the case admits, that

J. .;;.<;, \vliich is made for their scr- they possess both talents and pieiy^

'...»- , iii.o. that Uie rapid inert ase of to inspect the education of theao

;.(■ ..:.v c..i»^;rc^;utions, talen in con- youth during the course both of their

j.v iiuii \. itii lilt: \oui!i, w ho are study- acadeniicnl and theological studies,

i'i,( lor the mini::ry, presents a most choosing for them such schoob, senw

vlooniy pnjsi>ect oi* what is likely to inarifs, ami teachers, as each Preiu

^f lUe .jtAte of oui chui^h Iti k fw^v ^'.'t^r; may judge mott proper Mm|

1806.]

Of the General Assembly.

231

Kifantsgeoat, wo as erenttuUy to
kfinr tbem into the ministry, well
famished for Uieir work— and the
Assembly do hereby onler, that eve-
rr Presbytery under their care, make,
annually, a report to the Assembly,
fltjUing particularly what they have
done in this concern, or why (if the
case so shall be) they have done
BOthinir in it ;— und the Assembly
will, wnen these reports are receiv-
cd, consider each oistiiictly, and de-
cide by vote, whether the Presbyte-
ries severally shall be considered as
hacvinp discfaarf^d, or negleeted tlieir
duty, in this important business.

"The Assembly called upon the
synods, which manage the missiona-
ry busSneis in a separate capacity, to
repQKt their dili^nce and success in
this work.

••A report on this subject was
presented by Mr. Matthews, in be-
naif of the synod of the Carolinas.
From this, it appeared, that in the
course of the year preceding the last
meeting of synod, they had two mis-
sionaries employed for about nine
months each, at the Natchez, and
parts adiacent ; and that the reports
recciTca from the missionaries gave
great hopes of continued success, in
the nnssion to that quarter : — that
one other missionary had spent one
■ontli in missionary labour, in the
Nofdi Western parts of the State of
North Carolina : that some of the
■issionaries appointed by the svnfxl,
had been prevented fi'om fulfilling
their appointments ; and that the sy-
nod hare directed the Presbytery- of
Orange to ordain Mr. James Smilie,
widi a view to his returning as a mis-
•ionanr to the Natchez.

** The synod of Pittsburg did not
Bake a formal report on this sub-
ject ; but a letter to the chairman of
the Committee of Missions, from the
Board of Trust, which has the imme-
diate direction of the missionary bu-
siness in that synod, was laid before
the Assembly and read.

*' From this it appeared that the
ayaod of Pittsburg, with a commen-
dable seal and flattering prospects of
success are attempting the instruction
and civilization of the Wyandot In-
aiaiUt residing at, and near Sandus-
ky ; that the synod sent three mis-
aionaries thitlier last summer, each
of w1u>m spent two months or more

in the service, and were well receiv-
ed by the Indians : that the Ind'an^u
having expressed a strong deaijc to
have the gospel established in the
nation, a school for the education of
their children and the arts of civil
life introduced among them ; the s>-
nod, encouraged by tnese t'avouruble
Appearances, had made the greu'^.st
cfti>rts to follow the leadings of di-
vine Providence in this case.

** That they have employe J tlie
Rev. Mr. Joseph Badger as a stated
missionary for one year ; two wliiie
men as labourers, of whom one to bo e-
ventuftlly employed as a srhoblni aster ;
one black man (acquainted with thcir
laugiiage, and hopefulty pious) anrl
his wife: tliey have also puichi.^tMl
sundry live stock, housrhoid lurni-
ture, implements of husljandrv, a
boat for transportation, &r. nil oC
which were to be forwarded to Smi-
dusky, about the first of A])ril lus; ;
that the synod, animuted with a noble
zeal in this glorious cause, are ex-
tending their views to the Scntc^i I'l-
dians, settled on tlie Allegliany i ivii*,
anil devising means for brlngiii}^ rh'.-ni
'* out of clarkncss into marvcl!'^ -.u
light."— On the whole, the Assem-
biy were higlily gratiiied by the
prospects opened to tlicm by the w-
nod of Pittsburg; and only rc^'-' •:
the want of means to I'calize tl.e
blessings they present.

" The following letter hnving I"'C'?n
read before the Assembly, tlicy
agreed to recommend, and do here-
by recommend it to the attention of
all tlieir Presbyteries, and the youth
concerned :

"Tub College of Ncw-Jer.-r.v v.iis
originally founded with a pnrtirular
view to promote the interests of re-
ligion, as well as learning, by trairi-
ing up men of piety and talents *\:r
the ministn* or the gosj>el. The
Trustees of the institution have ever
been attentive to tliis great objict,
and have made the most ^<;vnen.)us
provision for the support :uul in-.? ruc-
tion of theological students. At the
encouragements here uftered to surh
students are hut little knrmTi, tl>c
Faculty take tlie liberty of mention-
ing them to you, and refjuei»tinj^ } on i<»
co-operate with them in carryiu)*' iti-
to cfrot.t the benevolent designs (»f the
trustees, by sending hitlicr any yi'uriij'
men with whom you ore &c«^UiiintiL.

Stpnt V'Mf l^ttd ^f^ftite

vc facM to be erripTHl.

■*AnnerM«M'«io •!« utiully en.
^gtd in tin iMr of tbcoIogT, Bt
'wkitetcc iiMlllulton tl^. n*; lure
fMclwdthftprdinHiiiyiMlti «f thdr
cdocatioa, nn, vnfniaidfagfrattr
tti^BMUf oftUtr chwacte^ punue
tbdrfiufter (tufe* here itt die mod-
crate chwc (tf one doUariveek tat

venipne«, M itfa bonoDT to i%

and adi~a.iiLig(i and . succcB

board, and eiyej the MriitaBce of the
heudcutatid Proftnor ofTbeologT',
liFithoat tfiy fce fbr 'inmiclioii.
lIl^jnAfMr pn* kctot^ to the
71ie«ilDpc«l Studenta twIcCr m'thfl
veek I and attach iiwceeding meet-
iitff eziuiiin«.titein.Mrictlf «n the
sobject. of the fracedhw )ecUm>
Uiacoiirw of I,cet|irei einEcacea Di-
«im^, Eccfctiaitital.Ht«iar)% Churc^
Gmemmfent, CbrittiaB ma Jeirt^
AiXiqiiitiea,andtlM Dutiea of the paa-
toral Office. He inabrocti tbote who
deaire it, in the Hebrev luigna^
M uaefiil, and timoit indllpeaMble to
a good divine.

*■ At crtry meetiofr, me Dr more of
hit pupiU Kubmit* to bit criti^m and

suppe

'pwvioMly 1

Praftiaor, together whh the Freii-
dent of tlie College, h«ldil.a Theolo-

S'cal Mciety once in the week fbrthe
• i^atBion of important qnrstiont,
iBtmeiliately relative to theacience of
Sivinity.

" The eraalatian and ebconragE-
ment communicMed by a variety of
fellon' ttildcnts.tbeoppottnnitj'ofcul.
tlrating' any branch of acienee, and
an accFis, at all tjinea, to a Urge and
well lelecteil Tliculopcal Library, are
other aiLvBHtaget of no amall con-
tcquence.

In behalf if tht Faeahy,
SAMUEL S. SMITH, /ywit/eM."

We add a half ilwet to the prcient
.JTumber to adioUantire the fbl-

Stpott ^ tU TVw iw« ^ ti€ Bamp-
tklre JUiuiciuirj Saaetj, maHt at'
tktir 4vtmei3&itingi».Ntirtluitiifton,
. tht but Ttmrtd^ u ^i^l, 180G.

Messrs. Payson V/tti
inomaJ H. Wood, laboiipd|
counties of Onimdaf^o and Cb
each of th«ni fit'tten weef
Wood rode 1*00 njilee, pre!
icrmons. admiLiistered th|(
-, baptism IStioR
11 schools itnd about 306^
atiendcd several confewiieM
Uibutcdthe Society's book J,1
opportiinltv.aiid found theret

Mr, WiUiBloii wai not ■''
lliboriuus and feithful u
the several parts of hit a

Re*. Royal Phdps
mission to 'the weitwa. _
n-eeti. From hti jonmaSf B
tliil be liad a truly Tnissioiu
and hibuurnl uitlitiut e^uM2
much effect. These nv
nho hsTC cntirelj' appro
•ictvcb to the Tnislcca. «-
the respect Viitli uhlch
j^ommoniy trested ; of (1_
shewn to' hear the vitA i
10 receive more priwU^'i
and attend conferences f''

pratefully ackitowledged- ,-
TionofaiiniUr ones' carnMfflr^
ed, minsionnry insdtutiMui U
timitcd, and their benevolH
thin< almost ever)- where t^
invned. Otlen it iras ditflciN
people to utter all they M
experienced. In diver* n
liewinjf ear wss [frantud. Tfl
en bunif on the lipi of the ;ii:
speaker ; eager to benr. Aim
improve, slow to deport loi/f
return. Impression* WQTe''^
the troth, faithfully and., pi
preached, which, it ia binedi
prmtanent. The Holy S(*|tj
elFectually with the wtadj "ff
the heart and Rfamunr^.t
ThcT otale that such ■■ thrj
and ^elpleas condition of moi
neu- settlements tliat tbey Mfl
ly, and probably will loijf j
which tilt finidi of this (Mh
other societies, will be ablip i

tbei

relief

!SJS

™Sjp^,

plantations are am^ and tfj
■rnneoftiiem are diiidcd inli
giou) opinions, and some ale.
by (barp and \inchriii>in cflA
Meun. VfmtuA'tai .Vk^n;

1806.3 Hampshire Missionary Society.

23d

frind^ IntOTiew with the New.
SlDdkri4gc Indiaiify under tbexmme-
iutdt care of the Rer. Mr. Sbrgsam t. >
Sonedung was ttid relative to a
BniuQii amon^ tome remote tribes of
IndisBS ; particularly the Bfiami and
Deiavaie. Though at present your
iiisds are small, and though few are
^ulifiedt and inclined to undertake
stek a mission, and thougli yet little
iidoiqg* the friends of souls are cam-
«l(|rlookiiig for the time when a wider
^•ar may be opened to preach to the
lidras the ei-eriasting gospel of the
Ueaed God and our SaTiour.

Ser. Messrs. Joseph Field, Samuei
SewiU end John Dutton fulfilled a
in the whole, of fifty-four
in the counties of Ox fond and
in the District of Maine.
Mr. Tidd preached 83 times ; 35 on
the Lad's dity, and 48 on other da^s ;
tdministeKd the Lord's supper four
teoy and aeren baptisms, inspected
Kkools and attended funerals. Mr.
SevsB rode nearly 1400 miles, preach-
ed 133 sennons, risited private fami-
Bd^ ittflnded conferences, and per-
fimed other missionary labours.

Ifr. Ootton was equally disposed
mA enshlcd to discharge tlie impor-
tnt trust committed to him. They
Kadocd useful sen'ices to tlic Socie*
to; dwir labours were gratefully re-
OBfed and crowned with success.
AB your missionaries agree in the
OtSty and necessity of continuing
tkoe missicms, of increasingthc num-
ber of labotu*ers, and contracting the
fitk) of labour.

The labourers being few and their
harvest plenteous, and desirous of do-
Bymore good, the field of labour may
k impn^rlv extended and the pro-
pQwdcffirct diminished. Everything
cssBotbe efllected, and should not be
ittempted, bv a few persons in a short
tnDe,en)1iraC2ng a lai'ge extent of ter-
rilvy in their commission. Fearing
kit me)' should not do what is expect-
ed and allotted them, they arc induc-
ed to pass rapidly fmrn place to place,
ud iMsen their ministerial semces.
The? cannot do what they would.
Omd three objects be gained ; an
UKKsse of missionaries, a contraction
ef their limits, and a lengthening of
their missions, much greater jcood
Would be eficcted. At present n? cr s-
fity restrains your operations . l*i ov-
Idencc may in timtrvaovc these dif-
Ko.5. Vol.JI. "" Q 9

ficulties, bririiten your prosnects, en-
large your funds, and furnish suffi*
cient numbers to preach in remote
parts the unsearchable riches of
Christ, to the instruction, c6flV^-
sion and salvation of many thousands
of precious and immortal souls. Larg-
er contributions have beeii made to
tiie funds in the new settlements the
last year, than before.

The Trustees at their last annual
meeting appropriated for the present
jear, for missions, a sum not cxceed-
1X1^ 90O dollars, and for books the sum
or 400 doUarf. You have now five
missionaries in your employment-—
Rev. Messrs. Joseph Blodget, David
H. Williston, John Dutton, Roy-
al Phelps and Nathaniel Dutton.
Messrs. Blodget, Williston and John
Dutton, are employed in Oxford and
Kennebec counties, for fiAy weeks in
the whole. Messrs. Phelps and Na-
thaniel Dutton, are employed in
Onondaro and Chenango counties
and on ue Black river, for fifty-two
weeks, making in the whole 102
weeks' service for 856 dollars.

As yet but a few communications
have been received from the mission-
aries ; tliese arc of an encouraging
and pleasing nature. As in former
years the Trustees have attended to
the distribution of books. They con-
ceive that this object justly claims
much attention, and must claim it in
future. In this way continual and
rich instruction is easily, cheaply,
and extensively diffused. The books
which have been sent this year to be
distributed will appear by document
(A) OS will those which are now on
hand.

Availing themselves of a larg^ im-
pression of Vincent'** Explanation of
the Aucmbl/9 Catechism,, a very valu*
able work, made at the desire of sev-
eral Associations, the Trustees hav«
taken for the Society's benefit 700 co-
pfies at a very reasonable price ; one
hundred and sixty of which have been
exchanged for 2,000 sheets of Tracts
and other works proper for distribu-
tion. Bound witn Vincent, it a well
written address on the subject of
prayer and family religion, by Rev.
Dr. Tnimbull. The mat profits of a
good woTk, called the Pancfiiist, ari-
slnp from the sales in this county,
huve been offered by the £diturs for
your bfprft i and will add hctwcctt

•S4 • '^lieport vfifie ^fi^steei of the

' TO.vkd iixiiJtlitt to jwr fbnds for w<6lt; ther will b6 on lu^' finHKct

tll^prc^cnt year. The Trjstces ^atc Importnnt dc8i|^. ' Manj ctmiid

tlki^t fic%*cral donations h'&Te been tions ^irill powerfiiUT ' resist fiiiilt

VMl^ by in^v iduals, u'cll wi ^b ers to ancHrestriness in this ' acreptftUie"

•g^iute. Hon. Willl:i[n Hr:llip«, ^ice of Chrirtwnlovc. ItwiUbe _

E}i^. of Bolton, has given /E/ry doGurt ; fut frequcTitly to recollect ' liov m ^^■iqjr

vA^ hu been ack.noWled^cl in % sociirticii'of ChriiitiBM :Arc cn{(U|^-

, lettct- of thank« addressed to him.-^ fhM work, VKdt what views, iif i

Libetal sums have been rcceircd this ways ami to wfrat elbriods tfMb^

■year froni the Fein ulc Association : they puriiiie it : Kmv their lott

•ie document CBJ. It is belic^•t■ll ysvJi, their faith and hope* gwy-

tliat many streams wiU yet flow frtim ccedingly. Plans are ripcned,"ail

that source rsto your trc:istin', i^hirL provided and mstruments fa"'*

^'iil benefit and rcje^e* those who to^Tiitdertakc \x*r\' labt^rihur,'

ncvd and desire' pious instrurtiun. and hazardous enterprizes iit

.The charitable c-ontributions made- at cause of tiie dca? Intkuamic^l" In

difierent times since die last mccliojc '^pc this work is pursu^l li-itif 'i

liaviiiucreascdtlic funds. Thcamior- mittcdassiidaity and tmalniMJl-

tka have been )r£ncralW though not wMi sanguine expectation 'aiitt^

iwBoliy piU^. V arious reasons may metnorabtc sacces*. In thM ^

Hare pi^uccd a temporary delay, too, the same 9i|»rit, tihcKed'Jk' ftlflii

Seasonable pavmcnts are useful and above, g^ws, spreads ahd •lf6fiA**vlrth-

enriching to tiie funds : as monies, ens, AJmost throiigliout fbe-Vi^

not soon needed, are loaned. The States similar societies af^'fim

itiQiiies which have been rcceircd for im^asinrs adopted, mofiidr-Mll»»

th^ funds, will appear fn)m docn- at^c^ (Persons employed tx>

I11«nt (B 9w C) being 1303 dolls. 34 sa^-our of divine truth far'lfhf^

l-2*cts. TM expenditures from doc- The gospel of C Hais-r is tlitis pf

ument ( D } amount! ng to 1 1 42 dolls cd to multi t adcs, who^ withMI sue.

51^1-2 cts. The present state of the nerolent aid, Mrould Yvrt dertStu

Treasury wit?i tlie report of the Au- the means of grrace, ptut^ deei

diting Committee from document (E.) ignorance and error, and']

The Trustees hope they can say, transfnit a dreadful andtidiotu ii

Hitherto hath the Lord owned arid ittmceof ignorance, error and eo

J»ro^>cred the institution. Many tion to their posterity. It is' not ^^j

uafC been disposed to advance this ^r those, who have been afway.^^ ft* '

jl^at and good work. While some vDured with a fulness of religious ad- ^

hare readily honoured tJic Lord \7ith rantages, duly to estimate mir 0vn f

their substance, and repeatedly con- mercies or keenly fcol for their brclh- t-^

secratcd a part of their carthh' treas- rcn famishing for want of the' bread ' -<

ures to eliaritable uses ; others have of life.

Recn found and inclined tp cann Into It is refreshing and animating ^® ?*■

full effect, thr bcnrvulcnt designs of dwell upon the good alreai^ prousB^" L.

the Society, Tlie liberal aid afford- ed. The solitary placi hath becw >

ed by numerous female associations made glad, and in the desert thej'hsi-'*'* L

}br tlic pnrchajte of Bibles and other sung tlie songji of gion. Churches b^^^ V-

anitabhr books, should not be for^t- been planted, ministers settled* •.**» \

'(enand suppressed. Ko small prHise the word and institutCons of Cnit* ^ "J \

is due to God for this very thing, hare proved the power of Cbu »-*^ \

It IS what might have been l(X)ked for the wtsdbm of Go xr unto the apiri*****

ftura tlic readiness of piqus and char- good ofperishing sinners. The ^y ^\

(table women to do good j fn)m their of the Mind have been opened, »-^^^

com])assion for souls and their earnest the ears of the deaf have been unst^^"^^

desire to spread the tnith. pcd : the lame have leaped, an<l"^^^

The present state of the funds will dumb have sung the .praises' of

not let us doubt of being able to fiir- deeming love. * Christians have "

^ish future supplies for cur distant ediffed, quickened, comforted

"»cttlcment.s. But, sinec continued of- sanctified by the truth.

forts require continued supplies, tlie and grace of Christ. This la _ ^^
■j^ends of Christ apd humanity wiH work of Cod \ wpndrous and '—"^^
not discontinue them. Having begna to our minds and hearts. »

tfiwips/we ^ii^simary Society.

A Jiono^r tp be workers
£ Gnd in fom anliii}^ the
caption, ia building up Zi-
(^ 8ini)crs to the knoH kdg«
cc of the fxitli, :ind pre-
fer xnimortai blc«sediit-M.
to reticct that niurh re-
done ; that much iiiuv be
1 people : t!iat much is
tbcm ;. that for this pur.
atows his' bounties'; that
licy a: id otlicrs cull tl:cir
ord*s ; that hodeniands a
hat he pyes^br hi6 more
se. Such an appUcution
\i an qdour ot a sweet
-our unto God. He can
ilebs 3'ou for your labours
lis cause. ,Hc can con-
fy iib^al i^idjioly souls
n .aUaufticicncy uiul tJic
e fulness of Jesus Christ.
•' such poMcrfid considcr-
cllcd by such weighty
I not the friends of Christ
kind jK'rscvere in their
Iberalities, tlieir sen ices
g!i], by the ^acc of God,
'sa shall unixcFiialiy In*-
4en, and tlie -iUscrt like
r the Lord ?

The.TniStees su|^est to the Soci-
ety the expediency of rccoinD)endiiig
to the several Congregational and
Prrsb\-tcrian Societies m <lie count}',
a contribution to aid the fuDfls qf die
society, to be made on the aonucl
lliauksgiving^Qr on ^ome Lord's day
near, as shalfDcJucgvd moat eligible';
and that this Report shoiihl be publifib-
cd, circuUved.^ivi |ireviously read in
public . While ddinggood toothers, you
may hun^blyhope taat God» who boih
Hamsters scedlo ibc. sower and brcftd
to the eater, uill not let you lack any
good thing.; ' an^that hQ M'UI iucrcafe
tiie fruits of your righteousness i ihtt
you ni:^' I>e "enriched unto all boun-
tifulness ; fur which liberality of ^'oura
many than^sghringv wUl lie rendered
unto God through our Lord Jesus
Christ.

In the name of the ThisUes^
$AMUEL HCJPKINS, T. /W*.

At a meeting of the Society* North-
ampton, Augustas, 1800, read, ac-
ceptcd and voted to be printedv cUstri-
hutcd and publicly read, as reported
by the Trustees to the Society.
Jtteit,

J AYSON WILLIST0N,J?>.5ec.

>CUMENT A.

r dittrihuinm into the
tie menu, 1806.

Li€t nf Book* on hand, IMtf.

■S Prapni,
Iter,

feriBtian SaUvit^

cS.

'lie a1 Maipi2.iDi*,
«•

thcBiUe,

'«

ran,

rlaliu.

Ifcia,

E faiintclf.

WS^It

nev3

Ko.
71
If

It:
I

l?C

3«
M

v.*

31
J

'4
14

i>
»c
6%

«o
50
t « ■

4<i
I
I
I

1
I

i:9i

Mf rt icrmiMit,
DuddrM«eS RlK ind rM|f*w,
in. OB the rirv at ite >nq|,
do. AddrtH to tbff BiMtcfa
Laf hrfip% 6 ScmoBi,

&n.' nntSte CSriiilaa ^kbtath,
CPinccrlcut Erangrlical MaRMCinr,
llniinifnw«y*i OitcnarM- to ChilSica,
llr*t wiy tA (IcfrnA the BlUr,
Wattf * Divinr ^onci,
i'tlcnitn** lacnmpfcIiCttiiMeMM,
Dk^idtOA'f rral ChriiUaB,
lialv'« ovrnmnt
KfpKit fnr IHC:,

f'T" 1 803,

«tir I«04,

tur IttCSi
In.t'u(\iu|i* lad idftm,
VL'i.iBt,

Whole

4JJI

DOCUMENT B. e?* C.

frcreatfuf 4hefumJ* fftht Hampthire

MftKinnajry Societv^ fi -/fn Amguit 29,

180.5, tn Augutt ?8, 1806.
Dnnnii'w, nf %ht- PMule CbiiftiMc AiaodMlna.

Sou «•-
In .\»)h<-r«r,fif<: puiih, 4 74

A«tflrUl, i «|

Chr«ti-r, e t%

('.aft^rn, 10 SI

-lladjiv. ^j M

llaif^-ld, ^g ^

Nerjiaat]Hoa, i| yy

236'

Report^ ^'C-'

■fnacMWt

WllUundbnrilk,
BMifltld,

•4
tt

If
«0

Mite*

Total tmnlt
!m tlM Ti— i Iwc fMi;^

Sl9 4P

hi Jfewnnl*

If W©. 7,

nflfCMBt Ho* 4*

19
If

YMalor thaAndortto

Kxpn«idaftUitaMfBr

«j StlcA8«rmo«,

MO TraMM* I«p0ft» laeif

dhtdkutiM,
TOO VUMMt^ Cftvc»l«»« .
losM, c«nii|i, Aecoftaokii

f40

Mm iMk S(OT«llt
CiMlllw,j«dk

INwcrilQfl tU.
aclpio,lakeT^Tlor,
teftirtar»»«i.Cci

f40 ^

■f ftattle CtarhaUe AMOdattOMi

|lM«ftk»C«Ulft

New KttlrAeBU,

fwtiB il nmiilfp^ llw mi

Dtmation9 Ai foinur mndpariihn.

Amtent, itt
AmMnt, ad
Aakfltld,

Bocklud,

Chwl««Mt«

OfMiby,
OnflvUlt, oOMIt

■Mfteld,

rtor.

ItarthaniptsSf
liBiwtck,

tMnMA,
tktlburac,
tOBtOMnpini,

iMitb-nidteTt

tuaderlaadf
WMtfield,

W. IpriBfield, lit

VlUlamabarcb*
Vorthiagtoo,

II •$

7 fS

I 00

I 50
|0 S7

9 00

31 to

f 00

« 00

16 47

II «S

10 po
H 17

40 30

to fo

•»• 97

71 06

• 00

13 6}

49 ao

s oo

6l 7f

ao oo

II 00
S4 10

«> 71
S9 SI

as s6

Ift so

f6 47

«4 so

Bit 95

DonaUont madeou$ <f the county.
■en. ^Nntltem Piuni^> Bottoa, so oo

Ikr*. Joh«Dutta««HaitfM4,Virr. % oO

tadiet in BraokfteM, west psrU^ lO SO

K«v. Thomu H. Wood, BaUhx, Vcr. a oo

jcdVdlahl|»it,liq. lUUftit^lir. « OO

fVoM DoddfUp'i KUc, fte. «f ErflilML,

donation* made in tht new^ettlemenu.

In Maine.

9Araa, Gideon CuUmM. I 00

NotTldtewilk, 4 10

lomnct and Uirtfiardt 7 If

ItoUad, 16 00

'W^WrrUk, IS 00

«lO AKf.

Mi mat*

tmmti ^ wtltuki U0 jMT me tddm

AOCUMBNT D.
SxfeiiAhtnt tf the B^mfeMn ^HSn
nonary Soeit^r»het9eenlMgmt'L WBt^
aniAuguMt 1806^

BaUuice paid to MiisioDiriea t/jf^aiMBj*
ed, 1805.

Etv. JOKph nddt
XcT. Joka Dotioiit
Mr. SUiMlltvBUt
Mr.RoralPte^s

Jn athanee, 1806.

fter. Natbuiiel Outtosa JS 00

Her. J<Mepb Blodfily 100 00

Toulfor

^or J?ooi#.

71 BiMtt,

ts uyauwumm,,

O7O Warn' Divlae Scam
400 Tnirtev*' RepiMt, l>Of»
7SO Vtoeeaft CaiKliUm,

Par the edocaUoa oftvo bdte

youihft
For boxes, carriagr, Sccoi
rottaRn of lettera, dec
Batettaiaiag Coaualttceia
StationarTt
Advcrtuinc,
A couateiftlt MU,

40 73

Summary cf KxpenditurtM.

MiMleaarieit
Buokf,

Indian Totitha*
CoatiafCBt,

IMS

DOCUMENT K.

TBC Committee vpotaitcd bf Cbc Bemi^ayK
•toaary Society, at their mrctlng in AmnK, if f ^
tnmioe aad report the f tate tA tbc Ticwurr, aak
tn f port t

That tlWT ha«e eoarined the TVenwrniH
loi lad the« itiuteir chvpi* veil voachM H#

EwngeHeai Society.

987

ul tte Tmrnir
4olU. a6 OS

VOODBUDGS.

. BLT,

pM S0» It06.

}

Mamptkire Missionary

funted at their annual

last Thursday in Jv^»

J CALEB STRONG,

^dent.

:L HOPKINS, d.d.

knt.

LUSTEES.
lASTINGS, Esq.

LATHROP, D. D.
SER HUNT, Esq.
[ LYMAN, D.D.
r, Esq.

ON WILLIAMS,
BILLINGSy Esq.

PARSONS, D.D.
'HELPS, Esq.
ID S. STORRS,
ITOODBRIDGE, Esq.

I HALE, Correspond'

N WILLISTON, JU-
trttary.

fnittee of the Trustees,
;PR Lyman, d. d.
I fiiLLiMcs, Esq..
CM Hale,

OMON WjLMAMS,

PH£i.P8y Esq.

MCAL SOCIETY,
stern District of Vcr-
j lately been formed an
ytlie name of " The
L Society," whose ob-
3QS and ingenious voung*
it circumstances, to ac-
«! for the work of the
rr. The prcat scarcity of
irs in this thrifty portion
', and the recent revi-
nin that Quarter, led to
tent of this benevolent
lich was first organized
(Tch 6, 1804. The offi-
idetj are x President,

Vice-President, Secretary, Cleric,

Treasurer, and a board of nine T>us«
tees, chosen annually by ballot.
The Trustees are empowend to
judge of the quslilic&tiops and cUimt
of candidates, and to give aid to th6
extent of their ftmda. None are to
receive assistance but auch aa are
hopefully pious, of orthodox religiouf
faith, and members of some t^fOr
lar Congregational or Presbyterian
church, and desirous to obtain an ed»
ucation with a Tiew to be nsefiil aa
teachcn of relii^on. The Tnisteea
are to direct and auperintend the
studies and moral conduct of the
younf^ men, and when they shall have
acquired competent knowledge <^
theology, and other requisite branchea
of science, shaQ recommend them to
some suitable board for examinatioa
and approbation for the work of the
ministry. Such young men as re«
ceive aid from the society are laid mi-
der obligations to refund the loani
made them without interest, should
their circumstancea erer after admit.
Persons of good moral character,
and sound in the faith, are admitted
members by a vote of the society.
Each meml>er pays one dollar at least
into the treasury, on his admission,
and the same sum afterward, annn*
ally. The society consists at present
of between serenty and eighty mem-
bers.

OFFICERS.
Rev. William Jacxsok, of Dorset

President.
Rev. Nathaniel Hall, of Gran-
ville, Vice-President,
Rev. John Griswold, Pawlet, Se>

retary.
E/.EKIEL Harmost, Esq. do. Trea-^
surer.
The Directors, though their means
are yet small, have already given aid
to three or four yoimg men, one of
whom has commenced the study of
Divinity. This seasonable and be-
nevolent institution has our best wish-
es for its support and success. We
hope it may be instnuuc.ntal, \mder
the divine direction and blcssinR', of
drawing from ohsruritv many young
men of talents and piety, who may
prove f;uthful labourers in tlic vine-
yard of our Lord. Of this part of our
country, as well as of others, it may
truly be said, ^ The harvest is great,
but the labourers arc few.**

SS9^

Scotland..,.. Pa/csthc Association.

Ws understand «b at 4lic New. Lon-
don Atsociution, (Conn.) ul tlirir
meeting i|i June last, passed, imani'
fDOiislVy tlic i'idlowinfir voto. \\7..
'* Wlicrras, it :ip]K'iirs that Arian and
SocinLin errors are spreading in New
Knglandy we judge it oar duty to de-
cJarc our firm btdiefof the divine Trin-
ity in Onity i and of die true and pi'up-
■ «r Ui%'inity of our Loitl and Savionr Je-
aus Chriat> at lau^Ut in tiie HolyS'uhp-
turcs» ;indfjr substance inaiiitainid in
tjie Westminster confeaaion of faiUx
andcatcchiam. And we recommend to
the members of this ^sMciatinn CMn*.
full) to avo^d fill ministeiial c-o*nmu-
iiion with ministcri who oppose thcsje
doctrines."

Ov liord's dav. May 25, 1806, wa«
opened for public worsliip the new*
Independent or Congregation;d church
in Cliai'le&tjn, Soutb Carolina. Ut,
Holltngalu:ud preached in the monir
ing from. Isa. Ivi. 7. ** For niijie
house shall be called an house of
prayer for all people*." In the afler-
noon Dr. KcUh delivered a discourse
from Hag. ii. 7. ** And I will fjll thiy
house with glory, saith thi- I.tird of
Hosts." This elegant edifice U l>uUt
of brick, in a eircular form, :ind of suf-
firicnt size to contain from 1500 to
20U0 people. The whole expense is
estimated at 60,000 dollars. It is
hoped this beautiful edifice may stand
for ap^'s to cnme, an honour to those
who erected it, an ornament to tin* ci-
ty, and a commodious place for public
Morship, to a large and flourishing
branch of the Christian Chutxh.

SCOTLAND.
Jn f onsTL'quiMirc of a pnijcct for the
rc'xi^Jil of the st?p:«*-r'j:iclics bctwrcn
Glasgow and EdiiilMngli an SiiM(i:i\s,
to accnmmodati: a numerous l)«xl\ oi\
travellers, wbo Jiavi- cxcu^Ioii to [ins»
and rt-pa&s to those places du Oial djy
in partictdar, tlu- J*rcsbvti i-y of
Glasgow have had a meetins;', to take
the .»'Ml)irct under thc-iv seridUs con-
t>idcratii'»n, and opnoso. it liv cwvv
pnsMble nieans. In their ohsi.*p,-.i-
tit)Ms, which they have pnliii&hvfl,
they statr, that -Mhey contoinpluti;
^uth drtad the awful rhang-e v,hir.h
mu.'tt follow the intr^dtiction r>f rhisi
practice on the moralrt of the p, »plc of
Scotland." They add, that "the
mail-coach may be a work of ncccssi-

tr, hut that the empIoyniBO)
roadies on thi- Lord's day :
violation of the FoUrtli (
m^nt ; and that if such a
practices are siiflfercd, they
where the outrage.-*, upon tj
of the public will 8tof>. or
gion is to ^e m^ntaincd." .

PAT.ESTIVK A^SOGJA

\Vk miJerstand that a s
been cstahlishcd fi>r the
prf>mutm^ tijc knowledge ni
ra{)hy. Natural Hiiiory, am
tics of Palestine and iis vie
a view to the illustration u:
'Wiiiings, and the pr^\m<»tioij
cal and hist'^-icil knowledg

It has been n-grettrd b
have attended to the subjec
Autiquitif^iy that muchvah
information is stiU wanted
lustration of the ancient hisi
ci'cd ami pn.f.in*:, v.'h«* hi
on the affairs of thai prov
th.'it, notwifhBtnn<Ung Ihc Ic
labor«ou4; compilations of A
Rcvenelli, Cellarins, Fi
Lichlfi^ot, the nv^n* rercff
Reland, Cain jet, &c. many '
important points arc btill lei
incd : that there arc mai
which ought to be filled up
pii-tv of easv and obvious
have bc(rn little, Vf at all, at
which, if ascertained with
could not fail to clucidat
the mo.st difficnll pasFSges
cred SrripiHres.

It affor.ls uh pk-asuw tc
this ijoriety :»re now engag
persfjMs to excicot': this pla
we eoii^-ider tilt: hij;-h respC'
its ori;. •■ 111 InsLitutors and
;i!id the imjjdi-tnnre of its o
cannot l>nt <Mitertain hoj>e,
\\ ill niv'et \\ ith every reqnis
:»4^emeiit. Jlvc

niBI.Ti: SOCIE TT

The Dritish .ind Fon^'igi
rietv li:i\»' lately been fa vo'
noKli'pi-esr'nt from a lady of
till- >U[ri of jHc r/n-/* ,;•■./ ^-wi

THt r.LAVB TRAl

Tlie Slave Trade has nr
ed ;>'.»>} ears, vi/. from 1
prciNcnt. 1 1 appe.vs on a
compjtntioii, in that pcrlr
number of slaves imported

Kicherer, .... Medina.

Bi9

fe*?^.

flkiV thc4ifimiitpowej».of.£iubp<

pe tfa^t \v'« may coii^c«uilatc
f licaiU of: Ju«tic« uitti Uuiusuuty
Mb- a ppK pkiMitig pcMpc^ct tUan has

l)iplili^n«f.tlu;SUv«: Trade. Souic

wadurifu an act U* f^UuiDient was

pa&e^D^.vhicli it is aakl that tlic

abttUtiuD of nearly, two Uujcds ui' Uic

BriliahSLkve Trade lias bveii effected.

SiBce that pcriud, k bill Uba Uecu iu-

ttodoccd into tht- Hous<; ot' Cgiu-

nimaa to proliibii any more ships {rom

%aii|pciiiplo}ud iu that accursed tnit-

tcdnrinip the present season, beside

Ibiac a&ady employf d. May God

pnwper the cftorts now made to de-

Urtrthia countr)* from blood-guUtincts !

£vaH. Mag,

Bt a Ittler from Rotterdam, in-
fcroMtiQahiia hecn received that Mr.
KiclMH^ Udkiura, aince his return
isZakEirer. have been ereatly bless-
'it and that the peo|de who were
are in ifreat part gatliered

lb.

MEDINA.
: Tiji newspapors btutc that Medina
Hi been c^tured by the Wahaltea^
■^Mc aimy has ovcrtvliebned tlie
vule coiutiy, ami tidccu tiie city by
. lauh, y/flxi prodigious bloodshed
Hd dcfaatatkni. They set fire to
Mlffinajn various placesp destroved
^ BOMiues : and having ransacked
4ni of their valuable shrines and
tanres,- completely destroyed the
^mk cf ik€ ^ophet. After which,
*■>• tlMNiaands uf females of the first
fuk« and a minibcr of the priucipul
*Ubitanta» were carried off into the
^<iSrt. A troop of camels were also
KBt away with jewels and other trca-
■oci to an immense amount.

liitcr accounts say, that " Since
■e takinr of Medina, the Wahabees
■Hie made further progress: they
nre excited alarm at Mecca, and
^Ht made themselves masters of
Gedda.-

. A war has also broken out in Bos-
*i^ The Cliristians in that province,
^^^ by their neighbours the Monte,
''tnu and Hcrzogovins> have made
* ipvat slaughter among the Turks.
. 'fhis extraordinary event will pro-
^) tender some account of Maho-

-inet's tomb aoccptabk to the reader.

\V£»tran scribe It irom '* A faithful ac*
count of the religion and nuiniiers of
the Malkomctaiib, third edition, pub-
Ushcd in 1731. By Joseph Pitts, of
Exctrr," fu^er, we believe, of the
iate Rev. Mr. Pitts, of Southwark.
Mr. Pitta was taken prisoner uhcn
vrrv voung, hy the Algci'incs, and
' sold ioz a slave. In the course of his
journics \iith one of his masters, ho
visit<:d Mecca and Medina.
. '* McdiuaJL.sAVs this writer, "is
but .1 little town, .ind poor ; yet it is
wuilcd round, and halh in it a i^cut
mofti(uc ; hut nothing near so big uv
the temple at Mecca. In one corner
of tlie ninsque is a place built about
fourteen or fifteen paces square.
About this place arc great window^,
fenced with br.iss grates. In the in-
side it is decked with some lamps
and ornamcDts. It is arched all over-
head. I find some relaU', that there
are no Iciis tiian 3000 lamps about
Mahomet's tomb ; but there are not,
as I verily believe, an hundred (and
tliese not of silver, as some report;
but almost all of ghuss.) I speak
uhat I know, and ha\e been an rye
witness of. In the middle of this
place is the tomb of Mahomet, where
the cor]>«e of that blitndy impostor is
laid, which hntJi silk curtiiins all
around it, like abed ; which curtains
are not costly nnr beautiful. There
is nothing of this tomb to be seen hy
any, by rea.<tim of the curtains round
it : nor arc any of the happes.(or de-
votees who visit it for worship J piT-
mittedto enter tlicrc. None go in but
the eunuclis, who keep the watch ovit
it : and tliey only to ligltt the hinijis
which bum there by niglit, and to
s\i eep and cleanse the place. All the
privileges the hagges have, is only to
tbmst m their hiinds at tlie windows,
between the brass grates, and to peti-
tion the dead Juggfer ; ^hich they do
with a wonderful deal of reverence.

" It is storied by some, that the*
coffin of Mahomet liangs up by the at-
tractive virtue of n loadstone to the
roof of the mosque ; bur, believe mc,
it is a false ston*. When I looked
tliTDugh the brass grate, I saw as
much :is any nf the hagges ; and the
top syi the curtains which covered the
tomb, were not hslf so high as the
roof or arch ; so that it is impossible
his colilik should be hacglog there . I

840

JLiteraty Inference.

Xpit,

aeter fieflrd Hut If fthometms tty tnf
thin^likeit." Ik,

BENGAL.
The Rot. C. Buchanftn, Vice Presi-
dent of tlie College at Fort WiUiam,
has pi-oposed a prize of 500/. for the
best work in English ProsCt embracing
die ioUowing siujects : 1. The pro-

babl0 detign of Providence iH
tinff to lai^ a portion of Am ^^toj
Brttiah Dominion. 3. Tte diml
means, and consequences of tmsM*"-
Ing the Scripturea into the OiiMiii
tongues ; and promoting ChmtiBA
knowledge ixi Asia. 3. A brief- Ui>
toric view of the progress of the goi-
pel, in the different nataooiy MiGe ilft
first promulgation. ift. -

iLiterarg 3fntell{gence*

UKITED STATES.

DR. TAFFAV'S WORKS.

We are happy to learn that pro*
posuls arc shortly to be issued for the
publication of the Works of that emi-
nent divine, and excellent man, the late
Rev. David Tappax, D. D. HoUis
Professor of Divinity in Harvard Col-
lege. These works, we understand,
arc to embrace hl<i public lectures de-
livered t<» the students, on Theology,
and on Jewish Antiquities, and a vol*
umc of his sermons. The whole to
be comprised in four handsome octa-
vo volumes. The profits arisinp^ from
the sale of tlicse works, whicli, from
the hiy^h and far known reputation of
Dr. Tappan, as a writer and divine,
we anticipate will be very considera-
ble, are to be given to his widow and
children.

It h.is been recently ascertained,
that tlie mammotli, or Amencan el-
rpli.int, W.1S a hcrbivoroiis animal.
In dig'};ing a well in Wythe county,
in Virjjfinia, after pcncti'ating about
five .intl a half feet from the surface*
the labourcr» stnick agfuinst the stom-
ach of a mammotli, the contents of
which were in a state of perfect pres-
ervation, consistinpf of half masticated
reeds, twig's, and j^'asa, or leaves,

CA. Ob.

GREAT-BRITAIN.

Proposals have bfcn circulated
far printlnp;', bv snhscviption, tlie ori-
ginal text, carefully collated witii the

most authentic MSS. of the IUy>-
may tffw, a celebrated Shamorit Poem i
wiith an EnaHiiah Tran■Utiol^ looom-
panied with elncidatorj Holea. Ik
will form 9 vols. 4to. of 000 peg**
each, at 5 guineas per toI. : three vol-
umes to be deliTered annually. " Tlils
Poem," say the editors, who are the
Baptist Missionaries at Serampoie,
'* is far superior in antiquity to anj
of the Pooranifs : Hind the veneraiioQ
in which it has been held, thronghoot
Hindoosthan, for so many ages, is
scarcely exceeded by that entertained
for the Sacred Scriptures throughout
the Christian world f a cireumstanc^
this, which renders it interesting,
whatever be its intrinsic merit. The
work, however, besides furnishing an
important clue to the ancient histoiy
of India, gives us such a full idea of
the Hindoo M>tholog7, and presents
to us so interesting a picture of the
almost unvarying manners and ctts«
toms of the country, as must render
it highly gratifying to the admirers
of Oriental Literature.** CA. Ok

A general meeting of the prr^e-
tors of the Loynoir iNSTiTCTXoiVy
was held on the 24th April. By ft
report made to the proprietort, it v^
p<*ars that the managers have ad*
dressed themselves to the liberalitt
of tlie city of London, for the grant dT
the site on which Blackwell hall nov
stands, for the erection of a commo-
dioiLs house for the institution. The
total number of proprietors yet ad-
mitted is 950 : and that of lite sub*

1«G6.]

Literary Intelligence.

241

■criben 72. A libnxy has been al-
jcadv eoUected, which has cost
ATOOl \ and consiata of nearly 8000
%olii]neat coinpriain|^ many works of
great and increasing value. The
whole a|im received is 76>ri01. &. Id.
of wMcb 65,000, with an accumtiUu
tioB of intereat amounting' to about
900n. ia invested in Exchequer bills.
Pmicaaor Richard Poraon -is ap-
pointed principal librarian, with a sal-
ai7 of 2001. per annum ; under whom
aii« two assistant Ubrarians, each at
1001. per annum.

The Marine Soctetj has, since its
•stabiiahment in 1756^ clothed 34,191
men, and 25,519 boys ; and, in the
ijuatter ending December, 1805, 133
ineii» and 107 boys ; 47 of the boD's
being apprenticed to the merchanta*
■emee. Una society has now 60
bogra on board their slup at Deptfbrd,
ready aad fit fof his Majest^s and
the ncidianta* service.

"Ae BzsBOP of London's Xee-
tmm m.tke Ootpel of St. Matthew^
and Mzivna's aittory <f the Church
tf GMm^ have been translated into
&e Gcroian language. ^

DENMARK.

The'Daniah government is 'occu-
pied hi melioratmg the condition of
uia adiaMtanta of Iceland ; a people
reiuwed to the confines of the polar
drcfet but uitereating on account of
tbtaealwith which they cultivated
the teienoes in the lOih and 11th
eeatnriea; and on account of the
ToyiM, which they made to Ameri-
ca. Keland, almost mined by various
(hfiieal and political evils, is about
to b« reatored; a regular city is
Vailfing, to be called Reykiavi^;
ud it is already peopled by colomes
of artivea aa well as strangers. A
ftce port ia opened ; and a college,
vheie the learned languages and nat-
ond history are taught, is in the full
cttidse of its ftmcUons.

Vol.n. No, 5.

EAST INDIES.
The Asiatic Society has united with
the College of Fort William, in grant-
ing an annual stipend, by equal con-
tributdons, of 45U/. sterling, to the
Protestant missionaries in Bengal,
towards defraying the expense of
publishing the original text of the
■most ancient Shantcrit writhgt^
and particularly of the Vedatt witli an
English translation.

The subject of the prize essay,
proposed to the students at the Col-
lege of Fort William, for the second
term of 1805, is the following : " On
the ultimate Improvement of the Na-
tives of India, in the course of a^s,
under the influence of the British
government, in leaminr and the arts,
in morals, manners, ana religion."

Captain Charles Stewart, As-
sistant Persian Professor, has com-
menced a De4Criptive Catalogue of the
Orieniat Booh and MSS. belonging to
the Library of TtTvoo Saib, now in
the College of Fort William. He
has discovered iii that library, a val-
uable work in the Persian language,
referred to by Don and Or me, as
necessary for the illustration of an
imporiont period in Eastci'n history,
and M'hirh was sought for in India by
those historians without success. It
is the Hitton of the Emperor Au-
BENGZEBE, from thc 11th year of hia
reign to his death, a period of 40
years ; \iTittcn by the learned and
autlientic Mauommed Saki.

M. V. LujJKAR, head Pundit on
the Shanscrit and Bengalee languages
at Fort William, has ready for 3ie
press in Bengalee, A General History
of the'Bindooif from the earliest aget
to the present time.- compiled from
Oriental authorities, and particularly
from Shanscrit records. He is also
preparing for the press, in the same
language, A Viev) of the Manners and
Customs of the Mindoos, as they now
exist ; in which many popidar prac-
tices are contrasted with the ancient
observances prescribed bv the Vcdas.

Ch. Ob.

II H

•J

24S IMi of f^evi PubRcatimtt. ■ fldt;]

A Skkmam, delivMcd at Hutiurd, Church, in Chulert

At tliE funenl of John M'Ciml}' I>iwu:he<l Juiic3, 179i,*tac^

StTDDg.MNiofthcRev.lIaduuiStriiqK, ur thenewly rebuilt boiuccifm

D.D.H'bowaadFOVnsdiD Connocti- oTthe InflcpeBdent " **— ^ ■

cut river, on the evening^ Si:pt, M. Church, at Dwchi
By Abel FUtit. Hanfard. l.iiiculii MarklHid, M'tvcr, b Co.
ud CleutQii, ia06. A Semon, ddhrercd bdb* iffc
A Sannou, deliieicd tt Kew^n*. Himpihlre Minionaiy Socic^i il
Ion. H. H. Feb. 3£, 1806, U the Ortli- their annual meeting •! RorthM^Uh
jiatiun sf Ihc Bev. EpbKUoi P. Biul- AuguK 38, 1806. Sy * " '
ibfd, to lh«,paatai-al care of the Proi- Pemeroy, of W*-**-' —
iuteriaa Church and Society in that ainpton. WUIutn
fUMU. Bf JcMC Appleton. Amlient, Two Diic<nirtt:!>. deliveretl ill Sie
N.H. Jul. Ciuhing. 1806. North Mectiiw-hauK In PummgiiA.
A SeimoD preached to the Uiut«l IfiUi ilune, 1305, it being the Sibbiik
IndepeiKleDturCongregationtlChurch .aucceedinff the iiitertoeitt oT Un
of .Darcbeatcrand Beu:h4iill, (South- Mary Buckmlaster, codsoM of llw
Carolina) attbeOTdinatiiuKil'theRev. 3Uv. JoKahBuckiiumter,l].D. Bj
Jamc« *''""'. to the putoral cha^Ee J'^'ie Alipleton, Coogrenliaul Min-
aflaididlurch. By the Rev. Daoiel isler in Hampton, w7&1>. Trwd-
U'CaQH, A.M. Charleiitoii. W. P. wA\. Portamouth.
Karriauii . 1799. Saciwd Clanici, ctMUiniuOc %l-
TLe ChriKiaa MoiutoF, Vol. 3, a louiiig n-oHu : 1. Hcrr^nitn^
BcU^ua periixJ^al vork. By '> A tioni. 3. Evidencea tXVak tSiWtn
SucitrtyibrproiiiatiDgCbriitiankaowl- rcligioD,~bythezifht Han.ToiiffcJUt'
(ulgE, piety, aad clkrLty." Boaton. Ilison. Tn wliichaife added, Oueotir.
Mliuruc .uiid Francis. UI06. aea acrainstBthciainandin&dcli^,ttitll
A Diiicuurac comnieinorative ofthe a. preface i containing' the leiitiineiiU
late Maj|. C«n. William Muultrie, de- ofMr.Boyle.Mr.LoalBe.andSirlMK
livered in the Inde^ndent Church, Newton, concerning the gotpelrercli-
CUarkatuD. (S. C.) oa the 15th of tiuu. 3. llkedeathofAJieUimSbaab,
Oct..lS0j,M ther4questaf the Soct- truulated from the Gemau aJT Ml
ety ufthe Cincinnati of South-Caroli- Gesner, byMn.Colrer. Tawluehik
na, before tliat Society and the Amer- frcfiied, the lift of the autjuv. V Dc*
ican Hevalutiun Society. By Wlllian) vuiit £i:erciaci of the tteail, in Mcdt
UDlliBfulieid, D.D. Chai'le iloti. Pe- tatiunandsuUloqufiarftyeranilJinu^
ter Freneau. 18U5. by t)ic late piouc aad kigenioua' "HlU
The Acta of Incorporation, together Elizabeth Rowe, reviieil andpoUiA-
with the Bye Laws and ordersof ■' - -'--■-- ■^- » •»' — •* •*

Mnaiacbuaelti Medical Society.
Lcin. Juihua Cushing. laOG.

A Medical Discourse, on aeveral , _^ _

Narcotic Vegetable Subat^incea, read praaebverae,byHn.ZhEabrth Rm&

before the Maaaachuaeit« Medical ReSectiona oa Death, by Wdt. uoiUf

Suciety, at their annual meeting; L.L.D. with the fife of Ok autbw.

June 4th, 1S06. By Jualiua Fisher, The Centaur, not bbuloiu, la rix 1^

M. D. SalcTD. JiuJiua Cuahing. ten to a friend, on the life in Tone:

Ax Addreaa to the Membera of the by Dr. Young : with the life of Att

Merrimack Humane Society, at tbcir author. The Piljjrim'i Prog ma.

annual meeting in Ncwburypurt, Blackmore on Creation, llie ihote

Sept. 2, IttUS. By S.-unuel Gary, worka are in imitation of Coofce*a edU

Ne»-bur>-pnrt. Edmund M, Blunt. tion of the Sacred Claaiic*, cmbdBik-

Un the advantages uf public wor. cdwithclegantengravinn. PriceKl

thip, a Sermon. By William Hollings- pi'rvolume,n?ally bound. New Ton.

head, D.D. one of the Ministers of J. bT.Ranahli.
tile Independent oi Cungregwional

- f

n^ -

Vk Mc* Kito>» of*. Joiifeidy. nadi

iiiptf lclnmha»idt<K R^r^ Mr. Katos, of Aoo^wdbTudk

m JMrlnftiHb Thfi4lij- th0 iRtiDdaotwy nvv I EsTw Ms.

rtr;. te Utr. -Or. wit igma fcg^dia Mr. J)r. Ctttki^

" im preMsbed. tiie of HMMltoiat tibc JMliwrihUi oCtte

[oMpiii Av«iy,^ of churdiea hy.dio Ear. Dr. Dbm^ o€i

MPidr tlML MMmmtiiiv Ij^vich i anitiM Bar. Mr. Whiter^

\Savik Atnft Hfdr* or ker, of qhwnis. aw^a tJiaTiwiclyirtii^;

J>«lMm:i, tlii»;Bor..01i*> pnifen Tteveaftliar waa ^ai; {laa^

West S tookliridg«, OMPo saat^andhanBoagraiidyMidoraafciiap^

'Munbkp I tile Rer. mMkahb jmrailaA. tlinrarii tiia. dif .

».^ Hav MMflbch M CotdMBr,{|Coo.) OSt. 1, littl^.

MpffviffiBr^ the Rev. BamA Stii«m.Bi»t» Satsr

OcMar. V roM bjr.biaJMwt^ Ban^ aafaote B)|r,

■TMirf to tlio pMtoral olUebaaaiu

SMm^aCfimthatoim. MUkeu^hamllm (Cite.) QiBLUf

fk,-€4 Qfmm^. the Bar. laOfi^ Ban il««b Mftanub lUfp'

Mr KvHiMdh waMidai»t moa by. Bart Df^ wM^ rSwrifcit

KlonA' ciim of tb^' ib«^ of.Tak Col^pb A«m. Aa»nir. »•'

mtt Bjftrfe, imradaaeA

•■*

jnUif AM . PITT. agaiaatB9paaawilliiimata,.taJ»^a^

mii/fiim^p* 19l0 imfpnaaiop 4h* Junnr advliiiKfeMlMi^.

I^nl the politM one^ in whkh Mr^ Mwill baar an anri^

Bit haw. united imaa- nent pait» hadhawialiaady wimlifr

. cantidaiabla praise by hU- Mi^aalj, Mr. Qitt iateoaid.

jBtMH, Indeed thB read, in tfac?addl«M|^«'«l «Mdliiiiata*aar-

vfeMl lir. Fox not loDg maa." andJdft **teMP'ia ■gwMiita.

Md toarrra with him iiTv be « inepaaUai* aipfaaaiorifr bi,.

Ullittia.iia.aniaB taaUmo- wlUch it la obviaBatbatiattpfutiiaa. ia.

MVk ltJaow»ao>wr:afreed, the HoqarroaM notaoqyiaann wHbiaiy-

PjiM tkffffixjmx^ aper- conaiatenoy. Bat Hia daap atti^oaiir. ,

■aadblt taleiiti, of htgli feigned aomnrvbioh ia^seaarany ax*

biaiftlntrnitiiTini. nf nnirh pfessed.oa thia oooaaioB« haara a.

UllpabUo apirit, aad of . Btronger twtatlmony thaa aay iwtaicaa.

Maraatadaass. do, to the exalted pUoa aiiMb.Mr^

ftaauakiyi'' decUied Mr. Pitt held in the puUi&eataan. We

k muAji tiie- iMt words are sorry to add, that Mr. PktJiaa%

4l«ad. The House of died considerably in dabt, wauadaa

Im. addressed the king, stand to the aztentof 30or4%00dL

Baift Mr. Pitt may be bu- With aU»or mora thaa all hiafttharla.

Me honours^ in the same peatness, he-appeara to hava iohaev ,

Uo fiU;hcr, the Earl of ited his contempt ftraioaay.
a au^^rity of 3sa Hawa?ar«oaMraffaattakj

Hdn. WURam Pitt.

bination of all the talenta <^the coun-
try may now be essential to its pro-
tection,, we cannot help considering
the loss of Mr. Pitt at this awful pe-
liod of our affairs to be an alarming
aggraration of our national dangers
and calamities. It has occurred at a
time, when his acknowledged abili-
ties, firmness and patriotism seemed
to be more than ever requisite to the
safety and w^elfare of his country.
And we would not omit the opportu-
ni^ of pressing upon our readers in
general, and, did there exist any hope
Uiat this hasty sketch would meet
thdr eyes, upon his successors in par-
ticular, the various affecting lessons,
which the death of this eminent
statesman, considered with all its
circomstancet, is calculated to afford,
but which are too obTioos to require *
a distinct specification.

We should have rejoiced had it
been in our power to say more re-
specting the character of Mr. Pitt, in
thoee points which we deem infinite-
ly the most essential. There are,
however, some other points, to which
it would be unpardonable in us not to
advert, and which entitle this great
man to the grateful recollection of
hisoountfy.

The history of Mr. Pitt's adminis-
tration fiwms a distinct and most im-
portant chapter in the history of the
world. Let it never be fi^rgotten,
that to him, as the instrument in the
hand of divine Providence, we are in-
debted fior the preservation of our so-
cial happiness ; of that invaluable
constitution, which our g^ant fore-
fathers bequeathed to us, as the no-
blest monument of genius, freedom,
and humanity I and of those religious
institutions, which serve as way
marks to a still nobler inheritance.
This he effected in the face of what-
ever could shake the stoutest heart.
Through those tremendous storms,
which the French revolution hacl
raised, and which might have appall-
ed the most courageous mind, his su-
perior genius safenr piloted the vessel
of the state. If he had not possessed
a mind sufficiently capacious to ap-
preciate the extent of our danger,
and sufficiently vigorous to withstand
the desolating progress of revolution -
ar>' principles, the fabric of our policy
mast have crumbled into ruins, be-
neath the bbws that were both open-

ly and secretly kvelled agrii
men of bold, enthusiastic^ i
eious spirits. Great Britali
in William Pitt the ablest c
of her constitution.

It becomes na also to M
the firm and onshake&'t^
made by this great stateam
secret machinations, and I
violence of the French am
the courage with which ll
their rage, even when we 1M
doned by our allies, the aple
quence with which he dl
their crimes, and animated 1
to persevere in the nwi
le ; services, which jua^j
dm to the gratitude of tlib
worid.

The first ten yesn of II
administration was a perioAa
and also of prosperity, une^i
the annals of this or any «il
try. By his wise and^Ml
poUcy, under Providence, ^
Britain raised from the dl
that state of imbecility, dcfi
and dejection, to a state <^pi
opulence, far beyond any bop
could have been previona^
It was then she acquired that
and consistency, and develojp
resources, which have since
her to occupy the first plnci
the nations of the earth. 1
ceeding period of his admin
was distinguished bv scenes <
lence and public disorder,
periority, however, of his ga
still manifest. Internal factic
dismayed and silenced by hil
W\c foreign enemy was kept
for his own safety. It waa a
ly that he electrified admiring
or withered, as with the :
lightning, the nerves of hi
nents : his countrymen at lar
ed to him as an oracle ; and f
hopes revive as he spoke. 1
signed themselves to his d
and rushed on with confidena
patli which he pointed out t
At his call, even when out o
we have seen half a million
men rush to arms, and am
selves in defence of their «
The force of eloquence never '
givater prodigies among any
Indeed, of the- fascinations
Pitt's eloquence, it is impoM
any one uho has not lieaTd

Il»6.]

Mrs. Hannah Hodge,

245

Ml adequate conception . Its e f-
on itome occabions, more rescin-
, Uut uf the electric fluid tlun any
tl^in^ ebe witii which it can be cum-
paired i while, on all occjuiious, it
llwed from him uith a clearness, co-
2>ioiunet9, strength, and mujesty,
mrhich left ever}' rival orator at an im-
dittancc.
A letter to a Friend, occasioned by
death of this gi'eat statesman,
dotes with the following striking and
useful obs«:r\'ations.

•« What if iJic voice of Mr Pitt

^ould novrea^!) a British cabinet?

^Vhat if it could no>v- command the

attention of a firiti^li si^natc \ What

ftxe the suggestions which, with his

brescnt views, be it more or less that

sais Tiewiare corrected and enlarged ;

Mrhatare the suggestions, whicli, with

^s present views, he would now be

lamest to enforce upon public men ?

" With solicitude inexpressibly
greater than he ever felt on any subject
ofteiiponuTconcem,he would entreat
atstfsmcn and politicians habitually
to bear in mind not only that they
hafe a country to protect, and a king*
to serve, but that they have alio a
Manor in heaven. " Discharge your
duty," he would exclaim, «« to your
country and to your king in singfenett
^ hearty as unto ChrUt ; not wth eye-
terviee, a* men-pleatert, but a* the ser^
9aMU cf CkrUt^ doing the voill of God
from the heart : nith good wit doing
ifTTicv, a# to the Lord, and not to vicn.
Be not ashamed of your God and your
Redeemer. Mold forth the v>ord of life
before the eyes of all mcMi, as the
spring of action, as \oiir siipi*onic* and
universal law. Hold it forth b\ iiicas-
ures conformable to its dictates : hold
it forth by the sled fust avowal of tlie
priiJtiplrs which it teaches, of the mii-
ti%es which it enjoins. By the rid'-s
which it delivers, by tlic spirii viliirh
it inculcates, Xxy all your privci-edin^fs.
Vt^ not the diilicultifs of yonr situ-
ation as a plea fu' sin. To you, to ev.
cry man, oelnnpi the nssiirunro. My
grtict it tufficient f^r t'uc. 11 x-
pcl iniquity fnim your systr/in. Will
you say that the machine of j^vrrn-
ment cannot pursur its course, unlr:.s.s
the path be smof>thed by cori'iiption ?
Will you say that tht- interests of your
country' cannot be upheld, unless a dis-
tant quarter of the plobe be do sol a ted
to suppoil them ? Will you s.i; that

the security of the free Briton will be
endangered, unless the inan-\tejur^
against whom God has d.MiouncciLhis
curse, receive from you liceiivi* rmd
protection ? Will you 8ay,,thiit. it* rap.
inc and murder will at anv rate be con-
tinned, you are warranted in becorrting
the despuilcrs and the murderers
voiu-tselvcs ? Is this to be a terror to
evil lioeit ? Is this lo cleanse yourselves
frorin all filthinets of the flesh and ^pir"
it ? Is this to perfect holines* in the fear
nf God? Is tins to ab^t air. from ail up*
pcarance of evil ? Is this to have tlie
answer nf a good conscience tovtards Godf
Is it not practically to aver to the
Most High-^The laws, O God, which
Thou hast promulgated for the ad-
ministration of Thine own world, are
inadequate to their purpose. That
which Thou commanuest, we discor.
er to be in many instances detriment ••
al. That which Thou prohibitest, we
perceive to be in many cases nf^cessa-
ry. Forgive, approve, reward us, for
introducinfi^, as occasion requires, the
needful alterations and exceptions.
Do you start at the thoughts of such
language ? Speak it not by your
deeds. Obey the precepts of your
God ; and leave conscc^uences in his
hands. Distrust not his truth. Dare
to confide in his omnipotence. Be-
lieve tliat it i* righteoutncm vfhich ex-
alteth a nation : that tin it a reproach
to any people: that natinnt shall be
punished Jar their iniquities. In un-
feigned humility ; in constant prayer ;
in watchfulnesss against transgres-
sion ; not tlothful in bittintst, but ftr-
vent in spirit, serving the Lord ; h()j)e
for the divine blessnig (m yoiir coun-
svls and exertions thniugh tliat ador-
able Mediator, by whom all blessings
arc di.sjH^nsed to man. I^ook to tlic
d:<y of account bcfi»re his tribunal.
Think that betimes, which vou will
tfiink at last. Judge :ill things now
bv the standard bv which vnu are t'>
be judpfcd. If you m.iy not iavo your
countn', fVtrfcit not the ."ialvation of
v<iur soul.** Ch. Ob.

3feni oir of Mrs . //.;;: -a h If'' l^i\ '- ■' o
died in FlUtiJ-lp-ur., Dec. 17:'';,
180 J, in the H.)t/i r.ir of uii a^r.
f From the As^ritibly^j Mog.iZi>'r. )
Or the Biibjert ot" this nunioij- it
may be said without ixagp;c!-:i:i<iti,
that, for more than half a r?T'1nry,
sh'j had dcacrved i!ie jp^)(.lLili'-u of

246 Mrs. HannaJi Bodge.

a " motlier in Israel." The circum- tlie paAtoral care of Mr^ Ab

fctaiiccs of her early life were, likewi h^. By him* natwithstandin|^, thip i^

closely interwoven with tiic mobt re- suadedtojoin intiiecomnmnio

xaarkublc occurrences wjiich kttciidcd cliurch, of which she wab a n

the unreal revival uf religion in Phila- fur two or three years.

flelphia, in common wiUi niauy. other When Mr. Wliitetield. firat

places, through tlie in^trufrientsvlity of America^ she was deeply ullec

the Rev. George WUit^ticld. For his preaching, on which she.

tiiese reasoils ills believed, that a hi- oui>l\ attendi-d. She has ofti

o^aphical bketch, somewhat more her fricndtt, tliut after Uie fir^t.

ample than usual, of tliis truly excel- which she hi ard him preach, i

lent and remarkable won\an, may not re:uly to :>ay uiih the womaiiol

be devoid either of instruction or m- rin, " C'mie see a man who t<

tertainmenttothei'caders oftlie ma^i;- uU thiit^^i that ever I did.**

a:£iDe. prcartior, she siiid, had>iO exiu

Mrs. Hannak Hodge was born in scribed all the SL'(:ri',t workinn

Philadelphia, in Januaiy, 1721. Her heart, her views, her wiahi

fikther's name was John Horkum : he tlioughts, her hnaginations,. a

wasbydescent an Englishman, and by exercises, that she really belie

occupation a tobacconist. Her moth- was either more than mortals

cr, whose maiden name was Doe, or that he vi ait .sopernatiurally asft

Doz, was a descendant of a French know her hcuit. So ignorant «

protestant, who fledUia country ou ac- then, of what she well undersi

count of his religion, in conseqiience torwarils, that all cornipted.

of the revocation of the edict of Nantz licarts arc much alike ; apd'

by Lewis the 14tli, a. d. 16i35. This who can ptunt one, ju&tly and i

family of Doz, with otliur French Pro- colours, may present a pictuR

testants, were principall} instrumental many will rcco^rni/x as their ov

in erecting the hi-xt Presbyterian The effects produced in PI

cbureh in the city of Phil^lclphia. As- phia, at this time, by the prcac

sociating with a few English and Iriah, Mr. WhitcOeld, were truly ai

irbosc sentiments they found substan- in^. Numbers of almost all re

tially the same witli their oun, they dcnominiitions, and many wlio

built a small wooden house for public connexion with any denom:

worship, where the firsi^Presbjlerian w«?re brought Xm in'^uire with t

church now stands. Of tliis church the most carnestiK ss, \v hat Ihcv sIX'

Rev. Jedidiah Andi-cws, a Congrega- to he saved. Such was the en

tional muiistcr from New-England, was ncss of multitudes to listen to

called to be the ftrst pastor. His un- al instniction, that there was

yicldhig attachment to certain meas- wor.*hip,iegidarIy, twice aday,

ures, which he judged to be imjjor- space of a year,' and on the

taiU in organizing the congregation dav it was celebrated generally

and settling its government ami wor- ami fiv(iuejitly four times. A

ship, dismcmlicicd it of several pei-- man, deeply inicrested in the

sons who had been most active in its which then were witnessed, a

formation, and who from that time is stilUiving, lias informed the

joined the Episwpal church. Among tliat the cilC (not then probaWv

these was the maternal gi-andf:ii her of as largu as it now is) containci

Mrs. Hodge. Her oun father and ty-six s'.cielies for social pray

mother, however, remained in coimti:- religious conference j and pi

ioo with die congregation of Mr. An- there w^re other:* not knoun t

drews, and under his ministr>' she uas S > gnat was the zeal and entli

born, and lived to the ajre of about to hear Mr. Whitefield preacl

eighteen years. From hL-rchiUlhowl manv from the citv followed I

«he was disposed tt> a degree of H^ri- f.»otto CIiestcr,to Abingdon, ti

vital pict\, while she nnuiiucd u;idcr these circumstajices, gave the

1806.]

Mrs. Hannah Hodge.

247

litiiTar ftccourit ot an excur«ioh
Wcaty miles whicih she miide tb
idiaAuhy on ftioi, tn attend a reTi-
i««mcctln» tlic-it. BntJKifjir wa%
he from »pplautliiin;"herself for it^ that
"^ ctfodeni'ied "b.*th Iic-rielf and (ith-
tt'Khar^uble wTfli imt^iulcncc
extr&rag|aucc. She said, that in
*c excursions, the »i»iith of "bot^
■«xei were often exposed to danger
*-nd temptation, and thrft tfte best
«|>b»(#r irtrifchrotaaV'mhfle Tor them
^Mi that thev v/ti"e bntli younj; and
■tefMrant, Sftt4'AiaT the;: hid xvantcd el-
^Jfterthe opporcnnitvnrthe indinatinn
^o %W lidthfnl 7>i^acVinp. till th»-ir
^S^liijy ^^^ 'been enj*^jifoi by Mr.
^fttWlfelft. She ased, indeed, often
"Jteftif^ that the -j^neral rj>fnorance
f tesfl pifetY smd cxptttmcntal reli-
_ion wii,i^that time, tnilr^ni*ptisingf.
^Ifter the first impressions tn.i^c by
* : Wliitefield, four 6hfif r ^wfly wa-
in ttfcHtv, were the principal
*H6ri Yo whom awakened and in-
shmcts "Mtd to reshrt, or conid
, te; advice and direction. Even
pAKc pfrkachin{7 of ministers of
^^ fjH|(iri, some who were no doubt
S^vraeaflv kcqnainted with religion,
♦*» Hot, it woald .•reem, alwavs the
ywt^a^onabtc and jiidJcioos' Mr.
MNrlluid« a truly pious and eloquent
teb,^ \ic^^ hivifcd to preach in the
fi^st church, procljiimed the ter-
*9H of the dlrinelaw \iitb surh cni?r-
!♦, totfanie whose snuh wei«e airearly
lulSiir andet*theTn, that not a re\v
fUntraawaT. On this occnsi«in, how-
eref, Ida error wa«i pnMirly c irrcctcd
by tfKe Kcv. Gilbert Tenmnt. whu,
AandMgat the foot of the ptdpit, and
leciAr the effbct pmdticcd on tlie as.
•emb«r« inten-iipted and aiTi*stcd the
peacner by this address : " Brother
Rflfwhind, » there no balm lt\ *Gi1pad,
if there no physician there ?" . Mr.
Xovland, bn this, chaiig:edimTY)r«diate.
\y the tenor of his addre3s,'an(t sought
to direct to the Saviour, those who
wei« OYerwhclmed with a sense of
their guilt. But, bcfoix' tliis had tak-
en place, the subject of the present
raenvoiir had bci'n carried out of the
church, in a swoiin, v.hich lasted f(ir a
eonaidcrable time.

It lias tiot been ascertained how lon^
her mind remained subjcci to li"g-id
terrQr, without anv mea-iuiv of the
comfortable hope sjt tlie ^spel. Her

excfDdise's, houerer, are weH knou-n to
hstv* been uf a vei^' violent and dis-
tressingf tiud. At one time she was
broug'ht near to the borders of despair,
insriniuch that she even refused to lis-
ten to the cofinsL'l of Mr. Tcnnent,
or even to ;*uffer him to pray with her,
under an apprehension tliat it would
htit ag'jfi'avatc her future condemna-
tion. Ill this state of mind she was
visited by the Rirv. Ur. Finley, who
prudently Va*"cd a direct discussion of
hcrcrisc, but ^*adually and insensibly
■drew her att(;ntion to the all-suifa-
ciency of the Saviour: «* And a'h4
Idiow s," 9.1111 he " but there may be
tncrcy and pjirdon tliere for you V*
Me then left her. But the wonls
" who knows biit there nny bo mepcy
for ywi," melted lier soul. They
Beertctl to chime in her cars after he
Was jjone. She fell uptm her knees,
and pouted out her heart before God
in secret ; and she was enabled so to
trust her soul into !.he Saviour's handk
as toderiix.' some hope of the divine
acceptance, and a measure of consola-
tion, from that time. She experienc-
ed, liowever, anumber of Huctuations,
iH^fore she fpuned any tiling like aft
established pcHce of mind.

It WHS at tins period, that she, with
a number of others, endured persecu-
tion for conscience* sake, and went
even excluded frtjm their parents*
bouses, tor considering and treating
the salvation of their souls as the one
thinR- needful. The subjei-t of thia
narrative, during the time of herban-
ishm^rnt from her home, suppfirted
hc?'solf by her needle. Slie had a sis-
ter Mho was similarly circunistaiired
with herself. They rented a n)om,
and lived comfortably and reputably
on tlie fniits of tlieir own industry,
and bi'fore their father's death, they
had the happiness of seeing him fully
rcconrilcd to them, and of hearing
him expi*ess his regret for the severity
with which he had treated thftni.

I»i 1743 a cliurrh was formed bv Mr.
Gilbert Tennent, out of those who
were denominated the followers aiKl
converts of Mr. Whitefield. No less
than 140 individuals were rereived
atlirst, after a !«trict examination, as
members of this newly constituted
church. The admiHsion of a largfe
number more was delaved, onlv l>e-
cause Uieir exercises and s]>irituai

248 To Correspondents.

state had not yet attuned such matu- yean, one of the briglii

ntv as to afibrd aatUfaction to them- and most useful met

selves, or to the officers of the church:, church with which she

But amoD^ those received on the first connected. [To i

examination was the eminent Chris- —

tian, whose story is here recorded, and Died in London, on

who was to be, for more than sixty The Right Hon. Charli

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Memoirs of President Davies, in continuation, were recehet
this number.

J.C. will perceive that we have promptly complied with hisi
pages are open to candid and useful discussions.

Thxophilus has very happily exhibited the perfection of Chr
uvd proved from that example the divinity of the gospel. T
Correspondent is requested to add another number, presenlin]
Ckri*t*s tru€ divinitj, which nuiy be fairly deduced from the pei
moral chanu:ter. This is a topic of argument to which a'cveral
ters have referred, but which none have exhausted.

T. on Infidelity, «s in type for the next number.

The acknowledgements to S A Lvi AN, made in several former n
Panoplist, render ourpresent apology difficult. It must be perce
gent readers, who have noticed past intimations to Salvian, am
to publish his communication, tnat the expediency of its public
obvious. The Editors, after deliberately weighing the subjec
ipiest their ingenious and esteemed correspondent to excuse
now express their full persuasion that the interest of the Panopl
Admission of metaphjfMoi discussion. Aware of entering on thi
Editors, with some hesitancy, admitted the 5th letter of Coni
and subjoined a note to g^ard against improper inferences. Tb
performance of Salvian would probably call from Constans a
minute reply ; and there doubtless would be a wish on both si*
tlie controversy to an unprofitable length. Oiu* readers expect
Panoplist, the great^rinciples of evangelical trutli stated and d
plainest and most intelligible manner ; and were metaphysical co:
intrvMluced, they would justly charge us with a departure from
original design. The public, we liope, will do us the justice U
this resolution is adopted, not because we wish to discountena:
free and thorougli discussion ; but because we apprehend, that
tion of this controversy' would not tend tu the accompli shmsnt
objects, which are tlie elucidation and defence of the peculiar do
gospel, and the consequent advancement of Christian piety and

Our correspondent, who liandcd us the communication concert
College, is lnfi>rmed that it did not contain the Address of the P
is therefore omitted.

We receii'ed two reviews fi-om different hands, of Dr. N<
Thotigh we have adopted neither entire, m'c hope both will be a

LEiCHTONis received. Wc thank him for his seasonable co:

We have added a half^licct to this number, and omitted sei
to give room for interesting intelligence.

*,* The addition to our ust of more than tixty new subscribei
last month, animates us to pursue our arduous labours, with in<
rity and zeal.

G^ The profits arising from the sales of the first volume of tlic I
the uses to which they hare been appropriated, will be announce)
or succeeding number of tliis work.

THE PANOPLIST;

• %

) I

OR,

THE CHRISTIAN'S ARMORY.

No. 18-] NOVEMBER, 1806. [No. 6. Vol. II.

Xioqx^Vbh

MEMOIRS OF PRESIDENT DAVIES.
(Continued from page 160.)

HAVING detailed the leading
ioddcnta of the life of Mr. Da-
tici, we will pause) and contem-
pkte iome of the prominent and
BM interesting features of his
lU&d and heart.

The Father of spirits had en-
dttd him with the richest intel-
kctnid pfts ; a vigorous under-
"l^ingi a glowing imagination,
I fertile invention, united with a
ttntct judgment, and a reten-
tire memory. None, who read
Ui works, can doubt that he
possessed a portion of original
fnhu^ which fulls to the lot of
few. He was bom for great
Undertakings. He was destined
to excel in whatever he under-
took. «* The unavoiduble con-
sciousness of native power,*' says
^r. Finley, " made him bold and
enterprising. Yet the event
P'oved that his boldness arose
^ from a partial, groundless
*clf-conceit, but from true self-
Wowledge. Upon fair and can-
^^ tml, faithful and just to
*"n»stlf, he judjjed wliat liC
^oiild do ; and what he could,
Hen calle-.l lo it, he attempted ;
Vol. 11. Nu. 6. 1 1

and what he attempted, he ac-
complished."

How pleasing to contemplate
a mind of such elevation and
energy, divested of the pride of
talents and of science, moulded
into the temper of the gospel,
and consecrating all its powers
and exertions to the promotion
of religion ! — ^^ 1 desire," says
he,, in a letter to his intimate
friend, Or. Gibbons, '^ seriously
to devote to God and my dear
country, all the labours of my*
head, my heart, my hand, and
pen ; and if he pleases to bless
any of them, I hope I shall be
thankful, and wonder at his con-
descending; grace. O, my dear
brother I could we spend and be
spent* all our lives, in painful,
disinterested, indefatigable ser-
vice for God and t!ie world,
how serene and briglit would it
render the swift approaching eve
of life : 1 am kibouriii,c; to do a
little to save my count ry, and,
which is of much niurj conse-
quence, to save souls irom
death, from that tremendous
kind of death, which a aoul can

']mdH<^^6^i^^^ii'

250

die. I bkTfi but littla ncceu of
iate ; but, bfeucd ba God. it'

mucJiiniWB. Jn/ldeMh. htMBi
of my brcthRa hbour to better
purpoae. The pkasurc of the

t^. OKnaf rcligioa ^rui in . hudlcHt nwdn
prindple and apirlt. MreTr «nd
natacaVj nii^ftltemdi Iwougbt'
hihrtotlie foot of thtferocN to
receive lalvitiwi ■> ft free gift.
Itpenctrttcd hit kkiI with the
profbimdcat KTerence fcr ft pv -
doDhi([ God, and .tha Jeodoeit
^Tfttitnde to ft dying SMour: It
cogaged him in fta vdaM and
vigorona punnit of nahrfend ho-
linesi, nhlle, Kt the uate Ume,
it rendered him liumble and dis-
satisfied with lumself, amid his
highest attainments. Thcst
traits of cliui'actcr are str^agljr
illustrated by sonw: passages in
ft letter to the friend above-men-
tioned, to whom he was accus-
tomed to disclose tlie inmost re-
cesses of his heart. Having
spoken of a violent sickncs»j
vm'wiofjk he wta jtttt recoTer-
ing, h«-/praeeeda iiitfaiaatrlc:
** Bteaaed b« my Biaater'a name*
dia diaordernund me em^oy-
ed in hia aenice. , Itaeiicd me
in the pulpit, tike a acddier
vounded in the &ld. Thia haa
been ft buaj aummer with me.
In about two mootbai I rode
about five honored mileat and
preached tfioat fony aermoaa.
ThisaSbidt me aome jrfeftsure
in the review. But aJaa ! the
mixture of aini ftod of many
nameleaa imperEactioDft that run
through, and corrupt all my aer-
^ricea, give me ahame, aorrow
and mntifiooion. My fever
made nnusnftl nvages upon my
understanding, and rendered me
frequently ddiriiMa, ud always

■tupid. But when X.,
little sense of thit^a, (

lr,fcltpre«y cfi/n ufr
■la VKMi that. muU
was diaarmed. In4i
thoi^ht of leaving my 4
'tly dcalitiiie^ and myft
hudleaat made me lO^
hftdi, .and cling to 1i£f
6tfiei> "AapecO, d^CG"!
ft kind of indiffercncy
Formerly I have wiahei
longer, that I might b
-prqpared fi>r heaven i
cw^dcrajdon bad but w
W»^^r^ mie,andtb
very, unusual reason, irii
thia I — Alter long trial,
thia wprld is a place uff
ly %D Uia -growth of eve
dhMKODd hemenlf, ffa
ftfiai^ if I should livQ,!
should be no better J
heaven than I am. ^
havelud i»nl yany wf
^ malung any gnotiO)
in ttolineaa while in lit,
though t should be doi
aUy m it aft long as J^
I Kc other ChristiBBi
around me make some j
though they gi> an wj
atiail-iike motion. Bbt
conaider that I set oi
twelve years old, and «

!;uiBe hopes I then hai
iiture prepress, and yi
have been almost at a ab
aiace, I am quite
aged. O my good Mai
may dare to call thee ft
afraid I shall never se
much better on this aid
g^on of perfiKtioD. The
grieves me ; it breaks n
but I can hardly hopt
Bet if I have the leaU
true pieljr in my breaai
not ftlwuys labour uoc
oomplaint. No, my

1806.]

Bjhill yet serve thee ; servje tliee

f Ihrough aD immortal duration ;

r ?iththc activity, the fervour, the

perfection of the ra/U ^rrajih that

*fdont and hums, 1 very much
pupcct this desponding view of
die matter is wrong;, and I do
not mention it with approbation,
but only relate it as an anuivual
rtaaa Ibr my willingness to die,
vhich i never felt before, and
which I cpuld not suppress.

^'Inniy sickness, I found the
Amtpeakable importance of ^
Mediator, in a religion for sin-
ncn. O I I could have given
joathe word of a dying man
far it, that J^sis whom you
pleach is indeed a necessaryi
ind an all-sufTicient Saviour.
Indeed he is the only support
ftr a departing soul. Aone but
. Cfla^ST, i^ofie but Christ. . Had
Ittmany good works as Abra-
taaor Fault I would not have
dntd build my hopes on such a
(ioicksand, but only on this fimii
ttenal rock.

* I am. rising «p, my brother,
4lh axlevirc to recommend him
J^nter to oiy fellow-sinners, than
I ^ye done. But alas I I liard-
ly hope to accomplish it. He
ka done a great deal more by
IOC already, than I ever expect-
^1 and infinitely more than I
deserved. But he never intend-
ed me for great t li i n i;s . H e has
beings both of my own, and of
*^»perior orders, that can per-
fcfni him more worthy service.
^' if 1 miglit but untie the
^tchet of his shoes, or draw wa-
*^p for the service of his sanctu-
•O'j it is enough for nie. I am
P* angel, nor would 1 murmur
^•camc I am not.*'

Mr. Davies cultivated an inli-
J'^att acfiuaintauce witli his own
p*<?art. lie scrupulous*] y brought

Memoirs of President Davijrs*

to the test the principles anc-
motives of his actions, and se^
verely condemned himself for
every deviation from the per-
fect nile. Havipg been solicited
to publish a voluniQ of poems,
lie communicated to a friend the
following ingenuous remarks :
" What affords me the greatest
discouragement, attended with
painful reflections, in sucli cases,
is the lunhltious aud srlRsh spir-
it I find woi*king in me, and in-
termixing itself with all my
most renned and disinterested
aims. Fame, for which some
professedly writCi is a strong,
though a resisted temptation to
me ; and I often conclude, my
Attempts will never be crowned
with any remarkable success, till
the divine glory be more sin-
cerely my ai^, and I Le willing
to decrease, that Jesus may in-
crease. It is easy to reason
down this vile lust of fame ; but
ph ! it is hard to extirpate it
from the heart. There is a pa-
per in Dr. Watts' miscellaneous
thoughts, on this subject, which
characterises me, in this respect,
as exactly as any thing 1 have
seen ; and a poem of his, en-
titled. Sincere Praise^ is often
the language of my heart.

-— " Pride, tliat busy sin.

Spoils all tliat I perform ;

CurBt pride, that creeps securely in..

And swells a little worm.

** The very songs I frame

An> faitl^less to thy cause ;

And steal tiie honours of tliy name.

To build their own applause."

But though rigid in judging
himself, he was exemplarily
catholic in the opinions he form-
ed of others. He entertained a
high regard for many, who dif-
fered from him in various points
of faith and practice. Takings
larive and luminous survey of the

252

Memoirs of President Denies. [JiT^Wh

was at ready to forgWe injuriofl

field of religion, he accurately
distinguished the comparative
importance of things, and pro*
portioned his zeal accordingly.
While consciendously tenacious
on all great subjects, he was

received, as solidtous to avoid
offending others. His heart
overflowed with tenderness and
pity to the distressed ; and in ^
his generous eagerness to sop* ^

generously candid in points of ply the wants of the poor, he o&

minor consequence. Few m«
deed have so happily avoided the
opposite extremes of bigotry
and latitudinarianism. ,Few have
exhibited so ufawavering a seal
for evangelical .truth, and the
power of religion, yet in such
uniform consistency with the sa-
cred principles of love and
meekness. His trarm and libe*
ral heart could never be confined
within the narrow limits of a
party. Real worth, wherever
discovered, could not fail to en-
gage his affection and esteem.

Truth he sought for its own
sake, and loved for its native
charms. The sentiments, which
he embraced, he avowed with
the simplicity of a Christian,
and the courage of a man. Yet
keeping his mind ever open to
conviction, he retracted bis opin-
ions without reluctance, when-
ever they were proved to be
mistakes : for he rightly judged
that the knowledge of truth
alone was real learning, and that
attempting to defend an error,
was but labouring to be igno-
rant.

He possessed an ardent benev-
olence, which rendered him the
delight of his friends, and the
admiration of all, who knew
him. The gentleness and suav-
ity of his disposition were re-
markable. One of his friends
declared, that he had never seen
him angry during several years
of unbounded intimacy, though
he had repeatedly known him to
be ungenerously treated. He

ten exceeded his ability. W bile
thus eminent in his dispositioo
to oblige, he was equally 8enri«
ble of the kindness of others ;
and as he could bestow with
generosity, so he could receive
without servility.

His deportment in comptny
was graceful and genteel, with*
out ceremony. It united the
grave with the pleasant, and the
ticcomplishcd gentleman with the
dignified and devout ChristiaB.

He was among the brightest
examples of filial piety; The
virtues and example of his crx*
cellent mother made an indefihie
impression upon his memory
and heart. While pouring hies*
sings on her name, and humbly
styling himself, a <* degenerate
plant," he declared, not only
that her early dedication of hhll
to God had been a strong m*
ducement to devote himself by
his own personal act, but that he
looked upon the most Important
blessings of his life as immediate'
answers to her prayers. As a
husband, he was kind, tender
and cordial ; mingling a genu^
ine and manly fondness with a
delicate respect.

As a parent, he felt all the a&
fectionate, trembling solicitudes*
which nature and grace could
inspire. ** There is nothing,"*
he writes to his friend, '^ that
can wound a parent's heart so
deeply, as the thought that he
should bring up children to dis«
honour his God here, and be
miserable hereafter. I beg yoof

»&]

Memoirs of President DaTies.

253

ifen for mine, and you may
fKt a return in the same
id." In another letter» he
1^ « Wc haTc now three sons
t two daughters ; whose
iBg minds, as they open,
B endeavouring to cultivate
h my own hand^ unwilling to
ttthem to a stranger ; and I
L the business of education
ch more difficult than I ex-
ted. My dear little crea-
esaobyand drop a tear now
1 then, under my instructions,
: 1 imniot so happy as to see
a under deep and lasting im-
sirioiii of religion ; and this
the greatest grief they aflbrd
i- Grace cannot be commu-
itod by natural descent ;* and,
ikcouldy they would receive
tittle from me."
Few have had a higher relish
-Mnidahip, than Mr. Davies.
whave better understood its
BcMies, or more faithfully and
BEMmsly discharged its duties.
MK and various other parts
kb character^ are agreeably
idled in the following letter,
tea in the year 1751.
'" M^ very dcarfricndy
^\ redeem a few nocturnal
m to breathe out my bcnevo-
I wishes for you, and to as-
t you of my peculiar rc-
di. Human life is extreme-
precarious and uiictrtuin ;
If perhaps, at your return, I
f be above the reach of your
respondence ; or, perhaps,
ir voyage may end on the
nial shore. 1, tiiercforc,
te to you, dear Sir, in tlte last
nics of friendship, if I may
the expression. If, upon
r return, you only hear my
thless name tost from ton};;;uc
Migue, and find this system
:lay that now breathes, and

moves, and writes* mouldering
into its native element, you may
safely indulge this reflection :
^^ \f ell, once I had a friend ; a
friend, whose affection could find
room for me in his retired im-
portunities for mercy at the
throne of grace, when his own
wants were so numerous and
great, that they might have en-
grossed all his concern.'* Orof
I am doomed to survi\*e ynu, {
shall have the melancholy satis-
faction to reflect, *' My fnend
did not lire without such assur*
ances of my tender affection as
might engage his confidence in
my useless friendship."

'* And now, when I feel the
soft emotions of friendship, and
speak of the final period of thi»
mortal state, I cannot restrain
myself from intermixing some
of the solemnities of religion.
We shall have an interview be-
yond the grave, though ivc
should never converse more be-
neath the skies, in the low lan-
guage of mortals. But, oh I
on what happy i or on what dis-
mal coast shall we meet ? On
the verdant plains of the celes-
tial paradise, or in the dreary re-
gions of horror and despair ?
The human mind is inrapable of
forming a more important in-
quiry ; and if the hurried or
amusements of tliis infant state
of things run banish it fiv>m our
minds, wc have forfeited the
character of rational creatures ;
we arc as really, and more per-
niciously mad than any wrtlch
in bedlam, thougii wc are uiot
sti^cmatizfd as such bv the
world, who are seized with the
same delirium. Tlie valley of
the shadow of death appears fre-
quently gloomy and tremendous
to me ; but, it is in those up*

254

Memoirs of President Denies.

INtn.,

happy hours, when my views of agony^ carry nothiDg^ terrible

the glorious method ot* salvation them-

through a mediator appear in an «chiBpM in my hea%-eiily Falhei%^

obscure light, and my compla- arms

cence in it is "waveriuR or Ian- I would resigfn my flcetinp breath fj|l

cuid : when the fervour of de- Anl lose ray Jifc amid tire charms ■[

*•-.•- I * 1 I 1 ■ Ot so divme ixna bicst a dcath.^ ^

votion IS abated, and my soul is "^

lulled asleep in a carnal securi- '^ Dear, dear Sir, I liare opear

ty : but my mind cannot rest ed to yuu some of my sentL-

under this uncertainty : it
is too important a matter to
make an implicit venture in.
Oh 1 Sir, an eternity of consuni-

menls on experimental religioQi
unrf, you know, we unhappily
difler uj>ou sundry points rdat*
ing to it. Our diflferences oft

mate happiness ! An eternity of many other pointSf and sundry
the most intolerable misery ! — of tliem even with rcspccf to
Mv mind sinks beneath the an*
wieldy thought, and I cannot hn-
ish the sentence i if I am mis-
taken in this, if I £brm to my-
self some easy scluimc of relig-

this, have but u very rcnolB
connexion with everlasting h1?
vat ion ; and, no doubtf multi-
tudes arrive in the same heareOf
who ^i*e tenacious of different

ion that may suit the huntour of sides. But that thorough ctu|i|;B
this world well enough, but will of heart, usually d^noiaiDatcd'

not obtain the approbation of the
supreme JudgC) then my reason
is a pernicious supei*fluity, my
very being an eternal curse ;
Wo is mcj my moiher^ that thou
didst bear me. But, in those
joyful hoors, when I can I'est my
guiliy soul on an all-sufficient
Uedeemer with all the humble
contidiince of a confirmed faith

regeneration ; that distrening
conviction of our undone condi-
tion by sin, and utter inability to
relieve ourselves bv virtue oif
that strength common to man-
kind in general ; that humble acr
ceptance of Christ as our only
Saviour and Lord, hv a faith .(of
divine operation, that huQibIi9f
sense of the corru^Hion of hu-

wiieu I can read the evidences of man natui*e, and eager pursuit

rv^;cncratni:jj %\'i\cq. uiH)n my
\\ii\Yi ; \\licn 1 ran recollect
the solemn transarjions between
Ciofl niid my soul, and renew
thcui iii llu- most voluiUarv (led-
ication of m>i>elf, and all I am
and have, to him, through the
blessed Mcdijiior; Uien immor-
tality lb a ^;:lono\is j)rospect ;
the t;ri7.zly i)hantom, dealli, is
disarmed of all its horrors, and,
uiih ilie invilinp: mildness oi' an
.iivi^cl, charms ine into its cold
cnibriircs. Tiicn the iviortal
pal;:, tlic dying cold, the qniver-
Hu; lips, the falling jaws, and all
xh*' i;rim attendants of the last

and practice of universal bdir
nc-ss, which I have, 1 believci
inr:*iiiioned in conversation aod
my letters, appear to me of abv
solute necessity.

^' I should Ik- glad you wonU
read t!ie second and thijrd of Dr«
Doddiidge's Sermons on Re?
generation, which, I think, gi^o
a x'cry just and i^tional account
of that important change. ^
would not venture my soul on •
religion short of this for ten
thousand worlds, and 1 am Intf'
pressibly anxious, (jiardon the
perhaps needless anxiety of ^1
love) lest you should fatally mi*^

..wwvSw

Memoirs of President Dalies.

255

e. My anxiety is
id when I consider
mrite authors. Tillot-
Sher)ock's works, the
uty of Man> find such
are truly vaiudblc in
coi and handle many
f peculiar advantage ;
DOW any thing of expe-
Christianity, they treat
J snperficfally, and, I

I their most obvious
id to mislead us in sun-
% of great importance
D it) iM>t SO much by

fidse doctrines, as by
•undry branches of it
r necessary. I have
i the matter with some

I I am sure their de«
of Christianitv is not
copy of what I must
Dt before I can see the
mast indeed come up
■crount of it ; but I
lest there ; there is a
of experiencing some-
Jier than they general-
Lte. The same thing I
iffensively observe with
> all the sermons I have
Virginia from the es-
dergy. Hence, by the
may see the pcruliur

my scheme ; if their
if religion be sufiicicnt,
afe as they, since mine
it ; but if it should
entially defective, then

where th« advantage
is diflTcrence is not at

to their being of the
r England, for many of
ch agree with mc ; and
isbyterians with them ;
iwing to their imbibing
:ra divinity, which, like
)us leaven, has diffused
ong all denominations :
ever coniidcnily some

assert it, I could not embrace it
without wilfully throwing my-
self into rain.

^^ You know, Sir^ what use I
would Jiave you make of these
hints ; and I am confident you
will pardon the aflcctionate soli-
citude for you, which prompts
me to them. I speak solemnlyi
dear Sir, solemnly as in the pres-
ence of God, and not with the
contradictious spirit of a dispu-
tant. Of all the systems of
practical religion, which have
come under my examination, I
have endeavoured to choose the
most sure as the foundation of
my hopes ; and I should show a
guihy and unfriendly indiffer-
ence about your immortal inter-
ests, should I not recommend it
to you, and caution you against
those that appear insufficient.
It matters little to me whether
you use the ceremonial peculiar-
ities of the church of England^
or not ; as I know they have but
little concern with experimental
religion : but our notions of the
substance of vital piety ought to
be M'cll examined, and impartial-
ly formed ; as a mistake here
may be of pernicious conse-
quences. But I must desist.
May almighty grace prepare
you for li glorious immortality !
May divine Providence be your
guardian through the dangers of
the boisterous ocean i

« May He, whose nod the hurricanes
niid storms,

And blustering wares in all their
dreadful forms.

With calm adoring reverence obey ;

May He with fricnfiy vigilance preside

(Vcr the outrageous windis and
boist'roiis tide,

And safe thro* rrowds of deaths con-
duct your dang*rous way !

** I commit two letters to your
care, one to Dr. Doddridge, and

256

Memoirs of Mrs. Anne Steele,

one to Mr. Mauduit. Upon
your arrival in London, please to
write a few lines along with
mine to Dr. Doddridge, inform-
ing him where to find you, that
he may commit his answer to
your care.

" And now, dear Sir, with af-
fectionate salutations to your
family, my whole self wishes
you a most hearty farewel."

The ardent and active mind
of Mr. Davics entered with a
lively interest into the concerns
of his country. Her prosperity
and honour, her sufferings and
her wrongs, he reg^arded as his
own. During that gloomy pe-
riod when the French and In-
dians were ravaging the fron-
tiers of Virginia, and when a
general listlessness and inactivity
seemed to have seized the peo-
ple, he exerted all his faculties
to rouse a spirit of resistance.
The sermons, which he preach-
ed for this purpose, exhibit him
to great advantage as a Chrit'
tiaii patriot,

( To be continued,)

MRS. ANNE STEELE.

The writings of this amiable and
excellent lady have endeared her
memory to every pious Chnstian, who
has read them. Her Hymns, selected
by Dr. Belknap, arc among the best
ill his Collection. There are many
otlicrs in lier " Afiscellaneou* Pitcet,**
of equal excellence, not generally
known in this country, with vi hich we
shall occasionally enrich the poetic
department of the Panoplist. We
feel confident thai we shall Ratify
our readers by presenting' them with
tlie following bio^aphical account of
Mrs. Steele, draw n up by Dr. Kvans
of Bristol, am\ preri\*.(l to a volume
of her Miscdlumuius Pieces.

Editors.

The father of Mrs. J
a dissenting minister^
primitive piety, the sti
tegrity and benevoleno
most amebic simpUcit
ners. He was for nu
the affectionate and £u
tor of aa afifecUonate •
tion at Broughton in H
where he lived all his d
ly beloved, and died u
lamented. Mrs. Am
his eldest daughters <
in early life her loY
muses, and often entcrl
friends with the tmlj
and pious productioni
pen : but it was not wi
treme reluctance she
vailed on to submit ap]
to the public eye. It
infelicity, as it has beei
of her kindred spirits
a capacious soaring mil
ed in a very weak an
body. Her health was n
but the death of her
father, to whom she n
by the strongest ties of
ate duty and gratitudes ]
a shock to her feeble fr
she never entirely rec<
though she survived h
years.

Her state of mind '
awful occasion will be
ceived from the followi:
ing discription of it by 1

Still bleeds the deep, dee|
—-Where is the friend
To pour with tender, kind^

hand.
The lenient balm of comj

heart ?
Ahis, tliat friend is gone !—

say.
Who bore him raptur*d to

aboile ?
Can ought on earth comp

my loss !
Ah, no ! the world is poor

am 1?

J806.] Memoirs of Mrs. Amie Steele. 257

i, •oUtarv wonn, that creqis greater activity. The duties of

to wom.'^ ^*^" ^*^ '''^" friendship and religion occupied

cm oi HcATcn eztendfl, and can '*^'" ^"^?> ^"^ ^^^ pleasures of

I doubt both constituted her delight,

that iadidipeiit care extends to me ? Her heart was apt to feel too of-

Friwrof mcKiei, trembling at thy ten to a degree too painful for

Ite M t» vent the heart oM»e«ting ^^"^ ^^^ ^^^^^^Z' ^"^ ^^^^^ ^'^

pj^ i-i" ^ o ^j^g most tender and generous

Aidaakfor comfort! Can I ask in sympathies for her friends. Yet

^*i™ united with this exquisite sensi-

AeboST"™*"^^^* *^^ ^*^''^ ***^ possessed a native

.Ml craTmg wishes ask is large cheerfulness of disposition, which

indeedT not even the uncommon and

Tct less ^ win leave me wretched, agonizing pains she endured in

Gracious God, . . , . the latter part of her life could

StS".!;!;v';;'^'!li*!:^ deprive her of. In every short

"Tloa art my Father"— thy paternal ./ •r-^-.j ««-i_

lo„ ' * '^ interval of abated suttenngs, she

AkM can cheer my soul, thy kind would, in a variety of ways, as

ccNipassion, well as by her enlivening con-

^"««>»l<»d of heart oppressing yersation, give pleasure to all

0 JJl km>w my Father pities me ! around her. Her life was a life

. Aadif he pities, sure he wiH support : of unaffected humility, warm be-

What cianot love Omnipotent effect ! nevolence, sincere friendship and

Ak! BOW one tender, one endearmg genuine devotion. A life which

• Tw^u -i-« * -*!. 1 *u " not easy truly to describe, or

rtSl held medoik-n to earth, death r -^^r n- t^ •«.■• •

has torn off, faithfully to imiUte.

Aid vith it rent my heart-strings— Having been confined to her

lid me come chamber some years before her

'*^"y "^'^ ' prostrate at thy death, she had long waited with

OlidSi say, with faith and humble p»^"'^V^, dignity for the ^awful

^gpg ^ hour of her departure. She of-

Wi gncious Father, heal my ten spOke, not merely with tran-

l)leeding heart : quillity, but joy of her decease.

irilrf** band alone can bring When the interesting hour came,

iu.II~,« , , .^ . . she welcomed its arrival, and

fw woes like mme; can brine what * , . /»^ i_i . i

aost I want, though her feeble body was exi

Ai humble resignation to thy will, cruciated with pain; her mind

lfa» hatd the lesson ! yet it must be ^as perfectly serene. She utter-

wu.i^™*' * ^ -.-ru n cd not 8 murmuring Word, but

Wttfiill consent to say, "ThywUl „ ^ :«„.*•„ \^^.^J ^^a

be done." ^^^ *" resignation, peace, and

holy joy. She took the most

As the life of Mrs. Steele was affectionate leave of her weeping

w the most part a life of retire- friends around lier, and at length,

went in the peaceful village the happy moment of her dis-

*liere she began and ended her mission arriving, she closed her

*y»? it cannot be cxpectetl to gycg, and witii these animating

furnish such a variety of incidents words on her dyinjj I Ips, / know

•» arise in the history of those, i/^^t my Redeemer Uvlih^ gently

^fao have moved in circles of f^^ asleep in Jesus.

Vol.II. No. 6. Kk

258

Divinity of tJie Gospet,

iJlTov.

Her exccllient writings, by
which though dead she still
speaketh, and which are the faith-
ful counterpart of her amiable
lulud, exhibit to us^ the fairest
picture of the ociginol. The
following lines arc inscribed oi>
lier tomb. —

Silent the l}Te9 and dnnib ibc tmel^,^?

tongue • .

That viing on earth her gKi%^

Rcdremer's praise ; • ^f'

But now in lieaven the joins the aa-

gclic BODgy

In more haniioiuous, more exalted^
4a>s. t

Beltsiou0 Communkationtf.

THE DIYINITT' OF THE GOSPSL'
PROVED FROM TH^ SXAH-PLE
OF ITS ACTIIOR.

The miracles, which Jesus,
performed, demonstrate his hea-
venly mission. But had he
wrought no miracles at all, his
holy and blameless life would
have been a proof, that he came
from God, and taught the way of
God in truth. No^ impostor ever
lived in the manner in which he
lived. Impostors alwa^ps have
some sclSsh, worldly design at
heart ; and though th^y may
teach many useful truths, and
muy inculcate many excellent
precepts, and muy seem to prac-
tise some specious virtues, yet
governed by their favourite ob-
ject, they run into many incon-
sistencies of coiKluct, which be-
fray their pride, avarice and am-
bition. They luivcr support a
uniformly virtuous character.
They may for a while deceive
the simple and credulous ; but
their folly and hypocrisy will,
sooner or later, he manifest to
the wise and discerning. By
their fruits they wiil be known.

The character of Christ, from
his first appearance to the close
of his life, was the same ; it
was unexccptionably pure and

pious. His enemies, who'
numerous, learned and snbtl^9
watched him witfi jeakms &amM
envious eyes ; and though Cbc£.'
used every artifice tor cmnan^^
and embarrass him, they ooulc^J
never convict him of sin. Their J
enmity to him arose* not froi
any fault, which they could
in him, but front his freedom ii
reproving dietr fiiQltli.

Enthusiasts may sometii
from the warmfth of natural
sion, fancy themselves inspirecB.<
and may teach and practise irra-
tional and absurd things under"
an impression* that these things
are dictated to them by the
Spirit of God. But in Christ
there never was the remotest ap-
pearance of ehthusiasm. We
see in him no extravagance* no
irregularity, or excess. .His pi-
ety was warm, but calm ; his
temper was feeKng, but serene ;
his devotions were frequent* but
not ostentatious ; him virtue was
strict, but not austere; his
teaching was aflectionate* but
rational ; he inculcated the ob-
servance of instituted forms* but
always made them subservient
to justice, mercy and the love of
God.

Such a man as this could not
be an impostor. One* who hod

Dhhiity of the Gospoi.

25f

id heart, could not live
vcd. One, who had a
rt, would not pretend to
n from God, when he
\ had no such misMOU,

* perely of himqclf.

I we believcj jthat theiie

h a person as Jesus

nd that he really susr

lat holy and blameless

'i which is ascribed to

must believe, that his

divine, and thi^t the r^-

hich it contains, .is true

irtant. They, who pro-

Kflicye* that tht;i*e was

lan, and yet disbelieve

e authority^ and heaven.-

n* most palpably contra^-

iselves i for such a man

ver have claimed an au-

and assumed a charac-

h did not belong Xo him.

fidel will a^k .; '' How

low, that he was so per-

in I May not this high

r be a fiction of his di:^-

irho have written the
i

» of his life V* It must
Hipposed, that his disci-
e dishonest and wicked
Lnd would men of cor-
irts and vije intentions
ribed to their master a
% which must condemn
'es ? The disciples of an

* will always exliibit the
and doctrine of their

n a manner, which tol-
lieir own vicesi. They
.e him teach and prac-
religion lax in those
1 which they \vish for
ICC Yea, is it suppos-
t wicked men ; men,
e in heart utter sti*an-
rue religion ; (and such
pies of Christ were, if
*e deceivers and liai*s ;)
U it supposabloi tltat

they could cqnceive and draw
such a pure, consistent s^nd ex-
alted character, as they have us»
crilK'd to Christ, if they had ncv-
e,r seen it ? The disciples of
Sor rates, and the followers of
Muhomet have given tlieir re-
spective masters no such charac-
ter : and y$;t their zeal for and
attachment to their cause cer-
tainly would have induced then»
to say as much, as truth could
justify, or their own iniaginutiou
could suggest. It was not in
their power to frame such a
character, as is given of Christy
for such a character had never ex-
isted in their minds. They had
never seen or heard of the like.
What the disciples of Jesus saw S-w
heard, thait (hey have declared «;
for if they had not seen or heard
it, they could not have declared
it ; nor wo^ld it have come into
their ii^agination.

They appeigr .to he men of
honesty and candour. In their
histories .they freely relate their
own and each other's faults, their
weakness, unbelief, dulness of
apprehension, mistake of the
prophecies^ ambition of prefeu-
ment, expectation of a worldly
kingdom, the treache;^'/ of one
in l>etraying tlieir l^laster, the
faJ^lvciod of another in denying
him, the cowardice of all in for^
saking him at the time .of his
crucifixion. If they had seen
any faults in him, would they not
as readily have related these, as
their own and each otlier's faults ?
The caiidour, with which they
have written, shews, that they
were honest and faithful histo-
rians, and that the character,
which they have given of Jesus,
is pcrftectJy just. In short, it
shews, that as his enemies, who
malignantly watched him} couU

260 Jesus saving his People from their SinSi

find no fault in him, so his friends,
who were intimately conversant
with him, knew of none. There-
fore, from the example of Christ
recorded by the Evangelists, we
have full evidence, that the reli-
gion of the gospel is divine.

Christ has left us an example,
not only that we should believe in
him, but also that we should fol-
low his steps. If the same
xnind be in us, as was in .him, we
have a witness in ourselves, that
Jus gospel is divine, and that we
are interested in the salvation
which it reveals.

TRZoraxLVs.

JSSVSy SAyZNO HIS rXOPLB
r&OK TBEX& siais.

Tbb wonderful personage, on
whose character and work, the
writer of this paper has turned
his thoughts^ is that Sted qf' the
fffomanj which was to bruUe the
9erfiene» head. He is «* the true
light which lighteth every man
that Cometh into the worJd."
To reveal this Jesus is the grand
scope of the Holy Scriptures.
To him pointed all the sacrifices
under the Mosaic dispensation ;
and of him spake all the proph-
ets, from the patriarchs to John
the Baptist. The inspired pen-
men of the various books, com-
posing the New Testament, have
also one grcait object in view,
which is to unfold the character,
illustrate the doctrines, and make
known the kingdom of Jesus.
AVere ^it to exclude JesusChrift
and his kingdom from the Holy
Scriptures, we should render ev-
ery part of them uninteresting
and unmeaning.

This wonderful pereonagc,
though born and brought up in

the family of an obscoit
and though he assumed no
ly pomp, was infinitely i
than the greatest king th
fiourished in this world
was God mam/eat in tki
As God<i he is equal with ^
tber, possessing all the
perfections. He*is etenu
niscient, infinite in pow«
perfect in goodness. As «
possessed powers and £ai
which were derived and 1
As man^ he was the detc
of David, and never hac
ence, until he was born
virgin Mary. Vieired
mysterious characterof G#
he is David's Lord, aad*
same time, Dand*s Su
this two-fold character:!
dently referred, in the ft]
remarkable iiords, recol
the Revelation of John ; J
Root and the Offafiring ^f.

The WORD of oOD, ort
ond person in the Trinity
thus made flesh, had po
lay down his life/ as a s
for ^n, and he had power
it again, that he might b
as he is declared to be, the
rection and the l{fe. By
gel who announced to
and afterwards to Jose]
birth, it was foretold t
should be called Jesus, i
peculiarly expressive of 1
nous and divine persony
the great work, which h<
into the world to perform
word Jesuit J means a Savio
is the same as Joshua, y»
an eminent type of Christ
incarnate God, or the gn
diator, was thus callcd» 1
it was to be his office an
to save his /leofiie/rom tht
, This divine Saviour i
consMered, as the Father

ycsus Savirig his People from their Sins. 261

ft wSi men, because it is
if declared in the H0I7
ret» that " all things were
JIf him." Bnt, though
are Christ's by creation
sacrvation ; yet they are
lis by covenant and adop-
ly his people in the re-
aense in which they are
of by the inspired writ-
are to understand that
the &]len race of Adam,
raa given to Christ in the
It ofredempiion. Some,
sre given to him by the
have long since finished
utal racei and are now
siiy liberated from all sin,
ceaseless anthems, prais-
I and the Lamb. Others
r dwelling in the flesh,
tk> labour and toil, and
Ib^ against foes without
I within. A far greater
I we have reason to be-
e yet unborn, and are re-
m future trophies of the
as grace of the incarnate

e the Lord Jesus will
He with this world, he
ew by his grace, and call

Ungdom, the whole of
osen number, from all

and languages. They
I be known to be his peo*
it jewels," in distinction
t rest of meti, and he will
(hem) as a man spareth

ion that scrveth him."
ow, as he has been for
res, settling them, and he
irtly make it manifest,

" knows them that are
ie will say to the Father,

manifested thy name un-
men which thou gavest
of the world ; thine they
nd Ihou gavest them mc,
cy have kept thy word."

One part of his work, as the
Saviour of his people, is to deliv-
er them from the fiuniahjnent of
their sins. No language can de-
scribe the greatness of the evil
to which sin exposes those who
commit it. To be a sinner is to
be a transgressor of that law,
which threatens eternal death,
and which knows no mercv.
The sinner, therefore, viewed
out of Christ, as he must be while
he remains in unbelief, is in a
ruined, helpless state. He is
represented in the word of God
to be a lost creature. No creat-
ed arm can rescue him from
eternal punishment, nor give a
ransom which will meliorate, in
the least, his condition. Thcy»
who are given to Christ, are by
nature, like all other men, in thia
ruined state. But, he has come
to save them from the punish-
ment to which their sins expose
them. To effect this great and
important work, he gave his own
life a ransom. He died in their
stead. It is true, there is efficacy
enough in his blood to atone for
the sins of the vrhoh vforld ; and
the finally impenitent will be con-
demned, in the great day, for i-c-
jecting mercy, freely oflcrcd to
them, through his mediation.
But, meritorious and extensive
as is the atonement, it will event-
ually benefit none wlio arc not
united to Christ. The unbeliev-
ing and incorrigible it will not
save from the punishment of
their sins. On the contrary, it
will be a mean of greatly ag-
gravating their condemnation,
and will, in fact, be to them a
" savour of death unto death.*'
Widely different from this ai-e
the condition and prospects of
believers. Though their sins
arc numerous and aggravated

262 Jesus saving his People from tlieir Sins.

beypnd aUi deacription^ yet they
are pardoned for Christ's sake,
aiid through him» they vill be
saved fram deserved wrath.
They will experience the worth
of Christ as a Saviour, llefiect-
iiig, as they now often do» on the
demerit of sin, and the punish-
ment threatened to sinners in the
divine law, they are led ]Lo ex-
claim in tlie language of il^
evangelical prophet ; '* \V1h> a-
mong us shidl dwell wi(h tlie de-
vouring firei Who among us
shall dwell with everlasting burn-
ings^" From snch a punish-
ment, yea from everlastii^ burn-
ingSi Jesus came to save his peo-
ple. The language of the gos-
pel is, *^ He that beJieveth' on thjs
Son hath everlasting life.^'
*' There is now no condemnation
to them that are in Christ Jesus.*'
From these Scriptures, however,
we arc not to infer, that since
Christ has come^ tlie law Is
abated, cither in its requirements,
or in its penalty. The law stands
in full force. Christ did not
come to destroy, but to fulfil it.
lie took on Ixim the iniquities
of us all, and by offering his own
precious life a sacrifice for sin,
he became the end of the law for
righteousness to every one that
belle veth.*"

Another part of the work of
Jesus is to save his people from
the love and dominion of sin. All
men are by nature in bondage to
their vile affections. They are
bound with a chain, which is so
strong, that no created arm can
break it ; and tliis chain is their
unconquerable love o[ sin. Though
sin destroys all tlieir present
peace, and brings a dark, impen-
etrable cloud over all their future
prospects, yet they roll it as a
^weet morsel under their

tongues. It renders the
to all that can be said
wretchedness of the wic
hell, on the one hand, and
blessedness of the ri(
in glory on the othe]r. ...
in this state all their aicdi
defiled, apd are so fyr If
commending them to the,
of God, that they are an
nation in his ^ight. Tl
restless and unhappy in
condition, and are co^
^' treasuring up wrath
the day of wrath." Tfa
&int representation of w|
to be under the dominion
and to be chained down ji|
lief. Who can li^aro^ any ]
bondage that is so mifn^
peace, and so destructive ii
ture as tliis.^ From thisboiid
Lord Jesus saves his pe<^
can do that which no.*
arm could effect. He cai

•

tlie word, and they, who a
in 92/1, will hear his'
and come out of theii
dage. To this salvatio
the dominion of sin the I
referred in his confererii
the Jews, John viii. He
them, ^^ The truth shaO
you free." They, not '
standing him, answeredi
be Abraham^s seed, ao(
never iu bondage to anj
how suyest thou, Ye al
made free ? Jesus .an
lliem ; Verily, verily, I,
to you. Whosoever coin
sui is the servant of sin.
Son, therefore, sliall zna
free, ye shall be free inde
In effecting this deUv
so happy in its conseq
Christ acts as a physicia
heals the maladies of th
and gives spiritual life».
before reigned spiritual

On Infid^Vifw

I a w6t%9 which u conse-
n the atonemeiit ; but no
iluitial ; a work which the
p jperfonns by the a^ncy
*noly Sjurity whom he
imn the Father,
m the eves of men are
Jlened by the Holy Spirit,
;htild wondrous things in
and in the gospel. Con-
of the tilrpitode of sin,
ndemn themselves, and lie
!^K God. They wonder
ir fcftmer stupidity and
tty and feel as if they
lot do or say enough to
' tliemseives, at the foot-
'Him, on whose authority
ave trampled, and who,
B conscious, has pondered
r steps. Were they be-
BBcted to bad habits?
lliey enslaved by the loTe
world, or by their corrupt
Ks atid passions ? They
si themselves in a mcas-
srated. Jesus has come,
influences of the Holy
ind made them free. They
Uing to part with sins,
once appeared as dear to
A a right hand, or a right
3id they before view all
IB dudes as a weariness ?
low haTe been taught, that
ping God*s command-
there is great reward,
have they more enjoy -
ban when they can be do-
lething, which they trust,
>aiote the honour of God.
Mlgh imperfection will be
a Christ's people, us long
dwell in the flesh, yet
ve an assured hope, that
If have finished their war-
earth, be will raise them
tc of perfect holiness and
ns. The work which he
1 thtir hearts in rejB^enfr-

crion. he has en^ged to carry
on, tmtil they ai*e ripened for
glory. Having *• come out of
great tribulation,*' occasioned by
the wickedness of the worliU and
the remaining corruption of their
own hearts, and baring *^ washed
their robes, and made them white
in the blood of the Laroh»** thev

•

will be "before the throne of
God, and serve him day and night
in his temple ; and he that sit-
teth on the throne shall dwell a-
mong them . They shall hun-
ger no more, neither thirst any
more ; neither shall the sun lip:ht
on them, nor any heat. For the
Lamb, which is in the midst of
the throne, shall feed them, and
shall lead them unto lirir.g foun-
tains of waters ; and God shall
wipe away all tears from tlieir

eyes

ON IKPIOELITT.

Ik noticing the moral evils of
the present day, we may with
peculiar propriety direct our at-
tention to Infidelity y or a specu-
lative disbelief and rejection of
divine revelation. No other
history was ever so fully attest-
ed, as the gospel ; and no other
system of doctrines and morals
ever exhibited such clear intrin-
sic evidences of a divine origi-
nal. Considering that it is a
system so admirably calculated
to promote civil, social, and per-
sonal happiness in this life, us
well as to train up creatures,
formed for immortality, in a
course of preparation for a state
of eveflasting felicity hereafter ;
one would think that a fair pro-
posal of it to the understandinjr
would be alone sufficient to in-
duce mankind to receive it. Diit
experience has taught the con-

264 On Infidelity.

trary. There have been some tfi as a fable \ it ia

in every age, who have taken lend a &vourable ear \

unwearied pains to oppose and which he wishca to fii

discredit divine revelation ; but In proportion as ai^m

at no former period has either palatable^ they will appeal

their number^ their mfluence, or ble. The moral prUM

their assurance of success, been weakened^ the probable

so considerable! as in the pres- of the gospel is marred^

ent day. way prepared for bit bed

The late revolution in France, thorough infidel,

conducted avowedly on the prin- Temptiaitions of thif ]

ciplcs o( universal ^ketiticitm^ at this day numerouS> 'i|i

if not of absohite athci^m^ has have listened to them i

had a tendency to render in- much partiality ; iuiil

fidelity more popular. It is not booksy calculated to inati

to he doubted, that the secret in- tal poison, circulate fr^

flucnce of such demoralizing are read with avidityi i

principles has been much more we reasonably expect, hp^

extensive, than their open avow- ual, if not a rapid jod

al. As the truly virtuous man infidelity T For, s^ltb|Mi|

loves religion, and chooses wis- Christians, who love.uj^

dom*8 ways for their pleasant- and have tasted the con

nesSf as well as for the peace, vital religion, are in litt^

which they affordi he feels a dis- from such writerst as Boi

position candidly to examine the Thomas Paine, &c. and

evidences of Christianity, and is turn with horror from,|b'

well pleased with the thought of phemy ; yet, as evil n

finding it true ; on tlie other seducers are evidentljTi^

hand, as the vicious man has an day, waxing worse and

inward dislike to relig^ious re- deceiving and being dc

straints ; he is disposed to listen as it is natural fbr onC| 'i

with partiality to whatever tends been deceived himself, to

to weaken or invalidate the testi- deceive others ; and as il

mony in its favour. It is not to always some to be found

he doubted, that in this way, a to swallow the pemidg

sense of moral obligation is often the scheme becomes &ti

greatly weakened, and in some cessful. Doubtless one

instances nearly destroyed, al- of this rapid success i

though the pernicious maxims of infidelity usually begios

infidelity are not openly cs- in the heart, than in tb<

poused. When it is but barely The heavenly and spirit!

suggested to a person, predispo • trines, and the holy pra

sed to free himself from reUgious the gospel, are in the fifi

resti*aints, and to stifle the pain- disrelished and disliked, I

ful remonstrances of conscience, contrary to those corrupt,

that such and such eminent men, tions, which cannot on

men of great literary endow- straint V i^d, that CQn

ments, statesmen, and philoso- may give no disturtj^4^*e

phers, disbelieved revelation, and violating the precepts 6t r

esteemed and treated Christian!- its evidences are called i

II #IM«ft f tilii

'«»

pted, and denied. But
& of our holy rdi^on
prto always brightened
^n. In the tnostvir-
Ots, which ha\c been
fbtx ChmtiiUiily ri-om
tat, it has in the issuu
^ appeared, tike gold
fc fui-nace. This wlU
i«]t ufthe lale and pres-
b. The religion of
ties il9 own evidences.
Wen the franier of the
ftie comptexion oT it
i been totatly dj Scrcnt.
berto prevailed in 3|>ite
vest opposition, and it
it until the stone, cut
|c mountain without
ll^ iKcaiAc great, aiul
o'le earth.

^nces of Chrisliunity
bow be paniculai'ly
i I will only rtmuiKi
Chrigtian relj^on be
lit roust be one, which
dTected by the worst of
MTWurst iif purposes ;
flsBueticc of sonw very
1 though corrupt mo-
pt to suppose that ihc
II^TOlent system ever
(tnd published to the
l^ttfttem every way cal-
i promote civil, sociul,
Hdudl hnppini'fls in this
rwcll as to open tlit
tfVfCloriotisinimoruli-
nr, owed its origin to
Litton of tilt worst of
W W'Tst of purposes,
h twder ilie inilueDcc
btof motives ; not on-
tt any of tliose incitc-
JMived fr6m the pros-
itbea and honour, which
MteniJy great influence
pipainind and conduct,
ftc-t opposiLiun lo every
ht^cmeiti, and with a
No I. Ul

certain prospect of poverty, dis-
i^race, and dishonour, and even
of death itself in the moat cruel
forms; uid, if they believed an
hereafter, in expectation of fu-
ture misery ; is a supposition so
extravagant) that to admit it
would require a degree of faith,
or rather of blind credulity, in-
finitely stonger, than is requisite
for the belief of any of the sup-
posed mysterious, or improbable
doctrines of Christianity.

Oriate the opposition to Chris-
tianity has been conducted by ap-
peals to the passions, rather than
to the rcaSbn of mankind. One
popular topic, much insisted on by
the enemies of revelation, in or-
der to invalidate its evidences,
has been to charge Christianity,
Bs being the cause of all the
wnrs, by which the world has
been ravaged. This topic has
been abundantly urged by almost
every infidel writer from Vol-
taire down to the meane'st scrib-
bler in the cause of impiety.
Could we give full credit to their
assertions, We must believe that,
if Christianity, and with it all
pretences to i-cvealed religion,
were discarded, as useless and
pernicious, and reason set up, as
tlie only universal guide in all
matters of religion and morality ,
all mankind would quickly be
united, as a band of brothers, and
a reign of peace, benevolence and
harmony would soon universally
prevail throughout the world.
How Huently have the French
pbiloeophcia, from tfme to time,
declaimed on this topic ? The
deluded nation, listening to the
^yrcn soug, lidS proceeded to
muke the fuidl experiment ^
Chiibtitmity has been formally
and publicly renounced. The
Bible bus been, in some places,

266

On Injidetity.

burnt with csovy circumstance of
malicious contempt, and Reason
has been set up» as the onlv
guide, and eten' appealed to, as a
species of divinity. But what
have been the consequences ?
Have the promised halcyon days
of peace returned ? Have' we not
father witnessed the entire dis-
solution of eVcry moral principle,
(he most unbounded licemious-
ness, the most open avowal of
bribery and corruption, and such
a series of inhumaii murders, or
rather of promiscuous butcher-
ies, as have had no parallel
from the days of Nero, to the
present time ; accompanied too
with a lawless thirst of domin-
ion, which has not been equalled
in any civilized nation f

Many wars have been in the
world, it is true, ostensibly on
account of religion, but really for
the want of it. But, in order to
substantiate the charge against
Christianity, as being the princi-
pal cause of wars throughout the
world, it ought to be proved, that
before its introduction mankind
were troubled with no wars, and
that those nations, which are
ignorant of ro'clation, constantly
enjoy the blessings of peace.
To this kind of evidence the
enemies of revelation will not
appeal. The most stubborn
facts stare them in the £ice.
The gospel breathes nothing,
but peace and love ; and, where -
ever the spirit of it prevails, it
will prove a check to the asperi-
ty of war. Notwithstanding the
comparatively slender influence,
which religion has had on the
minds of mankind in general,
it is an undoubted iact, that since
the introduction of Christianity
into the world, wars have been
carried on \(ith less barbarity

than formerly, and in n
times with less in those coii
called Christian, than wh<
bctievolent principles of th
gion are unknown. Ni
standing all the fair pn
and proitiises of modem p
phefs to the contrary, ^
that instead of that peai
harmony which had be
liberMly promised, the rei
ing of Christianity is at
with the revival of the i
ajl>erity of war in a
horrors.

But righf or wrong, Chr
ty must* be overthrown ;
self consistent are its op|
who have raised the hue ai
against it, on account oifita
the cause of cruelty, Wft
bloodshed, that in the nextl
they accuse it of maU
votaries mean spirited slavi
cowards.

It is apparent, that in
observations infidelity i
considered as barely a sj
tive error of great magr
but as a moral evil, argi
depraved heart. This v
more or less criminal, aco
to the degrees of light, a
several advantages, which
enjoy. In our country, p
larly in New England, tl
something to aggravate th
of rejecting Christianity, t
what occurs in France.
French nation have lon^
their national worship d
by superstition, and the s
city of the gospel veiled 1
man invention. Many of
more enlightened charactei
confounded these add
which were the eflTect of !
stition, with religion itself
while they saw the absurdit)
one; rejected both together

iao«.3

Rev. fFi/liam Vetnienu

567

wk any exainioitioiD ; and upon
tkcK sm>erstitiouB additions
Wilt the principal part of their
u^ments against Christianity
itself. But in our country,
where we have free access to

the lively oracles, and the gos-
pel is exhibited in a clear and
(pvincing light, undebased by
pqkentition, the guilt of reject^
iDf^itwill be more aggravated.
''You only have I known of all
the ftmilies of the earth," saith
God to Israel, '^ therefore will I
punish you for all your iniqui-
ties." T.

For the Panopliat.

Vissti. Editors,

I BAVB read with considerable
Hiterest, the life of Rev, miHam
Ttnnea.' Ambnj^manyuncom-
noQ incidents rejU>rded in this
^count, one presents itself,
vUch it thought to deserve par-
^hr inquiry.

When Mr. Tennent had the

iffiction to be indicted for perju:

^1 ind the ' time of his trial

<suiie,he is represented as having

* very extraordinary confidence,

to he should b^ acquitted ;

'Uch confidence induced him

to proceed to trials when he

knew of very strong evidence

to be produced s^inst him, little

wiwfac in his favour, and in di-

''Bct opposition to the united

opinion^ and warm rcinon-

sbunces of his counsel.

The weight of Mf . Tcnncnt's
piety and talents ought never to
be thrown into the scale of er-
ror. 1 do not affirm, that this
conduct of his was erroneous ;
but, with a sincere desire to be
frifbrmed, would humbjy submit
the following inquiric*.

Mr. Tennent prQce.cded to tri*
al, against all human probability
of a right issue, on the ground
of these considerations, ^^ I J^now
my innocence ; and that God,
whose I am and whom I serve,
will never suffer me to fall by
these sna^^s of the devil, or by
the wlc]c^d machjinations of his
agents or se;*vants."*

Now my inquiry is, how h^
could be confident of this. From
Scripture and ^the perfections of
God, the Christian has sure
ground for believing, that Qpd
will do all things well, ths^t he
will restrain human wrath, when-
ever it is most fit that he should
restrain it, and that he will in«
terpose for the deliverance of
his persecuted children, on all
occasionj^, on which infinite wis-
dom apd goodness dictate such
interpositiph. He may there-
fore with confidence commit his
ways tx> the Lord, in a prudent
use of his own reason and of all
lawful meaTi9 for his security.
But it could not| without imme-
diate revelation, be certainly
known, that the contemplated
trial was an occasion, on which
the perfections of God would re-
quire him to interpose. God's
ways are unsearchable ; he does,
in his infinite wisdom, some*
times permit the wicked to
prosper against the just. The
God, whom Stefihen served,
'* suffered him to fall by the
snares of the devil, or by the
wicked machinations of his
agents or servants ;'* and Ste-
phen's Master, though he did al-
ways the things, which pleased
his heavenly Father, was by
wickfd /lands crucified and slain

• • • •

* PanopUst, July, 1806, page 61.

268

Rev. William Terment.

[JV0«k

The indictment on which Jesus
Christ was tried, was for blasphe-
my and sedition ; the first of which
was no less a charge, nor better
supported, than was the alleged
perjury of Mr. Tennent. With-
out rccurrinp: to these illustrious
instances, Mr, Anderson* mijjht
be mentioned, who was actually
put in the pillory, on the same
indictment.

Mr. Tennent*s foith, if good,
must have bien supported on
some ground ; but what ground
there could have been, it is not
easy to see. Scripture ground,
it is conceived, tliere could be
none. Scripture assures us that
God will do Wen, and that all
things shall vyarkfor good to them
that love God; but it no vhcre
tells us, that they shall not be
pilloried, stoned, sawn asunder,
or crucified.

But it will be said, that the
event proved the faith of Mr.
Tennent to be well grounded.
I answer, the event proved no
such thing. The providence of
Gocl was indeed very visible !n
the* issue , but this proved noth-
ing, as to the propriety of going
to trial, under the circumstances
which we have noticed. I may
be persuaded that a large quanti-
ty of wine will recover my friend
from a fever ; and may admin-
ister wine contrary to all pru-
dence, and the best medical ad-
vice. My friend may recover ;
but 'vvill this prove the pru-
dence of my conduct ? Anoth-
er person has a fever ; and, in-
fluenced by the same confidence,
which no remonstrances will
shake or diminish, I give, him
Avinc. The patient dies I Now
my faith was just as good in one
ciisc as in the other. A rash ac-
* Sec Punoplist, for July, p. 60.

tion is sometimes attended trith
good consequences ; aprndentao^
tion is sometimes accompanied
with bad.

The preceding remarks ara
made with much deference to
the venerable personage to whose
life they relate.

The same inquiries, whkh'
have been made concerning Mr."
Tennent's confidence, will appl^
to the confidence of some per-
sons concerning their temporal
circumstances. Some {>er9on8,
when engaging in a particular
pursuit, lifive a strong confidence
of success, thou^^h they acknowl-
edge that all appearances are a-
gainst them. '^ I have an un*
shaken faith,'* says such a person ,
'* that God will never suffer me
to be reduced to extreme pover-
t}\" Pray what supports such m
faith as this ? We are bound .to
believe God's word and rest up-
on it. But where has God! told
us, that no good person sh^ll be-
come extremely poor ? Was not
Job poor I Was not Lazarus re-
duced to wretchedness and be^^
gary ? Was not Jesus Christ
himself in such circumstances
that he had not where to lay his
head ? How can I assure mj-
self of future competency, or a
freedom from extreme want,
when some, Uie latchets of whose
shoes, I am unworthy to stoop
down and unloose, have actuallj
experienced such want \

True confidence in God, it is
conceived, docs not lead men to
believe, that he will do this par^
ticulur thing for them, but onlyi
in general, that he will do right.
The language of a rational Chris-
tian is not, ^^ I have faith to be-
lieve tliat God. will always pre- .
serve nie from worldly emliar- -
mbsments ;" it is thi%, ^^ I know

1806.]

Smnrf fif Churches.

269

Ml wfcat God his in merre, nor
Mil I snzious : it is sufficient
tilt he govems in perfect wis-
dom ud goodness. If he bestow
pro^terityf I will rejoice r if he
call me to safferingy by his gra-
doas nipport, I will still exclium,
" £vtn sOj FktAeTj for so it hath
gootl in thy tight. ^

LEIGHTON.

mukfmr ov vcw ekglascd

CHV&CnES.

(Continued from p. 216.)

AxoTBER evily which threat-
ens the wel&re of our churches,
i| the negUct or abuse o/catechet-
icoi inatntetion. Catechising is
one of the best and most approv-
ed methods of teaching children
the principles of religion. No
other method has ever been
finnd so well adapted to the
Mkeof the youthful mind. Chris-
tiiB catechisms have been the
ncceasful means of conveying
fmmone generation to another
theuving knowledge of the gos-
pd. The general neglect of this
node of instruction forebodes in-
dkuUble injury. A family is a
ttounary of church and state.
Unless children are educated in
the nurture and adraonitron of
tlicliord, they are likely to g^w
up in ignorance and vice. What,
in A moral view, Avill distinguish
ihetn from the heathen, if they
*J^t left without gospel informa-
tion? Every parent is obliged,
*^y the express command of
Scripture ; by the solemn vows
^hicli he nvakcs, when he offers
up his children in baptism ; and
hy those affections which tender-
ly Mnd him to their welfare, to
wstil into their minds the princi-

ples of Christian morality and
piety. And as this is so impor-
tant and difficult a duty, the iiidi-
▼idual members of tlie church «
and the church, as a body, ou^^ht
to do what in them lies to assist
parents in di«chargin^t. But
through the inattention of par-
ents and of churches to this
great duty, there is little ground
to expect that our youth will be
a generation to seek the Lord.

But there is something more
than 'bare neglect. An evil,
formerly unknown in New Kng-
land, has been lately introduced
into the mode of catechising^.
It is obviously very desirable,
that there be a general uni/urmin/
in the method of instructing
youth. The importance of this
must be felt by all who consider,
that unity of faith among Chris-
tians is intimately connected
with tlie honour of Christ and the
prosperity of his church. It is
to be expected, that the mode of
instruction will have a powerful
influence on the youthful mind.
Children, who are instructed in
the peculiar sentiments of Chris-
tianity, and see the happy effect
of those sentiments exemplified
in the lives of their parents, arc
under advantages to receive the
most valuable impressions. They
will be stronp^ly guarded against
the danger oflicentious opinions,
and, after they come to maturity
of imderatniiding, will l>e likelv
to embrace the truths of revela-
tion. The earlier they aix'
taught the principles of leligioii,
the better will they ultimately
understand them, the more per-
fectlv remember them, and the
more constantly and deeply feel
their influence. How highly
important, then, that the mode
of juvenile instruction should

270

Surrey ofChurchet,

[iWw/

comprise the Bystem of divine
truth. And as there is^ and can
be, oniy one 9uch ayatem ; as the
particular method of stating it
"will probably produce such dura*
ble effects on the mind ; and as
it is so necessary to the harmony
of believers and the peace of the
church, that the same sentiments
on religions subjects should
generally prevail \ it is evidently
of much consequence^ that there
be a general uniformity in th'e
mode of instruction. Religious
education ought to rest on the
tame foundation) to proceed on
tlie same principles, to be regular
ted by the same maxims. Now
there is no way, in which this
uniformity can be preserved so,
effectually, as by the general
adoption of tlic same catechism
for youth, and the some confes-
sion of faith in the churches.

But it is a question still to be
considered, what caiechiam ahall
be adofited ? This leads directly
to an inquiry concerning the
eaaential profiertiea of a good
Chriattan cateckiam*

On this subject it is a remark
which Jirat occurs, that a Chria^
tian catechiam ought to contain all
the diatinguishing doctrinea of the
goa/icl. If the Christian revela-
tion is designed to make known
any truths not taught ■ by the
li.G^hl of nature ; to exhibit those
truths should be a primary ob-
ject of a Christian catechism. A
philosophical catechism may
properly be restricted to philo-
sophical truth. A political cate-v
chisni may extend no further
than political principles. A cate-
chism formed merely by the aid
of unenlightened, unsanctilicd
reason, wc expect, will comprise
those truths only, which uncn-

Ipghtenedi unsanctified
discovers. But a catcchisai
professedly constructed on Chris-
tian principles, and designed t»
instruct the rising age m the
truths of the Christian rc)|gifni|
must be exceeiiingly defectivei
if it dp not contain the peculiae
doctrines revealed in the gospel.
Suppqsp it is free from ervWt
and contiuns much mo|ral and
religious truth. Yet, if it want
those truths, which distinguisW
the evangelical revelation^ it dc*
serves not the title of a Ckriatum
catechiam. It is indispensable in
a Christian catechiam, that it ex-
hibit thoie views qf God and hJr
law, of the moral coadicion o(
man, of the character and work
of the Redeemer, and of tht;
method of salvation by grace^
which compose the essence of tlie
gospel, and make the Cliriatie^.
religion what it is.

iiecottdly. A Christian qate^-
chism ought to be composed in
/ilainy definite^ /ireciae Iqngvoge, .
Being designed tQ convey iu-f
struction to people in generaly it .
should be written in language
which they can under^ti^sdp Bc^
ing designed to convey instruc-.
tion on subjects, i^hich are most
weighty in themselvcsy and which
it is of infinite importance that
all should rightly apprehend, it ,
should, in every part, be ex-
pressed definitely^ and with fircci-
aion. The m'ords employed
should he such, as will give a
complete and exact idea of the
truths under consideration ;
such, as will clearly mark their
limits, so that they may be neith-
er stretched to any excess, nor
confounded with different senti-
ments. Every thin^^, in short,
should be so expressed, that the

1B06.;|

Sumy of Churches,

271

flCtenClTey UDprejudiced reader
•hall apprehend neither more
aor lessy than what is meant.

Tktrdiy. A Christian cate-
cMm oneht to be of a Muifahh
Ungtk. It it be too long, it will
tneumbcr the memory ; if too
ihofti h will. want some material
paft.

J^9urtkhf, If a catechism pos*
seat the tboje mentioned re-
(JUirite qifalitleSy Mr longer it ha9
tern a/i/tnTved by the Christian
woridj ike mate highly should it be
eHeemed. A catechism may be
9D cimstnicted* as, on its first
^fpeannce, to meet the unquali-
fied approbation of wise and good
flwn, while at the same time it
wiD not tndure a thorough trial.
Long etperience often discovers
defects^ which were concealed
ftsom the most discerning eye.
I( tberelbre, a catechism, in addi-
tion to other requisite properties}
haslieen sanctioned by experi-
ence and derives authority from
its antiquity, it is the more
strongly recommended to our
•onfidence.

Now let us examine, by these

ralet) the Auembly*9 shorter catc"

•Um, af^d see whether it is not

a composition of superior merit.

It teems, indeed, unnecessary to

bestow encomiums on that,

which so manifestly carries its

own recommendation. *^ Gold

needs no vamishy and diamonds

DO painting.'* Yet it may be

asefiil, in these infected times,

to re^ the public attention to

<koie excellencies of the cate-

f^nnf for which it deserves the

countenance of all who love the

interest of evangelical truth, but

for which we expect the enemies

of the truth will endeavour to

^rwhelm it with infamy.

la the first plact it is recom*

mended by ite fulness. Of all
human composures of such a
moderate length, the catechism
contains the most complete sum-
mary of Christian knowledge.
In this ws find, either more or
less explicitly, all the great doc-
trines of our holy religion.
There is scarcely one truth of
importance, which is not here
asserted. Those truths espe-
cially, which relate to salvation
by Jesus Christ ; those truths,
which are the glory of the gos-
pel, and constitute the main ob-
ject of our faith and joy ; those
substantial truths, which tend
savingly to enlighten our minds,
and to purify our heaits and
lives, are held forth in their di-
vine beauty and glory. Al-
though the catechism was com-
posed more than a hundred and
fifty years ago» it is remarkably ac-
commodated to the present state
of religion, and fitted to counter-
act the errors which now prevail
in the world. By this means it
conduces more to the necessary
information of the people, than
many large volumes on divinity.

//* language is /ilain^ dt*Jinite^
and firecise. Considering tho
mysterious nature of many gos«
pel truths, and the ambiguity and
sophistry, which have been art-
fully associated with theological
expressions, we have reason to
admire the perspicuity and pre-
cision of the catechism. It ut-
ters nothing in dark or unintel-
ligible phrases. It leaves noth-
ing indeterminate or doubtful.
It cautiously shuns those intri-
cate and metaphysical terms,
which often perplex divinity, and
funiish to the bulk of mankind
perpetual occasion of division
and strife.

Should it be objected against

272

Survey qf Churclies.

IN09,

the catechUmy that it it above the
understanding qf children s wc
answer ; the reason of this must
be sought, not in the obscurity of
the sentiments or expressions in
the catechism, but in children's
mental incapacity. No cate-
chism can convey clear and ade-
quate ideas to their minds before
tliey are capable of receiving
them. Still every one who well
considers the nature of mankind,
especially of children, will readi-
ly see, that it is both important
and necessary to their intellec-
tual and moral iTviprovement}
constantly to direct their atten-
tion to things above their reachi
and lay in their retentive memo-
ries an early foundation for their
Knowledge and faith, when years
shall mature their faculties.

As to the length of the cate-
chism ; it is a circumstance to
be noticed with pious gratitude,
that so many momentous truths
are contained in so short a com-
]iass. It is of ^ch a moderate
length, that it may be often
perused by all, and, with little
labour, fully committed to mem-
ory.

The catechism is peculiarly
recommended by the manner in
which it was introduced, and by
the testimony of long experi-
ence. It was, with great lubour
and fervent prayer, composed by
an assembly of more than a hun-
dred divinen, eminent for eKten-
sive learning and Christian holi-
ness. After being agreed upon
by that large and i*espectable
assembly, it was most seriously
examined and approved by the
general assembly of the church
of Scotland. With such care
was it received, as a directory
for catechising. Its excellence
has been more and more appar-

ent, the loneer it has been nied.
It is believed) that no volume of
human composure has been
productive of so much good.
What a distinguished inttniinent
has it been of promoting among
men the saving knowledge of di-
vine things ! What, a precioiia
seed planted in the youth^
mind, yielding in their leaiOQ
the excellent fruits of wiadeoi
and goodness ! What a pemif^
nent treasure, abundanUj cil*
riching the church of God fraiii
generation to generation I 1^
testimony of ages stamps it irilh
unspeakable value. There ia
no composition of the kindp poa*
sessing so many rec^OHnendii-
tions ; none whichy in the m^st
important respectsi vili bear
comparison with this.

The Msembiy^t shorter coif
chisnij therefore, is eridentlj
entitled to the universal i^»proba«
tion of Christians ; and* while no
other of equal merit is ofleredi
ought to be resolutely 6uppoite4
by ministers and churcheiy as
a directory for the inHruciwm ^f
the riuing generation.

The same rules, by which we
determine the excellence of the
Assembly's catechism, shpw that
most of those catechism s, which
are obtruded upon the world al
this day, have little or nothing to
recommend them. Their nofvei*
ty may, indeed, be thought a
recommendation. But this, on
impartial inquiry, will be found
a circumstance greatly to tbeif
disadvantage. Prudently to rer-
form abuses and make valushle
improvements is always a good
work. But a spirit qfinhovotifim%
which is justly accounted SQ
hazardous in political affairs, is
infinitely more hazardous in rs*
ligion. Hsf timt lead^ tbo w^ji

Ifc]

&m^ ^CAarcAa.

must be responsible for all the
IBischier, nhich he dircctlc
beings npoa the church, and, in
a rauMire. for nil which will be
occa^oned by othera folIotTing
his example.*

If men would introduce a new
CMechitiiD, it becomca theiu to

E'neiit one, which deseises to
preferred before the Mient-
Uy't. Let us, then, esamiite the
cuectuams, which have been
ktdf poured upon the land.
What do we find, thai eiilitles
Ihem to public regard i On ^-
noESl every great subject of rev-
dabBOy we meet either pai^n-
Ue error, studied ambiguiiy, or
loud lilence. And it h uHcn the
CMC, that those diriiie iruthsi
wluch teem to be hcUl forili)

* It nuty be thoueht tlmt some
remvks. Lore itiuJe, arc injuri-
•lu lo tlte fhanclcr of ihe pious-Uyi
Watt*! fhu c<jin|H»ed Mvl plAWK-
ed •Bveral c^itechiinu fur cliililrcRI'
exkiDpIc mky be urgi:a, ui

f iJke conduct which vc <Ki>ve

tAa the hhvTty lo cuiiEiire- But it
■fll hefbund, nil inquiry, ihut oiir re-.
iMkj ioiply iw temii™ uf Dr.
WaiV*. He (^nblrtaiiiett tli>> highert
cMMn for tJie AsMttnUy'i Ctter
diim. uik1iicvc~ muuiitliutit thoiilil
W (tiperav'icil In luiy wliich he uim-

Cd. Hii vi-/>vi> »ii! (tttiifkctorily
leil from 111,- JoUi.wllnFijuinatiotu.
BcUyi it (Iti'Mi an Ilia UMI nik fbr
cumpuuiiff cji.t()iUni» lot- ciiiidii'li.

273

arc ntber half esprctsed) or dis-
torted and miiapplied. How
great tlw inconuderuion and
nahnew, if not the criminality of
those,, who endeavour to uibsti-
tnte, in the place of our excel-
lent cttechiamt other models of
iutructioOt nhich, .caaparaUy,
have icarcety a sluidenr of excsl-
Imce ! How can we reflect upon
ky without a ralxttirc of grief
aoA indipiation, that so tmny
coven, and to maoj open mea-
aarea sboHld take place, which
Have a Arect tendency to create
a ditesteem and neglect 'of suck

iMrticalarly, that rainiriten of
Ood'a word should be bo for-
waAl to supersede it entirely^
when the cause of gospel truth

ChriitlsineUriciD, wbich ii connnon-
ly called tba Auembly'i Cfttechiim."

"llWt ■lilTcn

1 1.= c

P"«d „ ,

tict, tach nf v.liH-li nhoittd Contain ui
ihi^tiSt nt Oirtmiantt^, iir u Ti<-\v of
4m wbtfleraJigionhisuiiiUure. lutlioi
£m uftbetc all tlie r,uciLl(Hi:. il.iiuldi

bt U iburti pluTl, UtJ «Miy IW |l<'Mi-

Ue, fbr ynuiig' ciillijreiij ■nd otlitrs
■baiuhi be grailuAMj mate \atgr: luij'
KlU, Mtl «iitrr a Ijltl^hirtjter irHu tlL«'
tfaii^t* of Gti, whLch they sbouid
iemtn aMortlin^ to their inure hsiiiji;
■pr, and IlkC growUi of llirjtr iiitUur.
■Idliilingi uid tlielut of tlicni may
be d>at caaipreheaiivc lystein af

VoLU.No.6. Mm

tbiy's Cstcchlsm might be put
into the bao^ at children when they
ue.gnM^up,ta t^elvcor .thinet^
yw/t of fge. Of innre,,snd, that there
mi^T T* iOme ibDHer and easier
forms sf inatniction pfonded fur
yminjt cbiklren, to Uy tfie foundiUoa
of the knowlaige of religion in their
tead«e miiKbt' <md to tnin itieia- up
bjdsRMe* tiUtbty sie e^MUeof us-
>"£ ^r Asaeinbly's CsiediUm with.
nnderiitin^Unf ana judgment." The'
planof'iDitAictiaB pcopoied by Dr;-
W^Tf%i ia doamed' wetUy of hlRh-
rega«d. BiiLletitbewtiKEnndwed^
bow 4i4^ttt his detiga was lyom ttig^

AsKmbyi Cateehllni •• hotdtn^the
hifrttctft plsce in the be« wbrme of
Cdacbetiul iruttraction. He had no
ideaof doing any thine to ict it aside,
or to sink its credit i but wished that
it miglit be used, after some easier
Ibmis, toptrfcarhe reUglaat tdvcatiom
i^cAltAtn. How diftrent the objeee
«r those, who wish, either |[TKl''*"r*
or at ooG*, to txelnde it fiom th*
ichcna ori«%i<ms odocstian.

274

Baxter'' s Letter to a I^rodigat Son. fiTotC

requires them to use the most
diligit^nt means to restore its
sulutary influence, and to awaken
the attention of purents and chil-
dren to its all important contents.
Tiiey may pretend a wish for an
improved plan of religious educa-
tion. But the methods adopted
are sudicieot to conrince the at-
tentnre^ observer^ that they are
either )^vcmed by a desire to
supplant that system of theolo-
%y^ which the reformed church
has generally embraced, or* at
least, are criminally iodifFeitent
respecting it.

Such are thr circumstances of
the present tinios, that we cannot
help lamenting, as hostile ta the
religious improvement of the

young, and to the cause of thr
Redeemer, every attempt to sink*
that catechism, which was so
piously composed and so can*
tiously introduced ; which is
characterized by Such intemat
excellence ; and is, besidesy sa
ttxtensively supported by the
public 'authority of the churoh*
and ratified by the uniform testi-
mony of ages. Lee the church-
es of God awake ; let them ode
for the old vfay^ and walk in tke'^
foot8te/i» of the Jioek ; and. let
them a1wa3rs beware of men de»*
titute of the truth, whose impo-<
sing arts and devious .example
would lead them into- pathsy
where yttjo/danges lurks, and the
Saviour is not seen. Pasto&

^electionjer,

OKTGIITAL LETTSir BY REV. MR.
RICHARD BAXTER TO A PROD-
IGAL soy.

Sir,

The many obligations laid up*
on me by the kindness of your
parents, and the last request of
your mother on. your behalf,
command me to ma^c known my
thoughts to you concerning your
present and everlasting state^

I know the grace of God is
free, and that many parents are
in heaven, whose children are in
hell ; but yet, some respect the
mercy of God hath to children
for their parents' sake ; which
puts me in some hope of ycu ;
and, for myself, I cannot think of
your mother, whose soul is now
with God, without a strong affec-

tion to her offspring ; which wfll
not suffer me to see you perish
in utter silence, and to forbear mj
admonition, how ungrateful soer*
er it may prove to your corruption.
I have long inquired after
your welfare ; and, from the
voice of Fame, I heard a very
sad report of yoti: That yoa
were quite given up to drinking*
sporting, idle company and cour-
ses, in flat licentiousness, in your
disobedience to your £ither, and
to the grief of his heart ; and
that, as you were a child when
you should have been a man, so
now you grow worse than man or
chifd ; so that your father has
purposed to marry, and disinherit
you, that he might not leave his

estate to such . I was loath

to credit this report ; but made

Saxter^s Letter to a Procligal Son.

275

further inquiry of some that I
knew to be four friends, and all
.confirmed it ; so that I am m
great fears lest it be true.

Sir, believe it, these lines are
not begun to you without tears.
Alas I Ihat the only son, the too
niuch4>eloved darling of my dear
deceased friend, 'should prove a
wretch, an invincible neglecter
<yf Gtxl and his salvation, and an
heir of everlasting misery (with-
.oift conversion I) Shall the soul
,i( such an aifectiosiate, careful
mother see you in damnation ?
Shall the heart of a loving father,
who looked for much of his earth-
ly comfort in yoz/, have his great-
est earthly sorrow from you ?
Is it not sorrow enough to put
him to part with half himself,
but he must see his only son as
lost and dead 3vhije he is alive ?

Sir, if you cannot feel words,
jou shall shortly have that which
will make you feel. What ! is
your heart become a stone ?
Have you so lately seen the face
of death in a deceased tii other,
and do you no better bethink you
af your own ? I beseech you for
the sake' of her that charged you
bf her last word to you, to be
raled by me ; nay, I beseech
you, for the sake of God and of
your soul, that you would take
these lines a little into your pri-
vate serious thoughts, if you
know how to be serious ; and
that you will not proceed any
fiuther in your folly, till you can
tell how to answer the question
which I shall now put to' you.

Sir, what do you think on ?
Do you not believe that the infi-
liite God beholdeth you, and that
jrou live in his presence ? Is
Grod's presence nothing to you ?
Jkrc you affected with nothing

but what you sec ? Do you live
only by sense, and not by faith ?
Say not so, without an acknowl-
edgment of brutishness ; do not
so, unless you will disown your
manhood.

I beseech you, tell me, do -you
ever think of dying, and of what
follows ? If not, what shift do
you make to overcome your wit,
so far as to forget it ? If you do,
what shift make you to ovtrcomc
your wit and sense itself so far
as to disregard it ? Can your
guilty soul endure the terrors of
an oflTended Majesty ? Is it noth-
ing to be condemned by the most
holy .God to everlasting tor-
ments?

Sir, you had "best bethink you
quickly whom you have to do
with. It is not only an earthly
father that you offend, but you are
a creature and a subject of eter-
nal Majesty. You owe him your

highest love and obedience

He will make you know your-
self, and know your Maker, and
know his laws, and know your
duty, or he will make you howl
in endless misery for H- You
may make bold with a man like
yourself; but be not too bold
^vith the consuming $re. The
sun is darkness in con^parison of
his glory ; the heavens and earth
ai*e but as an hand breadth, in
comparison of his infiniteness.
Thousands and ten thousands of
glorious angels are praising Him,
while such a thing as you are
slighting, forgetting and disobey-
ing Him. And do you think
he will long put up with this at
your hands ? If you dare take
your Prince by the throat, if you
dare play with a raging hun-
gry lion, yet do not play with the
wrath of God. If you dare

276

Baxter'' s Letter to a Prodigal Sm. {Na9^

Tenture on fire or water, yet learn
more wit than to venture on
hell-fire.

Do you think these arc but
empty words ? Believe you not a
life to come ? If you do not|
your unbelief shall not procure
your escape : but experience
shall convince you, and make you^
in despite of you, believe or con-
fess that there is an endless life
that you should have provided
for. If you do believe it, you
are out of your wits, man, to be-
lieve one thin(^, and do another ;
to believe that you are near to
heaven or hell, and yet make
light of it I

O, Sir, it is but a few days that
you have to take your fleshly
pleasures in ; but it is long and
long indeed that you must sufler
for it, if speedy sound conversion
prevent it not. How many
years must your flesh and
bones lie in the earth, while
your soul is paying dear for your
wilfulness 1 And how many
millions of years after must soul
and body lie in hell I Will you.
take comfort in the remembrance
of your present pleasures ? Will
it ease your torments, think you,
to remember that once you had
your will, and once you gratified
your flesh ?

Sir, deal plainly and not deceit-
fully with yourself. Are you
considerately resolved to sell all
your hopes of heaven for your
pleasure ? Are you resolved of
it F Will you make so mad a
bargain ? Will you venture upon
hell for a little sensual delight 1
If this be your deliberate resolu-
tion, you be not worthy the
name of a man, nor worthy to
come into the company of men.
If it be not, wl^t mean you, to do
it? The Governor and Judge

of the world hath told you*
" they that are after the fieabf
do mind the things of the flesh |
and they that are after the Spiriti
the things of the Spirit i'* thit
^^ to be carnally minded is death |
that if ye live after the flesh ye
shall die ; that they who are in
the flesh cannot please God;
and that if any man have not the
Spirit of Christy he is none of
his."

Sir, all these, and a hundred
more such, are the true words tA
God, which I mind you of, thafc
you may see who it is that jroa
are so bold with, and what it is
that you cast your soul on.
Jest not with damnation. Heark*
en not to the suggestions of
your vain imag^inatioBi nor ^to
the deceitful words of prating
sensualists, when you see the.
words of God against them. Re*
member who you are and where
you stand. Though you are a
gentleman, you are but a lump of
walking dirt, as to that bod-
ily part which you pamper.
You are continually in the hand
of God. How afraid am I9 lest
I should ere long hear of your
death, and so you should be past
recovery in hellf and out of the
reach of warnings and advice I
and what a base dishonour is it
to your understanding) that you
should set so high an estinnate
on the sordid delights of your
fleshly mind, as to cast away God
and Clirist, and heaven, and souli
and friends, and credit, and
conscience, and all for them 1

Why, Sir, is it really your
judgment that your fleshly plea*
sures are worth all these \ If it
be, what a blind and sottish
mind have you ? I dare say and
profess, that no man in Bedlam
hath a greater error. If it be

1«06.] Baxier^s Letter to a Prodigal Son.

277

M not jour judgment, will 70a go
y igainst your owb judgment?
Why, in this, you are far worse
dian any beast ; for a beast hath
DO reason to rule his appetite,
and so disobeyeth not his reason ;
but you have reason, if you
wU\ not stifle and bury it, but use
it. What is it that you love
80 much better than God, than
Christ, than heaven and all ? Is
k drink and play, and fleshly plea-
sure ? Why a heathen, a Turk,
a dogy a swine, hath his part in
these as well as you. Take it
Bot ill that I speak to you in
ao plain and homely a phrase. I
tell yoa the day is even at hand,
when 3rour tongue shall confess
that I spoke not half so ill of
your way of folly as it doth de-
serve. You have read in Luke,
(the sixteenth) of him that was
tormented in hell, because he
had ids good things in this life,
in gay clothing and delicious
krt : and how much worse than
thu do you i

Of Sir, remember sin is de-
cdtfol, the flesh is base, the world
ii worthless, pleasures here are
hot short ; but God is of infinite
perfection ; heaven is a certaHi du-
nble possession ; holiness is s^eet
aad amiable ; the life of godliness
is d ean, and safe, lyid pleasant.

I am loath to word with you
any further ; but address myself
to you, in the grief of my heart,
for your sin and misery^ with
these three important requests,
which I entreat you, that you
will not deny me.

First, That you will, patiently
and considerately, read over nnd
over this letter, which I write to
you.

Secondly, That you vnW delib-
erately read over this treatise of
conversion, which herewith I

send you ; and as you go, ex-
amine your soul by it, and al-
low it your most sober solitary
thoughts.

Thirdly, That you would pre-
sently, this night, betake your-
self to God in prayer on your
knees, and lament with tears your
former folly, and earnestly beg
his pardoning grace, and beseech
him to give you a new, a holy, a
mortified mind ; and make this
seriously your daily practice ;
and then, go to your father, and
on your knees, confess your sin
and disobedience, and beg his
pardon, and promise unfeiguedly
to do so no more ; and that
from this day forward, you wjU
take your fleshly disposition for
the great and dangerous enemy
of your soul ; on the conquest
of which your salvation licth ;
and which you must study to
subdue, and not to please. Head
what Paul himself thought ne-
cessary, I Cor. ix. 25—27 ; and
that you never more meddle
with sports and recreations, or
drink, or fleshly pleasures, but
soberly and ordinately, and no
more than is needful to fit you
for the service of God ; and that
your care and business, and eve-
ry day's work may be (when
you have l>ewailed your youthful
folly) to do God all the service
that you can, and make ready
for your appearing before the
Lord ; and make sure of that
everlasting glory, which you
have forfeited.

Go not out of doors till you
have examined yourself whether
>ou go on your Master's busi-
ness ; and whether your work be
such that ytm would be comlbri-
ably found in, if death shall call
you betbrtt you come in a*

Lain.

I Fragments. S79

II9CELLANIES. at command was Tery agreeable

■■ to me, aa I have often obserredf

^ YXAOiHirTS. and lately a AbnbiVA HoafiUal for

lO many other charitable oldfiet^e where many lodge in

ana hi the city of Glat- the same room, that the infirmi-

lidand, is ^ a neat, quiet, ty, or peevishness of one person

llble retreat for old fteofiUj hais been the cause of half stifling

as this inscription over the rest for the want of the ad-

I. mission of (that cordial of life)

lih this bbric was built, air. Howard,

NMin ; but in the year -i-

■c'vaa tuide an HonfiUal Skminaries of learning, are

peofile. The febric be-, the springs of society, which, as

ilbous in a great mea- they flow, fiml or puret.idiffbse

A'some parts uninhabita* through successive generatioiia

rihit year 1736 the repa- defiravUy and nuMery^ or on the

lere begun, and fifteen contrary, virtue and happiness.

rise added by charitable On the bent given to our minds*.

ily which will be suppli- as they open and expand, de^

d persons as the rrvrnur pends their subsequent &te ;

laed by donatiofu. Three and on the general management

tunds sterling entitles of educatiomj depend the honour

to a presentation of and dignity of our spedes.

widow of a burgess. Dr. Price.

JKJaf a burgess, male or —

' ;' and 350/. sterling ^ It is the opinion of Dr. jh^

e donor a right to pre- buthnotj that renewing and cool-

tperson whatsoever, not ing the air in a patient's room

sfeor under fifty years of by opening the bed-curtains,

^ door, and windows, in some cases

b hospital each person letting it in by pipes, and in

4Bwn room, eleven feet general the right management

;#nd a half, in which is a of air in the bed-chamber, is

l^joid window. These among the chidf branches of

open into a passage regimen in inflammatory dis*

let and a half wide, at eases, provided still that the in-

i of which is a sitting tention of keeping up a doe

IT such as choose to as- quantity of perspiration be not

together. A chaplain disappointed." And Dr. For*

tf era morning and eve- dyce adda, ** By the officious and

rhere is a garden and mistaken care of silly nurses in

■veniences. They have this respect^ the disease is often

eet three times a week, increased and lengthened, or

Ued three times, and even proves &tal. Numberless

bottles of good beer ; indeed are the mischiefs, which

lothes and linen are also arise from depriving the patient

1 ; but the allowance for of cool air, the changing of

; is only sixpence a which, so as to remove the pu-

The circumstance of trid streams^ is most of all ne-

rson's having a window cessary in putrid diseases.*" I

5KKf • AnecAftcsJ''

hope I shall be excoied in add' ANECDOTE

in^, ^' In the begioniiig of putrid

fevers (and many putrid fevers We are infermedel

ccone upon full habit) the patient ryat, that aftec. he n

abhors, without knomingp the what advanced In y^t|^

reaaoDy ibodsy which easily pu- & strong^ laemoqri Im-^

f rify, but pants after acid drinks his dnty te nfiike4t^«'

and fruits, and such are allowed poaitory of the vorlgi

by some f^ysicianst who follow revelation.

nature. Oranges, lemons, cit- Accovdiaglyy ^ hCr

Tons, grapes, peaches, currants, up," says one, *^ a lar||

nectarines, are deroured with of tha Scriptures thai

eagerness and gcatiftude. Can any one besidesi who«

X\m dlalillery or the apethecary^i known, ever did. Fb«

shopi boost of such cordials ? some), who can asaunei

It appears, then, on the whole, ^^d the account im

that the ftiod, in a putrid fever, ^i^m himself, that he

should consist of barley, rice, mitted to memory v

oacAieali wheat breadvaago^ Salop whole books* both -ol

misted with wine, lemon, orange, "^c^tament and the Nii

citroQ, or choddock juice, jellies ^P mentioned this* I

msde of ourrants, and other distinctly, Job, Psalm^

acescent fruiu; nod when broths Eicclesiastes, Isaiah^ -i

are thought absolutely necessa- niiah, with att the iniii)

ry, which probably seldom hap- eta^ and every one o^

peiia, they ahouM be willed with ties likewise in the Ne

currant jellies, citrcm, lemons, ment, with the book oC

and orange jutqes."! lation. And that he m

. JDr. Fordyce on in/lammai<frtj falU; retain the whole «

' fever^^ ' • had thus learnt, he de

<^ ' '. was. his practice to refl

^ memoriter once a yt;

aoLON s opiif lov OF THii MORAL special reason or motit

srFECTS OF THE STAGE, he assigned for his en«i

-This great Athenian lawgiv* ou this method, desetrvi

ep, being present at the perform- ticular notice. He bei

ance of a tragedy by Thespis, the younger part of lb

who may be called the fiither of being under a deep sen

the stage, asked hira; when he evil of sin, and his mind

had done, if he was toot ashamed norant of ^ God's ways

to tell so many lies before so tion by the ri^hteousnei

great an assembly. Thespis an- glorious Messiah, or ■

swered, it was no great matter, if the dark as. to his own

he spoke or acted in jest. To interest in it, he was so

this Solon replied, striiiing the tressed with fears, that 1

ground violently with his staff, be his portion. At thai

*^ If we .encourage such jesting was put into his heart,

as this, we shall quickly find it ^^ "mst go to hell, he v

in our contracta/' deavour to carry with

much gf the word of Go

1806.]

Aftecdotes.

281

wtAj he couhL Aod it sceuift
to me to have beeli a secret la-
tent principle of the fear and
bve of God that established him
in thia purpose. For it looks as
if he deured to have a supply of
Kriptave inateriais fat hia nund
to woik upon, chooaing it should
ever be emplofed in recollecting
ud raAecting upon those rc-
caida» that therebyi if possible»
k wlgjif be kept from blasphcm-
iB^ Godi like the rest of the
fttitsiiithe infernal prison.

Buck's Anecdotes,

left off» to pursue it without in*
SerruptJon'On his arrival.

raxneaic ii.
•Sraderic" says M. T. <« di-
vidsdUs books into two classes,
far itndy or for amusement.
Tbeacoond class, which was in-
finifcyibe most numerous, he
icsd mdy once : the first was
MBsidenbly lesa extensive, and
v» oomponed of books, which
he wished to study and have re-
Mtrse to Arom time to time
Mng 'hia life ; these he took
<b«B, ime alter the other, in the
Older in which they stood, ex-
cept wbe|» he wanted to verify,
die* or imitate, some passage.
He had fife libraries, M exactly
dike, and containing the same
tesksi ranged ki the same or-
^ ; one at Potsdam, a second
« Sana Soud, a third at Beriin,
tfoorth at Glmrlottenburg, and
t fifth at Breslaw. On remov-
ing to either of these places, he
nA oaly to make a note of the
put of his subject at which be

Thefollovfing waBon /mjnorous
curt for unclcricai fira cticts.

THE CURATS 11U.XEVXD.

A vidept Welch *squire hav-
ing taken ofTence at a poor cu-
rate, who employed his leisure
hours in mending clocks and
watches, applied to the bishop of
St. Asaph, with a formal com*
plaint agaipst him for impiously
carrying on a trade contrary to
the statute. His lordship having
heard the complaint, told the
squire he might depend upon it
that the strictest justice should
be done in the case ; according-
ly the mechanic divinb was sent
for a few days after, when the
bishop asked him, " How he
dared to disgrace his diocese
by becoming a mender of
clocks and watches." The
other, with all humility, an-
swered, " To satisfy the wants
of a wife and ten children."
•* That wont do with me," re-
joined the prelate, ^^ I'll inflict
such a punishment upon you as
shall make you leave off your
pitiful trade, I promise you,"
and immediately calling in his
secretary, ordered him to make
put a presentation for tlie aston-
ished curate to a living of at least
one hundred and fifty pounds
per annua^

Buck's Anecdotes.

N«. 6. Vol. IL

JicvicLvs D/\ Lhing^oti^s Sermon. \J^094

l&etiieiD of J0^ Publicatiotur.

The Triumfih of the Got/ief. A
^rmon tUUvtrcd before tht ^few
York Mhmonary Society^ at^
their annual meetings j April 3,
1804. Bi^ Souu IL LiviJ(6S'
Tox", D. D, S.7\ P. To which
mre added^ as mftftcndlr^ i^/i^^'
Httai rL/ioi't q/'jhejiirectorMf md^
other fia/ier^ relafing to Anicri^,
can jMi»uont^ New York* T«

Kkv. xiv, 6y7. And I tav
another, angel Jly in the nJdsf iff
heaven^ haying the everlasting
gos/iel to fireach unto thftn that
dwell .on the -. earthy and to ruexy
nation^ a^d Ji^indred, and tongue,
qjid ficoplcf saying J with a Igud^
voiceyfear Godi and gix*e glory to
him ; for the hour f^ hia judg."
nunt it come s and worMh Aim
that made heaven, and ear t Iky a^
the eea, and the founfaint of
voters.

The design of the sermon ig,

^r«/, to ascertain the object tf thii

firo/ihecy ; secondly, to inx^esti'

gate the fieriod of its accom/itish"

ment.

With a view to the object of
the prophecyi or the eveut pre?
dieted, ^he authcf g^ives this ex«
planation of the text.

*• That John foresaw a period, wlien
s zealous itiinistr}- \i-oiitd arise in the
midst of the churchefi, with a new and
cxtraunlinHry spirit; a miniatrjr
finffuiaf in (^ /«'i($>v8 and exertions^
and remarkable for its pUns and ^ac-
cess ; a ministry wliich* would arrest
the p\lbHi6 attenticm, and be a prelude
to momentous changes in the church
and in the world."

He gives the meaning of the
prophecy still more particularly
in the following paragraph ;

<* John taw in Tuion. that afler a

lapse of time, a iin|^r moieom
tiould coiAmence, not in a jHBbA
eomrr, but in the rery Hiidsto^w
4huMh« t ihAt lbs gospel, nk itol
^y^MToukl be Mtot.to tlie i^MtV
taut lAttds, and succeu crown j
l&*ncvo1ent wurl.' The jrfitinsiy i
errlsetif the tit inirftry* . . : . . vvHiot VB
•bjdbt of tb« \ijim^''Xx. •««• «■»>
thinf beyond tbe.coi^KwnMaBdflA-ii
It was^di wea^nK^^m)^
agatiou of \\\% ffptpcu a« i^JF&
befoM coilt^mpli^; ^*MKW«
maqi^Hiule m tfie |Am, a concURoee
of sentiment, a speed in the CKCS-
tion, a zeal in thccfibrt^ and apiM-
pcilty ia the enterprise, which dii-
tinfi^ushcd this from sB Ibrmer pe-
riods. ,.T1(e eVent Ur desaibc«l
compreliendft a sMes.tf canSeii Sod
cfiects» a succeMUNi 0f n«ni 40^
ciy4>t^not tp be completed in. a dtf|
(»r finished by a single exettkm. »
fs represented as* a pefeQishent ai^
grewing' wotlc'. ' It eeihmtMbt ftM
small beginnings in the ■ midit of ill
eburches, but it proceeds .aad lil
increase in goii^. There 9^.^
limits to the prt^^ss of the uijJBi
From the time he begins toflyisA
preach, he will continue to iy^wA
preach, until lie has brought the cr«
eriasting gospel to all natioDS^. mA
tongues, and kindred, and peo^Js
the earth. Hail, happy period f \A
cheering prosprctf VITicn will iW
blessed hour arrive ? When wililfcs
angel comntence his (light }^

This introduces the ectmi
head, under which the. authtf
discovers great ingenuitys io'
advances sentiments' highly ii*

tcresting to the Christian woUi
. •* Prophecy," he observes, " bto
nished, like history, with a cbroso*
)npcal calend.ir ; and the predictWN»
with respect to the time of tiieir»
eomplishment, may be refiarcd H
three distinct classes. Siime CI-
prt|sly specify the period, wlicn ^
thing foretold shall' take place..-.
Other predictions do not specify aiy
series of years from which a conps-
tation can proceed, but connect tte
event with something preceding of

JDr. Lfviftgstdfi^^ Sermon.

sot. In ffich the key of ex-
i muet be found in the order
u To the third claSK belong

t:cie0, in which no time is
and no order established,
r ^oata ore predicted, and
.toi>eco-exiatenl?'

eably to this arrange-
16 author concludes, that
diction now under con-
in belongs to the 9econ4

Qie orrftr of the erent,** he
^- '.••■*© mujit be pfineipally
Igrinionoation. The vision
l^ t]ie second recorded in
ptpr. Consistently with ah

ed rule the time when the

01 commence his prcaciiin^
ifter what is intenoed by the
m, and before the third. At
riod between these two cx-
Bls prophecy will be accbm-

ibject of the first vision
fniined to be tlie great
Vliich is commonly called
tORMATioN, which hap-
in the beginning of the
:h century.
iro/ Babylon in the third

bputahiy intended the leajt
inion of that powerful adver-
\iO for many ages has en-
I upon the prerogatives of
%nsty and persecuted his
foHowers. The duration of
ny it limited to twelve hun-

d .sixty prophetic years

It date, which has been, or,
Ifin be fixed for his rise, ex-
y continuance to tiie year
iiMcmicntly his fall must, at
be in^n^diatejy before the
y^ when the millennium will
introduced.

? then we have found two
I, between which the prcclic-
lestion' will be fulfilled. It
ofter the Fefoi-viatitm, and
*Jall of antichrist. Tlie an-
t begin his flight after the
0, and before the year 2000.
ngs our inquiry within the
&re hundred years. Tlicsc
es will he abridged, when
± that three hundred years

l^vt eUpaed since tbt Reformation,
and nothing corresponding to tlie vis-
ion has yet been ^en 5reat things

were achieved at the Reformation.
But this is' aupMer iuigel,...this fore-
tela another preachings I'matly moce
enlarged and interesting in its:conser
quences, thi^n any thing, wlikh hap-
pened then, or at' any period since.
It delineates an e^'ent, which, when
estimated Jin .all its concurrinr cir-
cumstances, canngt fail of establish-
mg the conviction, thjit it is not )-et

fiUfilled We afe compelled, there*

fore, to loq)^ forward m Uie .accom*
plishment < and are pofr ^diiced to
the short remainii^ fpace x/ XvQ

hundred year? At some period of

time from, and including the present
<hiy> And before the c^oae of two hun-
dred years, the angel roust beg^n to
fiy in the m.idst of tlie churches, and
preach the cverja^ting gospel to aU
nations, and tongues, and kind;re4«
and people in the eartli.

'* Thus far the proi^ecy, taken in
its connexion and order, Ras assisted
us in our calculation. We shall,,
perhaps, approach nearer, if we at-
tend to some momentous ei;ents,
which we know are to happen' prc^-
viously to the millennium, and, confe-
qucntly, within tti'o himdred years,
If these be such, a^ wiU necessarily
require considerable time, and if the
event in question be inseparably con-
nected with them, and stand fore-
most in t)ie series, we may be ena-
bled to form a rations) conclusion of
the probable season when this will
commence.

** The events to which we tllud«
arc, the punisbnvent of the nations,
who aided antichrist in murdering
tlie ser^'ants of God, the conversion
of the Jews, the bringing in of the
fulness of the Gentiles, and the fall
of mystical Babylon.'*

The author mentions these
events distinctly, and makes ob-
servations in order to assist us
in forming a just estimate of the
time required for their accom-
plishment.

'*l. The punithment of the nation*,
u7io aided antichrist in murdering the
servants of (?{x/....But, what conflicts,
what revolutions, what risings of na-
tions, who are to be tho mutual pxt;

3r. LhingstmCs Sernum.

catkmen of ttt terrible wntence^
arc here iin|ilied !

"3. Theytmtt arttobe omnerted....
The Jews will aisuredly be convert-
edf and witih rupturcf of futh and
lore, kail the adorable Jeaiu, at the

tme Meisiah To their own land

they irtll a|^n retam» and flourinh
tlim under a government adapteii to
their new and exahed condition. There
thej will constitute the centre, the
teoet distin^shed and dignined
jioiat, to which the whole Christian
church will stand related. But to ef-
fect all this,... what instroetion, what
errangements, what assistance fvom
ether nadonsy what jottmeyings» what
concurring profidnaoea Buist here
combine!

*• 3. Thejulnu9 aftht Oentiiet is to
he brought into the ehiireh....fiQt
what means and ends, what causes
and effects, what a train of events
are comprised m the conversion of
the worla to die obedience of Christ !
What preiu^ces must he conquer il,
what old foundations razed, M-hat

sew structures erected! Sliouid

PentecostseasoQH be frequdhtlv repeat-
ed) and the vtarf he att short, still a niim-
ber of years must ntcessaritv. ebi^sf^
in ftccomplishiDg this Uessed pur-
pose.

*• 4. The deatruction fif antiehrut

His destruction bcpan at the Refor-
mation, ;;nd will incn^ase in the same
degree in which tli". c- .*F-i is preach-
ed with success.... Evesv thir.j: that
militates against revealed religion,
and the worship of God the Redeem-
er, throughout tJie w hole eartJ), shall
be overthrown.

•*What chanjjcs in the moral
worid, what revolutions in thr civil,
arc impeodiiig! Attend to each of
the enumerated articles ; estimate
their magnitude ;....aod then deter-
mine whether two hundred years arc
not a short space for the consumma-
tion of auch events ! And if the ex-
tensive propagation of the gospel is
to pi-ecedc the conversion of ibc
Jews, the bringing in of the fiJness
of the Gentiles, and the destruction of
antichrist, say, whether we ma> not
indulge the eicpertatinn, that it will
soon commence, if it be not already
begun !

** With this conclusion, if, now, we
csieting facts i if we view

the miatioMpy nirit, whidl
denly pervmded the churehei
timate the elTorts lately m
still making, for sendmg the
thoae, who know not thcr
name of Jeaus s....do we nil
a striking resemblance off
▼iaion duicribea? Mmv vi
daim, behold the ai^el! bii
bepxn !»

This predictioDi in

thor*g view, is comprii

under the Mrd class of

ciest Mid receives additio

from the rules of expUa

specting co-exUting eves

hout of God*a judgment

siders, as the very hov

the angel begins to fljr«

judgment against th^

who are chargeable m

murder of the saints, tp|

ready begun. ^< What )

singular^ what the de

scenes, which have open

are still enlarging in pt

Why are convulsed nati

ing in a new and terrific

exterminate each other

such questions the aut

presses his apprchcuMC

God is now coming out

place to judge the eai*th,

corciin»rly« that tl^c angel

to begin, if he has not

begun his flight. Here

vcstigation ends in the fc

manner.

'<Let this suffice. You
tended to the prophecy, and t
the period of its accomp!
You have compared exist]
with the prediction, and <
concliisi(»n. Do you now cal
man^vihat of the night? JFt
Kchat of the night ? Xhe %
saith, the moniing conieth, am
nigiit. Cloud.s and clarknes:
main, and the gloom may ev
en at its closr ; but the risi
will soon dispel the shades, i
more and more unto the per
The MOR2iiyc comkthV'

From the numerous rei

Dr, Lixingstoit's Sermon.

** hf this subject, the
selects the following.

b» Wytteriouw arc the nnmj^ of
le time which elupted before
of the MeiMah ; the narrow
■8 within which the church
oawcribed during the dis-
r of the Old Testament; the
\ whicb (Arerwhebned her
olf iftcr the primitiTe agen
MBhj I and the small pro-
rath and rii^teoufncM fur so
Uiriea to the present day, are
9 niTsterious and inexplica-
■t dbfllcalties hold bs in sus-
^nanjinqnirics arise! If
itin^gMpdi is to be preacii-

whole world, why are the
Unitted to remain so long in

URt wickedness? If the
t gi?en to the Lord Jesus,
be delay to tuke possession

Why a discrimination ?
brt; O man, teJio art thou that
uu4t Godf....**
t Tftagnitude of this erent
U our attention. Vast in

and consequences, it in-
nrations in the moral world
Mire and stupendous, than
to experienced; it impli-
al changres in the manners
IS of mankind, and even....

in the principles and ad-
» of civil go\'enuncnt,
«as the power of anticipa-
n all nations receive the
en men of everj' rank, from
' the greatest, shall know
.....tiien all will be happy,
will be happy, society will
ndpcacc, joy, and holiness
ugnoiit tlie whole world....
the prospect, infidels rsise
and ridicule the hope of
Ml things^ say they, con-
^leerefrom the beginnirg nf
i and all tbinp^ will for-
lain. Nothinj^ can pro-
ighty cliangc you Chris-
iplate. You cheri.sh fir-

ras, and dreams What I

5 ferocious followers of
hat their prophet was an
?ir Alcoran a rliapsmly !
e Chinese to abandon
habits ! induce the myri-
to demolish tlicir puj^^Kl-
tempieb to Jesus Christ !
ng Tartars ! elevate tlie

285

grorelling Africans! or tame the
savages of America ! How can thcso
thinfi;^ be ? Not by human poner or
might, we reply. We know, more
than infidels can inform us, of thn
stupendous heights and horrid abyssca
over which the promise has to pass ;
but none of these tilings move us..../f
i> theyori of Gad, Tliis answers all
questions ; this silences even- cavil.
Are not all things possible with him
that doth according to hit vtili in the
army of Jieaven and among the inhahi*
iants <fthe earth ?... P

The 3d reflection ia on the
certain accomftltMhrnent of the
great event under considei*atioD.
After mcntiontng thu present
exertions in the churches, as the
first stiii^rings fur accomplishing
that great end, the author bredks
forth in the following animated,
impressive manner :

" Eventful period ! a time replete
with occuiK^nccs of tlie highest impor-
tance to the world ! Long lives for
many generations have passed in uni-
form succession, and men have grown
old \\ ithout witnessing any remarkable
deviation ftx)m the ortiinary course of
Pro^-idence. But now a new era is
commencing. The close of the Isst,
and the opening of the present centu-
ry^ exhibit strange and astonishing
tilings. Principles and acliicvements,
revolutions and designs, events tm-
common and portentous, in rapid
succession, arrest our attention.
Each year, each day is pregnant with
something great, and all human cal«
culations are set at defiance. The
infidel, ^ith his impious philosophy,
staiKls aj^hasti and destitute of re-
sources, with tremblinf^ forebodings,
wonders how and where the perplexed-
scene u ill end ; while the Christian,
instructed by the word taA spirit of
his Saviour, calmly victis the turning
of tlie dreadful wheels, and knows
which wry they proceed. Strensthen^
ed by divine jn-'ace, he stands undaunt-
ed in the niiglity commotion, andloc^
up, rej vicing tliat his prayers are
hoar"il. and that his redemption draw-
eth nigii."

In the reniainin(2^ ^)art of the
discourse, the author urges
Christians, and especially mis*

286 Meeting of the London Missionary Society.

sionai'7 societies to ascend the
prophetic mount, to eajoy the
vast prospect laid open to their
view, and to engage in streniioua,
persevering exertions to propa-
tpte the gospel. The close is
full of rapture.

"Wc wait in confidence for the
full ftccompUshmcnt of the promise,
and participate ffladly in the triumph
of the gotpel. What John saw in
vision^ we now behold an existing fact.
We aec another angel Jl}ing in the
fnidtt ofhea^n^ ha^*tg the everlasting
goipel to preach unto thtm that ikiTll ok
the earth. With fervent prayers, and
raised affections we cunhally hid him
God speed. Go, welcome messenTOr
of good tidings, bear the invahiable
treasure to every nation^ and kindred^
mnd tongue f and pet^. Proclaim
witli a loud voice tliat the hour of his
judgment is comet cry aloud, spare
not, until tlie whole world shall learn
to fear God, to give glory to him, and

worship him aa their Crsat
Redekmsr. Amen."

buch i% the sermon, of^
ve think it useful ti> exlul
particular review. SomiBf
of the discourse xpight, wl
vantage', have been abri4gp
ticul^ly Xhe illu^tratipa* M
W, 12. An appendix oc
sual length, made up of le«f
vecy useful notes, closes this
ble pamphlet. The. theme jj
discourse is judiciously ch
the division of -the subjn;
the arrangement of the*
ngiarked with natural siooq
and correct taste, and the .
is evidently ea^ecuted ibr
hand of a master. Bq
highest encomium, which c
bestowed, is found in th<
pi*essio^, which the semgoi
made on devout attenti^'c a

Eelfgtoutf Intenigence,

The Tkeelfth Grnrral Meeting of the
London Missionary Society, held
May 14, 15, and 16, laOQ.

"WHAThatli Ootl \lTOUjrlit!" Is
an exclamation^ which has seldom
been uttered with more sensibility
than by the members of the Mission-
ary Society at their sucessive mret-
mgrs, and especially at their t\veU\h
iiieeting ; the particulars of which we
have now the pleasure to rccurtl.

" What hath God wrought !" said
our friends in 1795, when tlie mea-
sure of forminpf the Missionary Sori.
cty was so unanimouHly adopted, —
^hen the solemn vote was passed on
the evcninfif of Septeml>er 21, '• It is
the opinion «)f this meeting, That the
establishment of a society, for send-
injr missionaries to the heathen, and
uncnllg'htencd countries, is hiffhly de-
sirable,"—^wh en the places chosen
for the first public services were
crowded with attentive bearers, —
vrhen about two hundred ministen

testified their conlial approbal
the design, — and when, in i
months, nj.'inv tlioiisand j
floM cfl into tJif treasury of tlie
rtv, then, sig^ain and again^ di
pi<nis exrhiiiiation proceed fi
lliousaml tongues, " What hat
wrought !*'

Bui siirel}- there is now more abu
eatisc than there was eleven year
to admire the good hand of C
tills matter. Ii is more than en
iilent, that " tlie thijijr proce
from the Lord ;'* and that he d
to accept and prove the arde;
sires, tjutholy hrcalliin^ys, and 1
tivc exertions of his people, tod
the ffa^ant name of Jesus a
those who never heard his fame
saw Iiis g-lory. Every succeedir
ni^ ei'sarj' strengtlicns' this confii
in Gf»d, this lively ho])C of hisefl
al blessing; and, tossy the Icai
preceding Annivcrsarj' more tha
last . Of tliis, we believe, none
diMibt wlio were present ;—>to

1806.]

Loidio/l Missionary Society.

2S7

CiuiftUn firicndft .we can convey but
• ii9l i<leaof the ^neral impression:
Ifithe ibik>wing lU-tuil :— •
. On the evrnini^ of Tuesday, May
13|> eofuiiilerable number <rf' Ute mm-
htcrt who hftd arrived in towo, as-
fwUcd at Hai|>erdattlier'|i ^alU m hen
Kane arrangements were mide re-
I^UfK the puhUc sen* ices -oi' the
liswinip/days.

Qpi W^dne^day morning, a great

ipqg^gaUoa.was abkcmtilecL At burry

Ck^p^.long before Uie tlmcf appoint -

eifor th« commencement of ilie wor-

ilfPt fupd polMiftbatanding aii incesiv^nt

lUB, nhich feU for several houn . Air.

Chaiict, A. .minister of the. establisU-

pient, rcsideot.atBaU, in Mcrii'Hcth*

ikiTBa Wales, preached a sci-mon

finm ludah x. 'i7, <'And tlie yoke

Aall. be destroyed, because of t)ie

Uaaitxug,*' . -Tlie preacher cuni>>jde red

the!tei| as exprc&sive of a distrcsning

cahinity, the oondage and slk\eiy of

liunen ; and of the means of delivcr-

»ce by Christ* the anointed Saviour.

In the evening the Rev. Mr. Brad*

ley, of Manchester, delivered a dis-

coune at the Tabernacle, which waA

tzcecdingly crowded, fnmi Psahn

luxiv. 20/ " Have respect unU> the

covenant, for the dark places of tlic

tarth arc full of the habitations of

trudty." After some general obsena*

tions on the Psalui, tlie pn-achcr

■hewed, by a detail of various particu-

bn, that the Heathen countries ui'e

tiled with cruelty, — ^that the gicat

cause of this is moral darkness,— the

interest the church of G(kI feels ui the

itate of the Heathen, — the w.lv in

vkich it should be expressed,— that

God*s cmenant secures to the church

success in undertaking missions to the

Heathen.

On Tiiuraday morning the Society
held their General Meeting for the
Amuiid Business at Haberdaslier^
HsU. Mr. J. A. Knight began with
prayer. The Minutes of last Annual
Meeting were read, together with the
■riginalPlan of the Institution. The
Report of tlie Directors, containing
an account of tlieir proceedings dur-
\f» the last year, and the present state
tfthc several missions undertaken by
the Society, was read: aiMl, we be-
lieve, afforded much satisfaction to
the Members, of whom there was a
■ore numerous attendance than on
wy fonncr o^cmiob. The &ct. Mr.

Hall, of £ilinburgh, dclivi-rcd an ani-
mated and impressive Address to the
Society, exliorting them to persever-
ance in the gooil wori;, and suggesting
many encouraging considerations to
strengthen their hearts and hands.
On Tiiursduy evcnin>;, Mr. IJogue

g reached on the appointed subject,
•oiJi Rom. X. 1, ♦'Drethrcn, my
hcai't's desire and prayer to GckI for
Israel is, tJkat they might be saved."
Mr. Bfigue cunsiderc-d tlic state of tlie
Jewsinthive periods, vi;:. of past ex«
ceUence, pi*esent dej^riulation, anil fu-
ture glory; the obligations under
which we ai-e laid to seek the conver-
sion of the Jcw.-i, arisip.g fiTim tho
olaims of gratitude, compassion, equi-
ty, justice, and benevolence: — ilio
means to be adopted, in order to eilect
this object: — and ismne cncour.iging
considerations by vhich tlic duty may
be ui't^'d. Mr. i'rey, one of tlic house
of Lsracl, concluded the service by
prayer.

On Friday morning, a large con-
gregation assembled. Mr. Wliitting-
ham, of K vert on t(the successor of tlie
nieJUorubio Mr. Derridgt:) delivered
a discourse from Is:uali xi. 10, *'' Anil
in that day there shall be a r'Kit of Jes-
se, which sJiuU stand for an ensign of the
people ; to it vhall tlie Gentiles seek,
and his rest shall be glorious." Mr.
Whittini;fhani eou-siueiedthe pro')!!'-!:-
ical declaration concerning the Me«-.
siuh, wliieli th<^ te?:t cnnlitiiis, — -he
glorious efiects arising from the lull
accomplishment of this propliecy ;
and he improved the suhjeet by ap-
plying it to the design of the Mission-
ary S(»cicty.

The pleasing solemnities of this
Anniversary were conehidedas usual,
by a Sacramental Communion ; to
which tlic friends of Uie Societv were
admitted by tickets, previously dis-
tributed by the Mlnislei*s among the
Stated Comiminicants, of various de-
nominations of Christians : so anxious
were many persons for accommoda-
tion, that thcv were seated in Sion
Chapel nearly three hours before the
time fixed for W^inning. Much cure
W.1S taken by dividing the wiiole area
of this vast place into distinct com-
partments, marked with large li^iircs,
to faciUtate the distribution of the
elements by the ministers to the
great assembly, and to avoid co:\f-j«
sion M auch as possible

:88

London Rtligious Tract Society.

The whole area of thia Taat chapel
bcinf;' devoted to commumcants, a far
U^eatiT nuriiber than on any former
occasion united in commcmrA'atin^the
dyin^ lo\'c of tliat adortblc SftViour,
M'husc kinjrdom among^ men, it is the
object (;f the Society to extend.

The liberality of tliv reli^ous pub-
lic lia^i hud anotlutr opportunit)* to
ftiuiiifcst itself. It \t'as supposed, last
year, that the novelty of the mcusurc
of making' collectioiw, nii^ht occasion
a lai'f(er stum than conld atten»'ards bo
cxmxlcd; bill ev]M:rirnce has nr w
e%*u:ceil that it wus genuine pliilan-
thrf>py that npem-d the hearts and
haml< of our fellow Christians, so that
about one third more was produced
hy the collections of the present year
than rif the past. The Directors of
the Societ}' derive no small encoura|pe-
ment from this circumstance ; as it
affords additional reason to hope that,
liowcxer widely tlie operations of the
Sccictv mav be extended, and con-
sequcrily the expenditure increased,
till* liberality of the church of Christ
¥ ill prriiMirtionally be enlarged.' This
circumstance, coupled witTi the ereat
increase of M isxionariesj who have
consecrat<'d their scnices to this ob-
ject during the year fKUit, enlivens
every hcai-t with' the most cheerful
hope, tiiat the work wf G(kI amon^ Uie
Heatlii-u uill prosi>cr yet moiv and

moit: !

li'f. Mti^.

RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY,
LONDON.

May 1.^, 1806. this Society Iiehl
tliclr M\eiitli annu:d nicetini;' at St.
PaiiKs coHcc-ltou<^% Loudon, whicli
was nuire iiumcrviiisly attended than
any foniicrinte, aud proved a meeting
uf|>ei-i!liarinU,'rfst, from the extended
excriit.us aiul g-ru\\in|f usefulness of
that institution.

The zeal fur the di^usion of divine
tnith, which induced the formation of
tiiis society, appeal's t(» inci*ease in
proportion as new objects present
thomsilws, and as tlie means nt' at-
iendinp^ to tiiom are afforded to the
committee, from whose report it ap-
pears, tliat in tltc course of tlie h-st
year, seven new tracts, of tlie first se-
ries, have been published, r ive have
been translated and published by tbe
socie^* in the' WekJi langua^, ono
an tbe Gtelic, one in tbe Sj^aoish, ~

in the Italian, and two in the
languages. That since the
port, about 600,000 of the ii
have been issued from the <
ry ; and that the whole num
e'd since the oommeiicei
the institutioD, in ir09»
3,700,000.

That the comnuttte lum
tously distributed among tl
and n&T}', to foreign prisonet
among ^ Roman Catbolk
land, and to other places w
necessity was urgent, 110^001

That the committee had c
ed the important attempt, iri
sanctioned by the last UMK
ing, of subverting the p
tracts, so extensively eivcii
hawkers throughout die kin|
the publication of a new \
tracts, peculiarly adapted A
such persons; designed to
entertaining and instmdive
cuts, and being printed iH i
form as those usually loU
hawkers ; three of which hi
translated and published
Welch language ; and» as ai
merit to siich persons to m
the sale nf them, the comiml
fixed the price so low as tfl
the venders and haakei-s a
pcrior to that on any oth<
itithcrto published.

A vcr\' extensive corres]
h.is been opened for the fuz
of this C(mccn), and about 3<
the nuw series uf tracts have
rt'ady issued ; but as retiu
not vet Wen rcoci> ed from
the society's ajcents, the ex:
ber s^>ld cannot be ascertain

The committee strongly
mci'.d to their Christian br*
consider the vast importano
vci-ting the vicious tracts,
func ballads, which supply te
and comiption to the risinf;
ii(«n ; aiKl thev carnestlv ent!
T\ friend to religion and i
look around on the shops ;
residence, which are thedcp
of such vehicles of vice, and
his influence to intnNlucc"
place tlie tracts published b]
riety ; and it is especially <
that wholesale venders, whe
cnt aupply the small shops
hawkers, should be made
^piaiated vith the eircufm

British Bible Society.

289

•ed pniit of two pence in
|» to be obtained by the Aale
As it must rejoice tlic
reiy Chrigtian to be abk, in
e^ to eject tlie noison, or
act ita deadly influence, let
ler uae immediate exertion
iportant purpose,
unittec have recently pub-
■ilbrm edition of the first
tncta in two handsome vol-
|irice of which is fixed ex-
m i but as it has necessarily
I a beavy expense to the
Ittj earnestly entreat every
mmote the sale of them,
irpose of replenishing the
L pomoting the interest of

itMHI.

venf encouraging accounts
ad« by members present, of
vion of sinners to Go<l by
i|f of tracts published by
1^ ; some of which, we
; oe made public, as an en-
ott to perseverance in the
n ; and as a persuasive to
»luve not yet begun this
Iday it no longer, and to
m many opportunities tiiey

cf puttii>g tracts into tlie
r others, which mi^ht
a instrumental in saving
D eternal punishment, and
mm to joys, which will ncv-

AVS POaXTOIf BIBLE SO-
CIBTY.

eond report of the commit-
I beneficent institution being
, ve are enabled to luy bc-
leaders a summary of its
p during the last year.
ixertionn have been made to
bUcity and pmmolc it^ sue-
the advama^ of llicse cx-

manifcstcd in the rapid in-
' the society's funds, bv the

both of individuals and con-
t, and by the enlargement

of its members.
ample of the society, as was
the report of last year, had

its influence to the conti-

has, as now appears, pn)-
5fe verv' beneficial cfTects.
^Mretnberg Bible Sorirty,
ed its oririn to tlie Brili.sh
laa printed a German Pro-
dition of the New Testa-
Vol. II. O o

ment, which is sold at the low price
of five pence each copy i the use of
standing types having enabled the soci-
ety to supply New Testaments at this
easy rate. It was afteni'ai-ds propos«
ed to print a complete copy of tlie
Old and New Testaments by stand-
ing types, and in an improved form ;
but although tlic expense was esti-
mated only at 1000/. it was found dif-
ficult to collect so large a siim, in
consequence of the calamities in
whicii Germany had been involved.
The committee resolved to assist the
Nuremberg society by a farther do-
nation of 300/. This has enabled
tlicm to proceed to the execution of
their pniposal, only substituting for
the ttawbng typet, the 4tereoti/>e, by
which considerably more than 300,000
C(>;^ies may Ike printed witliout renew-
ing the plate*. A sum}ly of cheap
Bibles will thus be ationled to the

M)r Protestants of Germany, proba-

ly for some years to come.
The expectation held out in the re*
port of last year, of c;itablishing a
Bible society at Berlin has been real-
ized. It is under the direction of
persons of rank, and bis Prussian
Majesty has not only signified his ap-
probation of it, but has assisted the
funds by a donation. In the pros-
pectus of tills institution, its forma-
tion is expressly ascribed to the ex-
ample and aid of the society in Eng*
land ; and its objects are declared to
be the gratuitous distribution to the
Prussian poor, or the sale at very low
prices, of Bibles and Testaments, and
the printing of a new edition of tlie
Bi>liemian Scriptures. Another 100/.
has been remitted to aid tliis last ob-
ject, and a farther donation of the
Hanic* amount is promised to the Ber-
lin Society, in the event of their un-
dertaking to print an edition of the
Polish Bible. These transactions
were previous to the rupture between
this country ami Prussia.

In the last report mention was
marlc of the anxiety manifested by
some Roman Catholics in Germany
to procure the Scriptures, and that
the Committee had agreed to distri-
bute among them at the expense of
the Society 1000 copies of the Protest-
ant New Testament. This donataoii
has been thankfully accepted. A Bi-
ble Society has also been established
at Ratisboiif supported by Romaii

290

British Bible Society.

Catholics, for the express purpose of
circulating the New Testament .i-
mong their own poor, thous:inLls of
whom have never liacl an opp<»ilunity
of reading the Scriptures. The trans-
lation employed hy tliem is said by
competent judges to be unexception-
able.

A s'lm of twenty pounds has been
remitted to Dr. Knapp, of IIulIc, in
Saxony, for the pui^msc of suppl\ inpf
the poor in G:illicia, who arc in jrivat
want of the Scripturei, with Hible:>
fifjm tlie BiMc Institution, which lias
been established at Halle for more
than a ccnturv.

To the Bible Society at Basle 100/.
has Iwen sent for the purpose of pur-
chasin;^'- French Protestant Bibles to
be sohl or distriljuted among thr
Swiss and Frcr.ch \ioty\\ at the discre-
tion of the Basle Socitty.

It having appeared that a great
want (»f Bioles pn^vails in P^thonia,
Finland, and Sweden, the Commiitee
resolved to grant a doiiation of 150/. to
pn>mote the circulation of the Scrip-
tures in those parts, as soon as a Bi-
ble Society shall hare been establisli-
ed there.
■ With a view to supplying the
French and Spanish prisoners of war
in this countrj' with tlie Scriptures,
a contract has been entered into fJir
a stereotype edition of the French Bi-
ble; and in the mean time 100/. hns
been expended in distributing French
Testaments amtmg them j and 2000
copies of the New Testament have
been onlered to be printed in tiie
Spanish lanj^iage, with 1000 extra co-
pies of the Gosi>elof St. Matthew on-
ly. The bounty of the Committee has
been gratefully acknowle<lgcd by tlie
prisoners, and a fartJier supply has
been solicited.

The Committee have directed 1000
German Bibles and 'JOOO German
Testaments to be procured for the
accommodation of the natives of Ger-
many residing in England.

The edition of the Gospel of St.
John, translated into the Mohawk
language, by Tcyoninhokarawen, a
chiefof that nation, and printed at the
expense of the Society, reached Mon-
treal at the clo.se of last year. The
Indian interpreters have declared the
translation Xo be vcrv correct.

The Committee fiavc funiislied a
respecttblc clergyman in Ireland witli

1000 TesUmcuts for di!
among the Roman Catlioli<
countr}', and they have agre
nish the Association at D
pn>moting the knowledge
Christian religion, with Bi
l^cstaments on tlie same advi
terms, on which they thems
ctire them ^rora the Unive
clearly appears that Biblei
circulated among the Komi
lies with little difficultv: i
has been formed for that ax
pose ; and the admission of
\M schools has been recoi
even by a Roman CathoKc ;

'i'lie zealous excrtionsof t
of the institution in ScotI
been continued witli unren
tivity and great success,
good work the Presb\teriefl
|pw and Edinburgh hiT
i/ed themselves. And tk
for propagating Chrittian Km
Scotland have signified tliei]
ness to unite their cordial e£
those of the British and Fc
ble Society. From the in:
obtained by the Committee,
mained no room to doub^
though tlie Society in ScotI
about to publisli an edition «
Gaelic Bibles, a great want
Bibles would still necessaril
By this consideration, inde]
of tlie claim >\hich arose
liberality of the contributtom
from Scotland, tlic Commit
led to determine on printing
another edition of the Gael
tures of 20,000 copies.

To the Island of Jersey, v
.Scriptures in the French I
the common languap^ of th
were become verj' scarce, t
mittee have directed 300 cop
Fivnch Testament to be
distribution.

The publication of the ]
edition of the Welch Script
hitherto been delaved, notw
ing the anxiety of tlie Com
fulfil the just exi)ectations of
pie of that principality, cl
impediments connected with
chanical process of stci-eotv]
ing. The Welch New T«
has however bi»en at length
ed, and the whole Bible, it i
will in no long time be n
distribution. Twentv thous

,1806.2

British Bible Society.

291

^jpiet of t]ic entire Biblf, and ten thoii-
.sand more of the New Testament in
12ino. will be printed.

In Bcng'al a cuntmencemcnt liaii
"been made in translating* the Scrip-
_tUK:8 into Chinese. In March, 18'J5,
the translation of the book of Genesis
and the Gospel of St. Mattliew was in
a state of forwardness, and some

Wrrs of each lutd been ]jrintcd.
under the auspices of the col-
lege at Fort AVilliani, the Scriptures
_pre in the course of translation int^
an thie Uncages of Oriental India.*
Two editions of the English New
Testament, (8vo. and l2mo.) printed
jq stereotype^ under the direction of
Ifae pniversity of Cambridge, have
pebi printed for the Society, and
members may now obtain coj)ies of
them on appiyin^^ to the Pepositan',
19« Little Moorhclds. A large edi-
tion of the complete Qible is in tiie

press.f

An Association has been formed in
London, for contributing to the fund
pf th« British ftnd Foreign Bible So-
cie^a by small montlily subscriptions.

The different denominations of
jChrisfians at Birmingham have unit-
ed their efforts in order to procurp
subscriptions for tlie institution, and
a Urge contribution has been the
fruit of their zeal.

In closing' the report, the commit-
tee wish to guard tlie friends of tlic
society against rclaxino^ their excr-
.tions to procure contriLutions to its
fiindsj under an idea tliat they are
sufficicntlv ample. The completion
of the vanous works already resolved
on^ will require large disbursements :
The extent to which the Scriptures
|rc circulated will materially depend
iui tlie m<#<lc ration of the price at
vUich tliey can be sold : and the ]*c-
duction of price must be reg^ilatcd
by a rej^ard to the society's funds.
It would be highly desirable that the
price could be so reduced as to suit
t!ie circumstances of the lower clas.s-
ts. In short, tliere is iia limit to the

• » • •

• We undtntand that a donation rf
1000/. hat thice been voted by the Ccytu-
^ittee in aid of this grand design.

t Bibles ana Testatnents are purchas-
^bj the Society at the vcholesale price,
fmn Khiek, in selling them to wati-
"*o'«i there is a deduction made of 2^ per

beneficial operajLions of thciiutinuion
both at home and abroad, but what its
funds may prescribe. Much, it is ad-
mitted, has been done towards arcoin-
plishing tlio Society's object ; but that
object must be regartled as imper-
fectly accomplishctl whilst any na-
tions remn:ii, to whom the blessin;^
of the Holy Scriptures have not } et
been conveyed. " And \\I:at object,"
the (-onimittee ob»:t*r\"C in conclusion,
" can be more im;)oi'tant; M'liat more
worthy the united eflorts of all Chris-
tians ? If the Scriptures contain the
doctrines of salvation ; and if there
be thousands and t;ens of tliousar.ds,
even among tliosc professing tht reli-
gion of Christ, und capable of reading
the sacred records in whicli it is con-
tained, who are yet prevented by pov-
erty or other circumstances fnim
possessing them, an institution, the
sole object of which is to supply these
wants, can stand in need of no re-
commendation. Such an object will
sufficiently accoimt for the deep in-
tercst, which the Bible Society has
excited in the United King^lom, and
authorizes the fairest hopes tliat it
will continue to receive Uic support
of the friends of revealed religion.
When we reflect on the alarming and
afRictive dispensations of Providence,
which have visited foreign nations,
whilst we have been blessed with an
exemption from them, gratitude to
the BTcat Disposer of events in every
possible way is more tlian a common
duty ; and in endeavouring to pro-
mote his honour by the dinusion of
the Holy Scriptures, we discharge
|>ut a small part of those solemn obli-
gations, which his singular favour so
peculiarly imposes on us. What ef-
fects may flow from the most success-
ful labours of the Society, is not
within tlic limits of human foresight :
Paul may plant, ApoUos may water,
but it is God alone, vv-ho giveth the
iucrease. But \\e may be allowed to
entertain a reasonable expectation,
that the seed of the word will not he
sown in vain ; and tliat amongst the
numbers to whom it will be conveyed
by the Society, many will recei\ e it
with jriy, and cultivate it with profit ;
and that tlie beneficial effects of the
institution will extend to generations
yet unborn." Ch, Obterv.

£92

Literary Intelligence:

[AW.

The Bristol Society, for promoting
Religious Knowledge among the
Poor, have published a Third Annu-
al Report, stating. That, since their
commencement, they have distribut-
ed 110,000 Religious Tracts ; and en-
couraging their friends to new and
increased exertions.

At the late Anniversarj'ofthe Mag-
dalen Charity, which was the forty-
eighth, it was reported. That since the
commencement of that institution, no
fewer than 2,400 young women, a con-
siderable majority of whom were under
twenty-one years of age, have been
rescued from the vices and miseries
of prostitution. The evil, however,
still continues to a most alarming ex-
tent; and additional remedies are
imperiously demanded. Another in-
stitution or a similar kind, conducted
hj pious persons of evangelical prin-
ciples, and under the direction of
Christian Ladies, would do honour to
the sex and to the nation. £v, Mag,

praise to the great Lord of the
yard, and to penerere in pra^m tkil
showers may descend in ploralbl 6^

fusions."

A committee was appointed to
aider whether it would be regplar te
exchange ministerial laboofg wiA «y
one, who openly denies the divimljf
and atonement of Christ, and made tw
following report, which was accepted.

" Whereas a few individuals in Ihe
ministry have openly denied thedi*
vinity and personality of oar Lord Bid
Saviour Jesus Chnst, Fbced^ Thst
this association, feeling it a doty to
bear testimony agiunst principkeeo
subversive of the pillan of fotpA
truth, of vital pie^ and morafaQr, do
recommend to their brethrea i« tibe
State, earnestly to contend fiir the
faith once delivered to the taints ; to
hold no communion, and to Aroi no
exchanges in ministerial dHticfl with
preachers of this character.*

CONNECTICUT.
At a meeting of the General As-
sociation of Connecticut in Weathers-
field, June 17, 1806, '* Inquiry was
made with respect to the state of re-
ligion, in the churches ^i^ith which we
have connexion, from which it result-
ed, that although much coldness and
lukewarmness in spiritual concerns,
appear in many places, yet in others,
the spirit of vital piety eminently pre-
vails ; and various parts of tlie vine-
yard arc watered and enriched with
heavenly dews. The friends ^of red
religion have much cause to render

The following motiim
and approved :

" Whereas the relation between ^.
minister and his people la one of ihm
most solemn that can be formed hi '
this world, Voted^ That this bodjrde
disapprove of the growing uuge hi
the churches, by which this relatioe
is dissolved, without making publie
the true reesons of discontent m the
parties, as tending on the one hand,
to shield the immoralities and em« ■
neous opinions of a minister, and on
the other, to gloss over the unreason*
able discontents and vices of a peo*
pie.**

jittestt JoHvEi^LXOT, Scriie^
Oon, Evan. Mag.

Etterarg 3fnteUigfnce*

MUNGO PARKE.
As there have lately appeared va-
rious accomits of Mr. Parke and his
fellow-travellers in Africa, the follow-
ing extract of a letter from him to his
friend at Gorce, being the only au-
tlientic information received since he
reached the river Niger, will no doubt
prove acceptable to those who feci an
jBtcrest in the fate of that enterpris-
iil^man : —

"* Santandingy Bambourag
Nov. 10, 1804.
•' My dear friend— We Icfl the
Gambia in good health and spirits,
and continued travelling with the
greatest and most flattering proepeet
of success, till we hsd crossed the
Falam R iwr, and entered Minskoodo:
here, alas ! the rainy season coiB-t
mcnccd, and the soldiers were afiect*
ed with fevers. The fever had ntfim

Literary Jnteirigence.

»9

pfafinpe of npbns, bat in a
m the jreUow tinge of the skin
ed us that we hM a noredjoi-

diseaie to contend with.
leicUtes hit method of treat-
vhiidi he aajn, he haa every
bo believe would have beenv^
caafbly had thej had proper
eiiee» and not been exposed to
t of the nui.] Our nvmberi
bed Tery rapidly ; for, as the
iaaon advanced, the dvsentrrv
s appetfinee. ^nd^^Kached
r Niger, 23d Augvut, in a ve-
: and sickly state. On our ar-
e had a long palaver with the
Bunboora, and received per-
to pass to the eastward, and

at Thirpla, (Sansanding)
we have resided near tu-o

fitting out our schooner, and
ID provisions. The healthy
■ now set in, and I indulge the
reaching the coast before any
' OS drop off. Out of 44 Eu-
I who len the Gambia in good
«Bly lieutenant Martin, and
ddiors, of the ro^al African
md myself, remain alire. I
t bad a day's sickness since I
M. Mr. Anderson, my broth-
d, and companion, died of a
(7 on the 2M of October, and
lit of a fever two months ago.

** I am yours, &c.
pied] •• MUNGO PARKE."
(idde who brought these let-
rB» that he saw Mr. Parke to
hrard of Sansanding, after
I of his letter. He also rc-
hat there was an English ship
Gambia that had letters on
wmMr. Parke, for his majes-
vtary of state. — Lon. paper.

Executors of Loni Macartney
nfided his papers to Mr. Bar-

row ; and they will aoon be riven to
the pufalic. accompanied with accu-
rate Memoirs of hia Lordship's Life.

FRANCE.
Tbc CoDeget for the education of
the Engiiah^ Iriah, and Scotch Cath-
olics in Paris, have, b)* a decree of
the Emperor, been united into one
establishment : and a course of Lcc*
tures on Phikioophy is now delivering
there in the Latin language.

ITALY.
Among the MSS. dug out from the
ruins of Herculaneum, a fragment of
a Latin Poem has been discovered,
containing above 60 hexameter verses,
which rdste to the battle of Actium
and the death of Cleopatra. The
MS. is written in large letters, and
all the words are separated bypoints.
Some hopes are entertained, tfiat this
will jprove to be the poem of Varius.
the friend of Horace and of Virgil i
and that the whole of that work will
be recovered.

NEW ENGLAND.

The number of young gentlemenj

who received the degree of Bachelor

of Arts, in the different Colleges ia

NewEn^and, in 1806, fi^ows :

At Harvard, in Cambridge, (Ms.) 41

Yale, New-Haven, (Con.) 75

Brown, Providence, (R.I) 18

Dartmouth, Hanover, (N.H.) 25

Williams, Williamstown, (Ms.) 36

Middkbury, Middlcbury, (Vt.) 14

Burlin^^ton, Burlington, (Vt.) 6

Bowdou, BrunswidL, (Me.) 7

Total, 210

In 1805, the whole number was 188

Increase 22

!Li0t of BelQ jpulilicationief.

niB Displayed, in her mode of
r language to man ; or a new
Ilible method of acquiring a
ge^in the shortest time possi-
need from the Analysts of tlie
Mind, and consequently suit-
ery capaaty . Adapted to the

Frcnclu By N. G. Duficf. Second
edition, with considerable additions
and corrections. Vol. I. containing
the conversation, phrases, and Le
Lecteur Francais premiere parte.
Philadelphia. John Watts. 1806.
pp. 460.

S94

List of N^cv) Publicaiions.

Tiio Discourses, occftsioned by the
sudden deaths of Joseph Brown/ Juii.
iEt. 23, and James Jenncss, ^.24;
w)io were dn»wned near Rvc-beuch,
(N. II.) on tlie evening^ of the 9th
Sept. 1806. The former delivered
Sept. 10th, at the time of interment ;
the latter delivered the Lord*s dav
following^ . Sy WiUiam Pidgin, A . m'.
Minister of a Presbnerian ' Church
in Hampton. Newbun-port. £. W.
AUen. 1806.

A Sermon, preached at tJie meet-
ing^house inthcTicinity of Dartmouth
College, on tlie SabbatJi precedinii^
Commencement, 1806 ; and publish-
ed at the request of the inliabitaiits
and students, liv Elijnh Parish, A.M.
Pastor of tlie Church of Christ in Bye-
field, Mass. Hanover, N. H. Davis.
1806.

Free Communion of all Christians
at the Lord's Table ; illustrated and
defended, in a discourse. To >» hicli is
added, a short specimen of the pm.
ceedinn of the Bautist Church and
Council, in their labimr witli, and
witlidrawing fellowship from the au-
thor. By £lder Simeon Snow, late
Elder of a Baptist Church in Guil.
ford. Greenfield. Denio.

An Epitome of Ecclesiasticul His-
tor>'. By David S. Rowland, late
Minister of the First Church in Wind-
sor. Hartl'ord. Lincoln &. Qlc:is<)n.

The Trial of Virtue, a sHcred pocni;
iH'iiig'a paraphrase of tlie whole book
of Job, and uesi|;^icd as an explanato.
ry comment ujM)rt the divine oripnal,
inierspersed with critical notes upon
a variety of its passages. In six part h .
To which is annex(*<l a dissertation u\\
the book of Job. By Uev. Chauncry
Lee, A.M. Pastor of a Chunh iii
Cole brook. Han lord. Lincoln and
Glcason.

Lectures on Natural and Experi-
mental Pliilosopli}-, considcrcvl in it^
present state of i-npi-otcment ; tlrs-
eribinf:, in a familiar and ea&y man-
iier, the principal ])bonomena of na-
ture ; and shewing that they art co-
operate in <Li«playinfr t!ie poodnoss,
wisdom, and power of God. By the
late Geor^ Adams, mathematuul in-
stniment maker to his majesty, i*e.
In four volumes. IlUi»{rate<l witli 43
large copperplates, elegantly engrav-
ed. This American edition, printed
from the last London edition, edited
by William Jones, is carefully revised

and corrected bv Robert F
professor of matliematics an
of natural philobo|jIiy, in the
ty of Pennsylvania. Vol. I. .
volume is submined, by the j
editor, A brief outline or coiB
system of modpm chemUtr;
pded from tlie latest publip
that subject. Price to aul
811,40 the set. PhilgdelpUU
ward.

Travels in Louisiana ;iiid t
das, in the year 1803, ^ving i
picture of those countries. '.
ed from tlie French, with n
By John Davis. 12 mo. pp. U
York. Printed by and for
and Co.

Columbian Eloquence ; I
speeches of tlie uiost cele|)i
uicrican orators, as delivtfv
late trial of the Hun. Samuc
before tlic Senate of the Unite
3 vols. l2mo. Price gl^iO.
more.

Discoveries made in czpl
Missouri, Red, aiul Wasbit
and countries adjacent, br
Lev. is and Clarke, Dr. Sibk
Dunbar, Esq. and Dr. Huntf
un appendix, by Mr. Dunbat
fore publidied, containuig lis
ges and distances on the 1
Wasliita rivers to tlie Hot \
lists of the most obvious v
prtKluctions of tbe Washita
which an' indigenous or grow:
out cultivation \ notice of ceri
ctal>Ies, part (jf which are i
to bv: new ; of the medical p
of the salt springs, &c. 8vo. ]
Louisiana.

I'he Clergyman's Compani
taining the olliclul offices of
tost:.nt Episcopal Church, use
cKrgy of tlie said church in
charge of tlieir purochial riti
wliich arc acMcd, Extracts 1
wi'itings of disiingiiibhed di
the cjiiuiirirati^ms arid dutie
clerical oflfice. J2mo. Pric<
Ncw-Yoik. PeterA. Meiic

A di8r<iiirse deliv^ered at t
ruiir;n of ilie new academy
bnrg, June 4, 1806. By R
tbaniel Porter. A. M. Pub!
the rer^ucst of the tnuiteei. ]
B. Wail. 8vo.

A Sermon preached at thi
tion of the Rev. Katlian Wall
in WilUamstown, Vt. Feb. S

Ordinations.

295

drish^ A. M. psintar of the
yefield, Mass. Hanover,
fl Davis, pp. 16.

irt I. of the New Cyclo-
ivepsrd Dictionarv of Art«
J — To be comj)lelcd in 20
Form(-d upon a more
Ji of ariangement than
■y of Mr. Chambers. By
ees. %3 tlic half vol.
Bradford. Lemuel
., Conihill, ag^cnt in Bos-
sal memoirs of lord vis-
1, with observations crit-
anator\'. By John Char.
' of the Biographia Nav-
. pp. 350. Second Amcr-
Pricc £1,50 boards,
tieridg'e and Bliss.
an seven sermons, with
, by Rev. Daniel Merrill,
» (Me.) on the Mode and
baptism. In tv/elvc sec-
(weph Field, A. M. pas-
church in Charlemont.
1. Pomroy. 1806. |)p. 88.
of Jesus Christ essential
tian Religion : a treatise
nity of our Lord Jesus
en originally in French,
bbadic, D. D. and Dean
in Ireland. A new cdi-
•nglish transhilion. Re-
lied, and, in a few places,
3y Abraham Booth, A.M.
e Baptist Church, Good-
ly London. Burlin^on,
jk. pp. 324.

are issued for publishing",
ion, a volume ot' sermons

by the Rev. Joseph Washbukk^
late pastor of a church of Christ in
Farming^on. To which will be add-
ed, the sermon of the Rev. Asahel
Hooker, delivered on the occasion of
Mr. Washburn's death. Price %\.
Hartfonl. Lincoln & Glcason.

;j"* The profiu arising from the tale
of 1000 vclumei, the Icatt contemplated
number ^ vjill he applied to the benejit of
Mrs. Washburn^ and her orphan chil-
dren, left ivith slender itteans of support ;
and the vjork to/7/ prolong the ^memory
of a Viorthy minister of Christ, and tend
to promote the cause if religion. Sub*
scriptions are received by E. Lincoln^
Water Street,

FOREIGN.

The beneficial effects of Chriiitiani-
ty on the temporal concerns of man-
kind. Pro\'ea from history and facts,
by Biclby, Bishop of London.

Instruction .and consolations to the
.iged, the sick and dyinr ; extracted
from the works of Ricnard Baxter.
Being a sequel to the Rev. Adam
darkens Abridgment of his Christian
Director}'. By S. Palmer.

A Supplement to the Dissertation
on the Period of 1260 Years ; by G.
S. Fabcr, B. D. in 8vo. price 4s.

A Historical View of the Rise and
Prog^Bs of Infidelity, with a Refuta-
tion of its Principles and Reason-
ings ; preached at the Lecture found-
ed by the Hon. Robert Boyle, in the
Parish Church of St. Mary le Bow,
from the > oar 1803 to the year 1805 ;
bv W. Van Mildert, M. A. Rector :
in 2 vols. 8vo. London.

^Drtiination^.

SD at BridgM-atrr, on the
lev. James Flint, to the
e of the Church and So-
East Parisli. Thcsolem-
c onlinatiun commenced
cr by Rev. Mr. Garney of
'. Sermon by Rev. Jacob
lasset, from 2 Tim. iv. 2.
c word ; be instant in .sca-
>f season." Ordaininjaf
ev. Mr. Sanger of South
Charge b\^ Rev. Mr.
idini^. Fellowship of the

churches by Rev. Dr. Reed, of W.
Bridgwater ; and concluding prayer
by Rev. Timothy Flint of Limenbcrg*.
Oct. 1st. Installed over tho 3d
Church and Society in North- Yar-
moutli, the Rev. Jofm Dutton. The
Rev. Mr. Smith of Turner, offered
the introductory prayer. The Rev.
Mr. Lyman of Bath, preached the
sermon from Erekiel iii. 17, " Son of
man, I have made thee a watchman
unto the house of Israel, therefore
hear the word at my mouth and giv€

295

Poetry To Correspottdents.

INav.

tbem wtminff from me." The Rev.
Mr. Gillet of Hallowell, offered the
iRflUUing prayer. The Rev. Mr.
Mosely of Kew- Gloucester, ga\'e the
charge. The Rev. Mrr Weston of

Grej, ezpresaed the fidttowihip of ib^
churche8» and the Rev. Mr. Wild of
New Milford, ofiered the conchidiBf
prayer.

({j" Mcmoirt of Mrt. Anne Jfodge thall be concluded in our next.

jpoetrp.

Tke follcnoing 9ender and elegant little poem it frotn the pen of Mr, Jambs
MoNTcoMEav, the celebrated author of ** The Wanderer of ^wtzerlamdJ*

9vMC tb9 feNT of tllbHltlOfl|
When Ue heut cu ficcly li^i
Aad the tear of resigMtUw
^WiBklM la tlw wonnOtl tf9»

THK JOT or oaiEF. Oeeian.

Im Ibat tn««» the iafhat siceitat
Ob Um ■Dtfe«r*s 1^ '

Ba«t ytm feh • UadcmotkNi
Thvoiblr thro' jume InwMcd
Soft M eftfilaffo*cr thtocna,
WbcMtbe ckanm tte «rsvw to mtf

Hh* T(Mi lo*t » M*n^ A tmtter t
HMTd a flttferT** wtitm teMlk (
GfksM upoM • UivIrM macbrr,
TUlalM Mcm'd tovHw inm antht

OB TBUf

■ofc you felt ■ apooM tsfirlag
Ib your ■rm bofbri
WMch'd the IovoIt
rraa ber oyc* tktt

DM not fiiof thm iroir RMniaMci
asviag oB mnember'd bUu t
Did TOO But, with ferviHir fiBBtlCy
Kin the Up« tlut frit BO kl« f

Tca!Imtwhe«TOu had rcrigB'd her.
Life and you were rrcandl*d )
Atoaa lcft.~ahi? left hchlad bar
OBe, oat deW( oae oalr ckiU.

But befure th<' Rreen moae prtfttiQt
Hi* poor BieCher't grave arr^y 'd»

Bomr thca yov heart I
CtuU'tf yoo with lateaM detpilr |
Cta you rccoUect the fteUag ?
Kol theravaeaeteltaithaial

fmNBthot

Whea yoa

offotroVf
to paafli uakaova,
was theflMinoVf

yooaloBf I

npek lOeeOB

•aak te eetf r naidwlag i

CiB tho poor heart alwaya ache f

N6,tha tortarV aenra win laagaleht

OrtheetrtafiurUfc

0*erthc yMdiacbrowoffi
Oae faiat mile of omfoft stole f
Oat tefk paag oftaader giadacM
Baquisitely thriU^ your soaL

While thewonadsof woarehiallaf,
While Che heart U all reaign'd,
Tis the solena faait of feeUab
TIs the aafabath of the mlad.

Feaalve ineai*rr thea retiacea
ScAea of bliss forever fled,
Lirea in farmer times hM piaoest
Holds comiauwkia with the doad.

From their
OrowhNi

Too have a

Beaeda

PravMtha

tfft

While yoa ■!"(■«
Bright the morali

Thither all yoar vial
R4MelaestB0
Thither all year

Thai aOlcM, hnriiM
Havo yao kaowaaaca
rrs,my Mead ! and hy tMa
Yoa hafO felt ** the Joy «f9W.<

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A. on •• the Piety <f the Ancientg/* is received. We wish often to ht»
from tliis writer.

Leightont on the Imprecationt in Scripture, shall appear in our next.

We invite the particular attention of all, who are concerned for the pvritj
and prosperity ot our churches, to the pieces sig^ned Pastob.

Several communications, which have been some time delayed, shall Bppetr
in our next number.

Correspondents are requested to forward their communicatioBS earty in the
month.

THE PANOPLIST;

ORi

[•HE CHRISTIAN'S ARMORY,

19.] DECEMBER, 1806. [No. 7. Vol. 11.

KN PROSPECTS AT THE COMMENCEBdENT OF THE

NEW YEAR.

U a just though trite re*
that the world in which
e is never stationary. It-
nd all things in it^ are suf-
' perpetual change. The
i produced in external na-
hy the revolutions of day
ight,and by the regular suc-
II of seasons from year to
are obvious^ even to the
common observer ; and
>ften furnished the subject
uiy a dehghtful song, to
who have viewed them
I poetic eye.

DUgh human society never
les extinct, yet the individ*
f which it is composed arc
lually changing. Every
lat passes, removes many
duals from life ; and the
cr must certainly be great,
k each succeeding year con-
to their eternal home.
f in every department of
f, of every condition, of
age, and of every charac-
re cut down by the stroke
ath ; so that the places
I they formerly occupied
w them now no more."
changes have happened in
t years that arc past, and
ir events will undoubtedly
, in those that are to come.
11. No. 7. P F

Whilst multitudes of unthinking
mortals spend their days and
years in vanity, regarding, with
a brutish insensibility, the most
striking &cts which the progre&a
of time exhibits ; let us be wise^
and attend for a little to those
Bolcjnn firoaflectSj which the com*
mencement of a new year opens
to our view. Let us admit the
possibility of dying in the course
of it ; and O that the writer, as
well as every reader of this pa-
per, might be enabled, through
divine g^ce, suitably to improve
the interesting prospect !

^' This year thou shalt die,*'
was the message of God by the
mouth of Jeremiah, to the false
prophet Uananiah ; '' This
year thou shalt die," is the
voice of God this day, to many
who arc putting far from them
the thoughts of death, and exult-
ing in the hope of many future
years of prosperity and joy.

Ye men of rank and Jigurcy
this message is addressed to mar
ny of you ; who, placed in the
commanding stations of society,
are raised to a proud pre-emi-
nence above your fellow crea-
tures. This day ye are receiv-
ing the adulation and homage of
servile dependents and flatterers i

298

Prospects of the tf^ YedotA

but before its anniversarf return^
your power and patronage shall
have pasted, to other hands :
The vonal crowd shall ha^e {or-
taken your threshold ; death
shall have laid you low, and
brought you to that house where
the small and the great, the sex-
tant and the master, lie down un-
fUtUnguiahed together J Prepare
to appear before the tribunal of
thatsupreme Juc^^/^ with whom
there is no respect of jKsrsqns,
and who shall render to" every
roan according to his works."

Yt fdgh'ftdnded po99t99or9 of
the wealth' of tM$ world f who
^ trust in yom* wealth and boast
yourselves of the muldtiide of
your riches !** How* many such
are this day saying by their
condueti with the rich man in
the parable, each to himself,
*^Souf, thou hast mucYf goods
laid up for many years ; take
thme ease, eat, drink, and be
merrf l*^ but the day b coming
forward, within this year, when
God shall say to this or the oth-
er secure worldling^^ Thou fool,
.this night thy soul shall be re-
quired of thee/* " Turn away
thine eyes, then, from beholding
vanity." Seek the true riches,
the unfading inheritance ; seek
them in the right order, and
they are assuredly thine forever.

Ye who are devoted to aensval
enjoy ment9 ! ^' whose god is
your belly ;'* who are led cap-
tive . by " the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes, and the
pride of life'* — ^this year, Death,
unwelcome messenger ! niay
snatch some of you away from
the haunts of dissipation, from
the assemblies of gaiety, or from
the convivial bowl, where you
labour, in noisy mirth, to drown
'the recollection of the pasty and

the care of the future ; n
\rith the disciples of Epic
^^Let us_eat and drink In
iDnt^-moirrow vre die.** . ^
the awful summons med
in such circumstances as 1
with what constematioa
your souls be overwliirt
like the king of Babyloiiy
at his impious feast he t
the hand-writing on the
^* Then the king's counle
was changedi and his tbfl
troubled him, so that the joi
his loins were loosed^ u
knees smote one agaiM
other.-

Many floor ajffHeted
have spent their day^ ki
ty, under the pretsarejdf i
lated hardships, sfaaffl^ i M
this year, obtain a rtictffe
the troubles of a present Hi
pass, according tothebrVi
tive characters, to reg^oai c
f6ct bliss, or of severer «i
wt>. ■«

This year too, as in dl
that have gone before/ j
9haU a/ifiroach hia deHmedin
m various ways and J
Growing infirmities, slow
ing disease, or the multitn
years, shall prove to nuMi
sure harbingers of mortafiC]
cute disease frequently v
the transition short, from fSb
our of health to an unti
grave. Should war contim
ravages, how many lives,
ged forth by mad ambitkli
engaged in the honourtbl
fence of their country, m
expected to fall in deadl]f
flict ! Of those " who go do
the sea in ships," it may be
ed, that not a few shall, t
raging deep, find a viratery |
Nor shall even the mercik
ement of fire, probably, wi

i^l

Prospects of the Kev) fean

299

IS. Xaf) some souls, it
be presumed, without the
>reTiou8 warning, escaping
I the sensation of dying,
uddenl7,in a moment, drop
mortal bodies, and launch
tcmity, whilst engaged in
Vdinary occupations or du-
jn the market or in the
in their own house, or in
ouse of God. Whatever
etigns of Providence to
individuals may be, their
^ sounds aloud to survi-
ve ixiomentous admonition,
it^oever thy hand findcth
do it with thy might. Be
n^fbre i*eady also, for the
f Man Cometh at an hour
f e ihink not/^
th find Brauiy, whilst rc-
\ in the days of youth, in
|r$ of the gladness and gai-
their heart, intent only on
t joy, may receive the un-
ne call to go down to the
ad silent grave, and to apr
efore God in judgment.
man qjfbuMineM9^ in the vig-
agCf careful and cumbered
many things, unmindful
ne thing is needful, anx-
I advance his fortune, and
a provision for old age ;
u no tinie to think of his
nd to prepare for eternity ;
ety in the course of this
ind leisure to die, and give
It of himself to God.
s year too, as in every for-
ear, is there not reason to
lend, that Deaths by unwel-
•MfV<, may dettroy^ in many
the ht^fiincMM of domeatic
7 disjoining, by a heart-
g stroke, the strongest
38t endearing tics by which
I hearts can be united ;
ing the smiling, prattling

child, from the embrace of the
fond reluctant parent ; cutting
down by a stroke the more ad-
vanced offspring, the promised
staff and solace of parental age ;
or, by taking away its natural
head and protector, constraining
the bereaved /amily to say, ^^ We
are orphans and fatherless ; our
mothers are as widows !" Such
scenes as these exhibit, in the
most affecting form, the vanity
of human comforts, and strongly
enforce the apostle's admonition,
^' But this I say, brethren, the
lime is short ; it remaineth, that
both they that have wives, be as
though they had none ; and they
that weep, as though they wept
pot ; and they th£t rejoice, as tho*
they rejoiced not ; and they that
buy, as tho' they possessed not ;
and they that use this world, as
not abusing it ; for the fashion
of this world passeth away."

Amidst all the vicissitudes of
time, ^the word of the Liord
abideth forever.*' And the rt"
lation which individuaU bear to
the dhfienaation qf mercy ^ discov-
ers £irthef , and deeply interest-
ing prospects, in consequence of
the changes that may be expect-
ed, in the course of the year that
is now beg^n.

*' Do the profiheti Hve forev-
er ?** The gospel of Christ is
justly denominated, The Ever-
lasting Gospel ; but those, who
preach it, '^ are not suffered to
continue by reason of death.'*
To many invested with the sa-
cred office, the great Lord will ere
long say, ^ Give an account of
thy stewardship, for thou may-
est be no longer steward.*' To
the unfaithful servant, how tre*
mendous the summons ! Blesied
is that ministeri who^ having

300

Prospects of the New Tear.

[2)«i

studied through life to approve
himself to God> and to commend
himself to the consciences of
men^ is able, in such a prospect^
to say with Paul, *^I am now
ready to be offered, and the time
of my departure is at hand ; I
have fought the good fight; I
have finished my course ; I
have kept the faith. Henceforth
there is laid up for me the crown
of righteousness/'

The gospel is appointed to be
preached " t© every creature,"
but multitudes of wretched tnor"
taU rtfu9e to hear it. They
make light of the gospel, and
despise its ordinances ; they for*
sake the Christian assemblies,
and profime the day of God. En-
slaved by vice, they are forced to
take refuge in infidelity ; and
joining the tribe of scoffers, they
mutusdly harden one another,
and make strong the bands of
wickedness. How many such
shall, in the course of this year,
be arrested in the career of im<*
piety i Yes, proud and haughty
scomer, know that the day is at
hand, when thou shalt appear
before the despised Saviour, pro-
voked by th^ne impenitence and
hardness of heart to act as the
righteous Judge, and pronounce
the irreversible sentence, *^ But
those mine enemies, which
would not that I should reign
over them, bring hither, and slay
them before me."

Ifovf difficult is it to convince
manyy who profess the gosfiel^ of
the reality qf eternal things^ and
to engage their attention to the
great concerns of salvation !
Though their character be re-
mote from infidelity or profli^-
cy, they are strangers to the
power of vital godliness. They
hear the truths of the gospel,

and perhaps avow an apprdbs'i'^
tion of them ; but they pcrcehrlb
not their intrinsic glory, nor ibel
the importance of them to their
own happiness. They pass their
days in security, and expect that
all shall be well with them it
last. But *^ wo to them that ais
at ease in Zion !" To many of
this description the last year of
life is arrived. The day of srii
vation shall quickly go dowa; •
all opportunities of improvemieit
shall soon be past ; and to a long
eternity they shall bewail their
folly, because *^ the things tbi^
belong to their peace are ISA,
from their eyes" forever.

It is the glory qf tAego^lel^
that it reveals a method rf divine
accefitancej at once honourable t»
God, and safe for sinlul men ;
*' For therein is the righteoi»
ness of God revealed from fiutli
to fieiith.'' «< Christ is the enl
of the law for righteousness, tti
every one that believcth." Modi
is it to he lamented, that manf
"being ignorant of the rights
eousncss of God," or too proud
to submit to it, " go about to es-
tablish their own righteousness."
They expect eternal life as the
reward of some good thing done
by themselves : or, if they ad-
mit (as who can refuse to ad-
mit ?) that they are chargeiMe
with son)c imperfections, tbcy
will be indebted to Jesus for that
portion of righteousness, which
is necessary to supply their owa
deficiency ; and are willing, at
most, to divide with the Saviour
of sinners the glory of their sal-
vation. Thus they fatally stum-
ble at that very stone which God
has laid in Zion, as the onlf
^* sure foundation, and chief cor-
ner stone." No description of
human characters is more inac-.

Prtspects of the New Tear*

301

ithsn thisy to the truth
ce of the gos]iel. If to
ch telf'TighteoinBy ^elf^dc'
■cmlS) this shall prove a
'caT) they shaU, alas ! too
cover, Uiat they are in-
wretched) and miserable,
Vf and blind, and naked/*
awful the thought, that
It the professors of Chris-

mnne tu^vme that sacred
nth n9 other view than to
again of godlinessl" Tho'
DS of the insincerity of
earts, they call Jesus,
nd join themselves to the
* of his disciples, only
J may acquire reputation
men, or in some other
imote their worldly inters
at ^ let the sinners in
e afraid ; let fearfiilness
9 the hypocrites $" the

vengeance may now be

This year,' O felse pro-
n some fatal hour, death
ice thee before the Judge

Though thou shouldst

in deceiving thy fellow

to the end of life, << God

be mocked." Thy se«

wcrisy shall at last be un-

** the hidden things of
liy shall be brought to

and *^ what is the hope
ijrpocrite," or what hath
^9 ^ in the day that God
way his soul V*
vast the number of indi-

belonging to these vari-
les of ungodly or unbe-
sien, to whom the year
ath now commenced is
t with everlasting de-
i!

' though all men have not
'Ct there are some fvho bf"
\ obey the gos/iei. Amidst
legeneracy of the times,
d has still reserved a peo*-

pie for himself, who know his
name, and have tasted his love ;
who ^^ live by the faith of the Son
of God,** and ^ walk in holiness
and righteousness before him,
all the days of their life. To tho
friends of Jesus, the prospect of
dying this year, ought to give no
dismay. They have reason rath-
er to expect it with joyful hope.
Many ^ old disciples" shall this
year arrive at their Father's
house. Many who ^ groan be-
ing burdened in this earthly tab-
ernacle," shall soon obtain the
long desired release, and enter
into rest. And, O thou afRicted
soul, ^ tossed with tempest, and
not com&rted," by reason of
perplexing doubts and fears, and
the tedious painful conflict with
temptation and sin, rejoice, and
** lift up thy head, for the day of
thy redemption" draweth nigh.
Soon shall *^ the days of thy
mourning be ended." " Thy
warfare shall be accomplished)'*
and thou thyself be ^ more than
a conqueror through him that
loved us." Are any cut down in
the midst of their days, . and in
the midst of useful service to the-
church and to the world ? Those
who survive may have cause to
regret the loss, but the servant
of God is called to a more ex«
tensive sphere of service ; to sub-
limer enjoyments ; to a purer
and nobler society above. In
every possible case, *^ blessed
are the dead who die in the Lord ;
they rest from their labours and
their works do follow them."
Happy art thou, O Christian, if
the commencement of this year
beholds thee '* abounding in the
work of the Lord," and " wait-
ing for his salvation." But it
shall indeed be the happiest of
all the years thou haat ever aeeui

SOf

Memoirs ofPremient Damn,

if its "conclusion find thee with
Christ, and with God above,
'^ servings him day and night in
his tempie."

Such are some of the pms-
ptcts which this, the first day of
dite jrear, presents to ourcontem-
pbtion. Thousands, amongst
whom there may be some who
How read these fines, shall find
them fully roalited before its
next return.

Reader, before the subject be'

dhmissed perhapa. 4b
pause for a moment, and
thy soul to Heaven, and^i
to thyself this solenm |
If I should die this year»
shall my eternal habitatiol

^ O that they werewisi
they understood this ; th
would consider their laltec

^^ Lord, so teach us to a
our days, that we may ap|
heartfl to wisdom."

Rtl. Mm

wl^mmmm

IBiogpraplis^

MSMOIRS or PRESIDENT
DAVIES.

(Concluded fixun page 256.)

The eminence and lustre of
Mr. Davies' character as a Prcei^
denty were generally confiessed.
la his mode of governing' the
cbllege, the firmness of authority
was tempered with benignity,
mildness and condescension. He
watched over his pupils with the
tender solicitude of a father. He
repressed their youthful irregu-*
lArities by the gentlest methods
possible ; nor did he ever inflict
punishment, without evident re-
luctance and pain. The conse-
quence was, that he was equally
revered and loved by every mem-
ber of his literary Ibmily. They
esteemed it not a confinement,
but a privilege and happiness, to
be under his care. They com-
plied with his injunctions, and
the general regulations of the
seminary, less from fear, than
from principle and inclination.
In his method of instruction,
there was amnething wrasually

captivating and irapre8n«9>

veying his ideas with ibe i

facility, and, by the aid of j

ly imagination, impartii

charms of novelty, even to

mon su})jects, he could <

to rivet the attention of b

pils. And generously oo

nicative, as he was, of his*

intellectual treasures, he

scarcely less «ure to enrici

minds. But while thua i

ous to promote the literal

provement of the youth c«

ted to his charge, he wa

more anxious and engag

cultivate their heart9. He

sidered religion as unspei

the best and brightest of a

complishments ; the only

foundation, either of usefii

honour or felicity. He t

fore bent his principal atte

as every instructor should) I

press the youthful mind wit

importance of this object.

seized with avidity every

sion'to inculcate on his pup

private, the worth of their i

and the pressing neceaai

]

Memoirs of President Daws.

303

mmediBtelf securing the
gs of salvation. And his
tficoursea bear frequent
i how near their immor-
erests were to his heart.-
d'the close of a new year's
l» be- expresses himself in
idery glowing language :
r leave of my promiscuous
JT) to employ a few min-
mddressing myself to my
wt family, whom my pa-
iffection would always sin-
: firom the rest, even when
it»eaking in general terms
ixed crowd. Therefore,
IT charge, my pupils, my
n, and every tender and
lag name ! Ye young im-
I, ye embryo angels orin-
nds, ye blooming, lovely,
lowers of human nature,
pt of your parents and
\ pi church and state ;
ftj joy and glory of your
*i- Hear one that loves
M that has notliing to do
rorld, but to promote your
treat ; one that would ac-
bis the greatest blessing
d enjoy in his pilgrim-
nd whose nigius and days
metimes made almost
reatless, by his affection-
ieties for you : Hear him
subject in which you are
ntimately interested ; a
the most important that
I mpostle or an angel could
you upon, and tiiat is, the
Dprovement of time, the
time, and preparation for
r/* He then proceeds to
leir immediate attention
ion, by the most cogent
nts, and in a manner pe-
awakening and persua-

Eiother sermon, on this
4nd iJd* i« tht condemnor

fiorij that light is come into thB
wiprldj and men loved darJtness
rather than lights because their
deeds were evil ; — ^we find the
following pungent address to his
pupils : '^ There is not one in a
thousand of the sons of men that
enjoys your advantages. Light,
human and divine, natural and
supernatural, ancient and mod-
em ; that is, knowledge of eve-
ry kind shines upon you, and you
are every day basking under its
rays. You have nothing to do
but to polish your minds, and, as
it were, render them luminous.
But let me put you in mind,
that unless you admit the light of
the glorious gospel of Christ to
shine in your hearts, you will
still be the children of darkness,
and confined in the blackness of
darkness forever. This is intoler-
ably shocking, even in supposi-
tion. Suppose any of you should
be surrounded with more light
than others, for no other purpose
but tluit you may have a strong-
er conflict with conviction, and
that your consciences may with
greater force raise tumults and
insurrections within you ; sup-
pose your sins should be the siot
of men of learning and knowl-
edge, the most -daring and gigan«
tic sins on this side hell ; sup*
pose you should turn out sinners
of great parts, fine geniuses, like
the fallen angels, those vast in-
tellects ; wise, but wicked ; wise
to do evil, but without knowl-
edge to do good ; suppose it
should be your highest charac-
ter that you can harangue well,
that you know a few dead lan-
guages, tliat you have passed
through a course of philosophy ;
but as to that knowledge which
sanctifies all the rest, and ren- .
d^rs them useful tp yourselves or

304

Memoirs of President Dmiii.

others ; that knowledge which
alone can make you wise to sal-
TatioHy and guide you to avoid
the paths of 'destruction, you
shun, it, you hate it, and choose
to remain contentedly ignorant
in this important respect ; sup-
pose your parentSf who have
been at the expense of your ed-
ucation ; your friends, who have
entertained such high and pleas-
ing expectations concerning you ;
church and state, that look to you
lor help, and depend upon you to
fill stations of importance in the
world ; and your careful instruc-
torsy who observe your growing
improvements with proportional
pleasure ; suppose that after all
this generous labour, and all
these pleasing prospects, :they
should see you at last doomed to
everlasting darkness, for your
voluntary abuse of the light you
now enjoy ; suppose these
things, and ■ but the con-

sequences of these suppositions
are so terrible, that I am not har-
dy enough to mention them.
And, O ! shall they ever become
matters of fact !

"Therefore, my dear youth,
admit the light, love it, and pur-
sue it, though at first it should
make such discoveries, as may
be painful to you ; for the pain
will prove medicinal. By dis-
covering your danger in time,
you may be able to escape it ;
but never expect to remove it by
the silly expedient of shutting
your eyes. Be impartial inquir-
ers after truth, as to yourselves,
as well as other things, and no
longer attempt to put a cheat up-
on yourselves. Alas 1 how child-
ish and foolish, as well as wicked
and ruinous, would such an im-
posture be ! The gospel, in this
particular, only requires you to

be honest men ; and i
is a most moderate am
ble demand. Therefi
children of the light and
and walk as such, ao
will be a blessing tot
and to yourselves, that
were born."

Instructions thus &i
livered with the greati
nesS) and enforced by i
dent, uniform piety, cqi
ly fail to make the moat
and salutary impressio
minds of his youthful <

The public and offid
ances of President Di
marked with dignityi
and elegance. His per
at anniversary comuM
reflected equal honour^
and the institution, an
the highest gratificatv
crowded auditories, wj
occasions brought togc
the work of the miniat
chief delight. Here,;*
ally, he was in hia
Here he was at home,
indeed, a lively and alv
whelming sense of tl
tudc of the sacred offii
his own insufficiency i
charge. This is stril
parent from some past
letter to his friend, Dr.
^Mt is an easy thing/
" to make a noise in,1
to flourish and harangv
zle the crovfdy and sei
aga/ie ; but deeply to i
spirit of Christianity;
tain a secret walk with
be holy as he is holy ;
labour^ thu i* the vfi
difiiculty of the ministi
seems to grow upon i
Perhaps, once in thr<
months, I preach in so
ure as I could wish :

]

Memoirs ofPrcsidetit Davies.

305

as in the sight of GQD,
if I were to step from the
Lo the supreme tribunal.
nay subject. I melt into
or I shudder >vith horror,
! denounce the terrors of
rd. I glow, I soar in sa-
Ktacics, when the love of
i my theme ; and, as Mr.

was -wont to express it,
more striking to me, than
fine poetry in the world,

eh u if I ne'er shoukl preach

I dying man to dving men.'*

IS ! my spirits soon flag,
"Otions languish, and my
lis. It is really an afilict-
ught, that I serve so good
JtT with so much incon-
: but so it is, and my
lurns upon that account."
same humble and sclf-dif-
pirit brcatlies in the fol-
paragraph, which wc find
beginning of one of his
ses : " To preside in the
ities of public worship, to
our thoughts, and choose
the subjects of your med-
ia those sacred hours
rou spend in tlic house of
. upon the right iniprovc-
f which your everlasting
:ss so much depends — this
rovincc of the niout tre-
is importance that run he
d on a mortal : and every
r the sacred character,
lows what he is abuut,
emLle at the thouid't, and
n anxiously perplexed
ubjcct he shall c!.cose,
: shall say iip«.n it, mA in
anner Ijc sl-ull (lelivcr IjIs
e. His :AicLess m a c^reut
i; depends if^.on his
for tliouj^li tli'i bit ijed
s the proper :i-jent, and
Xo. 7. Q q

though the best means, withoiJt
his efficacious concurrence, tfre
altogether fruitless, yet he is
wont to bless those means that
are best adapted to do good. Af-
ter a long course of languid and
fruitless efforts, which seem to
have been unusually disowned by
my divine Master, what text shall
I choose out of the inexhaustible
treasure of God's word ? In what
new method shall I speak up-
on it ? What new, untried exper-
iments shall I make ? Blessed Je-
sus 1 my heavenly Master ! di-
rect thy poor perplexed servant,
who is at a loss, and knows not
what to do : direct him that has
tried, and tried again, all the ex-
pedients he could think of, but
almost in vain, and now scarcely
knows what it is to hope for suc-
cess."

Respecting Mr. Davjcs* ap-
pearance in the pulpit, an emi-
nent minister,* who intimately
knew him, has given the follow-
ing testimony : " His manner of
delivery, as to pronunciation,
gesture, and modulation of voice,
seemed to be a perfect model of
tlie most moving and striking or-
atoiy. Whenever he ascended
the sacred desk, he seemed to
have not only the attention, but
all the various passions of his au-
ditory, entirely at his command.
And as his personal appearance
was august and venerable, yet
benevolent and mild, so he could
speak with the most command-
ing authority, or melting tender-
ness, according lo the variation
of Iiis subject. With what ma-
jesty onrl j^randcur, with what en-
crjvy and striking solemnity, with
wi;i.t powerful and dinost irre-
sistible eloijuence would he illus-

• Rtv. Mr. Bostwick,aNcw.Yo2k.

MAtHk o/fii^i^'^m^ .

tnte the InitlUt wd inculca^
t^«dHtiupfC;iFTJi|(^trI Mount
E^IMi m.mcd to }hiwdcr Erom hi^

l\pa, when he denounced the
tronendoui curses of the Uvi,
sod sounded tlie drcadrul alaim
t9 gltittyi »trurci impenitent uii-
nora. The xolcmn scenes of the
la&t ju(Igtu<.-ni Seemed to rise id
vieWi when he arraignedi tricdi
iLud ruuvictcd &oIf-deccivi:rs and
foniwl hypocrites. And how
(itd ihc Iwlm oi' Gileud distil frum
his tlpa, when he exhihited a
bieeiling. dying Saviour tu sinful
iiiurtiilii as a soicceign remedy
for the frautuled liearti und an-
gutshul cDiiieience 1 In u vorii,
wbtvtcvei- subjecl he undertook,
periiUuaive clociuunce dwelt upon
jitt toDguc i and hia audience
Whs all attention. He spuku as
»a the borders uf eternity, and
as viewing the glaries and ter-
rors o( the UDseen world ; and
conveyed the most grand and af-
fccunji; idea& of these important
realities."

Though to aomc) this descrip-
tion may seem like the p^u lial,
uudiatin);ui thing panegyric of a
iriend, tliere is much rcjson to
rely oik iu truth and accuracy.
There are those still living, who
repeatedJy heard Mr. Davies
preach, and who sps<ik of his
public performances as combin-
lug a soleiunity, a pathos and on-
iuiiiUon tculy wondcrftil, such as
•eemed directly to result from a
lively sense of a pitsent Deity.
together with a mod teoder, fer-
vent beneTolcnce u> the soulii of
men. The effoctt were in aonn:
messtire answerable. It a said,
.that he seldom preicbed, without
producing some visible emotions
in great numbers present ; and
seldomi without adme saving
Impri^fioilf MeU^ tttt oa one or

not probablyuppear 9
t.hDse who attcntirel|
vplumcs of his prini
es, and reflect that I
was made, after his'
such as he ordinaltl
The world is in pot
great variety of exA
valuable sermons.
tude to accomplish tf
fur which seiinovt
be considered us the
merit, few extant tn
those of President I

Their chief and
excellence is dotA
that they abound in
ble and alTecting del
the distinguishing
the gospel. The ut
ty and impotence o
sovereignly free gra
vab ; the divinity of
atonement in his M
cation through h%
ness ; regeneration i
cation by the Holy 8
were his favourite tl
these he never cess
and expatiate. He i
doctrines as consti
essence of the Christ
the grand support I
practical religion." 1
ed their intellige|it'
reception as « tfce'
porUnce; and Vkir
tempt to itibvCtt^
them away, as e^al
the truth of God*"^
interests of miai*
pcHitts, he was noM
cit, decided, and strc

SiiU he defended
and ev<:|||repelled tl
which be viewed Hi
OU3, in the spirit t

4iP(*p«(;*i?>*v -Cipw--

fDiii pressing unlinllow-
n passion into ihe acr-
liod. In hit sennons,
mnc of those ai^pcrities

religion hns too often
hopourctl. Truth ap-
H) attitude and a&pett,

majcatki bjic graceful

p his most pungehl and

EaddresBes to the iin-
ihe spirit of benevo-
[ gompossion isobviouEi-
binont. Perhaps there
rmons, which depict, in
ikiDg and awful colours,
ijiijf wretchedness and
r the impenitcni. Vet,
l^otsee, that a lender,
[ concern for their best
jfoinpts and pervades
ti.t And where Is tlic
fhQ can refrain from
tbe preacher's part

rw"' . ,

„ j^rmons contain Irc-
icriptions of the nature
Hices of real religion.
Uiit it a& cuniiuencing
■Bee and faith, as con-
'>> course of mortifica-
I^Urdeniat, and as man-
ac\Iby substantial fruio
id; and virtue. So lu-
Ittd striking are thesu
m and GO accurately
luipguiah genuine re-
)th iyom its opposites
illerfciia, lliat it setiiis
ppsaible that any one
tmiively peruse them,
bptaio ignoraot of his
, His discourses upon
,^ con/rite. f» </rfi;jf.

upon the tndted retd, and npon
th« afiMlinHy mMe and ai^.

bhHcs od dnuvter, and wkb
consolatioQa for the ircskeat, the
iri«at dejt^tfed Md tnihiUiiig be-
ll.v.-r-.

It is no small rerommenda-
tion of the sermons of Mr. Da-
vits, tliat, while intelligible to
the meanest capacities, the)- are
calculated to gratify persona of
the greatest knowledge and re-
Gncmenl. They aboimd with
striking thoughts, with the beau-
ties and elegancies of exprear
sion, and with the richest im-
agery. tSome fastidious critics
may perhaps object to his slyle,
a^ florid and ornamented in the
extreme. But it should be ve-
nicmbered that nature made him
a poet ; and that a brilliant im-
agination, operating on a #ann
heart, bmiliarized htm to forma
of cxprcsibn, which, in others,
might Hcem unnatural end af-
fected. On the whole, it may
be pruperljr remarked, that his
style, Ihcugh rich and enter-
taining, is rather a (langerotu
model for imitation. Young
preachers, by following it too
closely, might be betrayed into a
manner ill suited to their ge-
nius. Let them study to resem-
ble President Davics in hit pie-
ty, his zeal, Ins fidelity in ex-
ploring and communicating
truth ; but let Ihem not be too
emulous of soaring upon the
wing of his vigorous and excur-
sive imagination.

308

On the Imprccairons*in Scripture.

IDct.

jBeUgtotur Communication0.

ON THE IMPRECATIONS IN THE SCRIPTURES.

. Whek a passage, in the orij^*
inal language of the Scripture,
may be fairly translated two
ways, it will hardly be denied,
that we ought to adopt that trans-
lation, which is attended with,
fewest difficulties.

The writer of these remarks
pretends to no critical knowledge
of the Hebrew language, but be-
lieves it to be genei*ally conced-
ed, as it is by bishop Home and
Mr. Scott, that those passages in
Psalms, 69, 109, and 137,
■which are rendered, by our trans-
lators, as imprecations of tem-
poral and spiritual judgments^ on
the writer's enemies, are capable
of being translated, as if they
were a prediction.

The latter supposition is at-
tended with no very important
difficulties. The greatest diffi-
culty, which presents itself^ is,
that the psalmist should be su[>-
poscd certainly to know the des-
tiny of his enemies. Once sup-
pose him possessed of this knowl-
edge, and it is easy cnotigh to
conceive that he should commu-
nicate it to others.

The difficulties attending the
opinion, that the psalmist prayed
for various temporal disasters to
descend on his enemies and their
Connexions in this world, and for
their everlasting damnation, in
the world to come, are neither
few nor trifling.

1 . To pray for the destruction
of enemies appears not to savour
of an evanjijelical temper. The
apostle's direction is, Blcstt^ and
curse not. A greater than the

apostle hath said, /?/»• fAAii (Atf
curat yon.

3. To imprecate wrath agaiait
enemies does not appear to coh*
cide with other parts of Davitft
conduct. In Psal. xxxr. 12, kc«
the psalmist is represented rf
being very deeply atflictedf wbc^
his enemiea vere in ditftreiA
Christ, on the cross, prayed, vrA
that his enemiea might be c3e^
stroyed, but forgiven. Steph ^^n*
in the agonies of d^thy prefenc*<9,
a umilar request.

The language of inpreciAca
and cursing does not leeiiL to
have been common to saiv^tt'
Jeremiah did, indeed, use i^ it
the 20th chapter of his propheqn;
His words, at that time, as ^ral
as those of Moses on a particollp
occasion, give humiliating proof
of the power of corruption, evefl
in God's children. They n6
not to be imitated.

But you imagine, perhaps, that
benci'olence may lead a man t^
imprecate present and etennl
misery on his enemies, on sup*
position that his enemies are the
enemies of God.

The crucifiers of Christ were
enemies to God by wicked works ;
so were the murderers of Ste-
phen, yet both were the objectt
of intercession, and not of impre^
cation. Those enemies of David*
for whom great tenderness is
expressed in the 35th psalra«
must have been of a similar
character to those others, of
whom he speaks in psalm 109.
Nay, there is an important sense
in which all unrenewed person

On the Iviprechtions in Sciipturc.

309

ionies to God. Are we,
account, to pray for their
undoing ?

)avid's enemies deserved
ion. Ah) doubtless they
0 does the writer of these
h and so do all his fellow
Still he hopes, that
hrough benevolence, de-
icr hisy or their reproba-

x)u proceed farther, and
enemies of David were
ible. Who knows this \
limself could not know
; from special revelation ;
ich revelation were made
it removes the most
at objection against the
of Binhofi Home and Mr,
iio believe that the psalm-
lot imprecate,* but only
If their destiny were
. to him, it is not very
Ag, that he should com"
e a knowledge of it to

the Scriptures do not
id impatience towards
Led, is verv certain. God

sinners with much long
^i and encourages his

to do the like. Many

after enormous profliga<^
yet been the monuments
. It would, indeed, be an
inary occurrence in the
n world, should any hum-
) under a sense of iiisown
iness and the divine for-
i .towards himself, adopt
wing lan^^unp^cin relixtion
I," I have frequently pray-

they mij^lu repent and
ilvation : but as thev still
impenitent, and deserve

now pray, in opposition
irmer requests, liiat they

repent, hut be damned
Were such a prayer

offered, would not the Lord an-
swer, OughtcBt thou not to htrve
comfianHon on thy ftUovi servant^
cv^n (u I have had fiity ou thee ?
Doubtless the saints will ac-
knowledge the justice and holi^
ness of God in his treatment of
reprobates. They now ocknowl-
edge his holiness in sending
dearths, earthquakes, tornadoes^
and the pestilence, but they do
not pray for these judgments.
AVho would not be surprised,
should a pious believer, when em-
ployed in domestic worship, be
heard to pray against his wicked
neighbours, that the Almighty
would strike their houses with
lightning ; send sickness and
want into their families ; bring
them all to an untimely gravCf
and to the place appointed for
the devil and his angels l

But it is said there are passa*
ges of Scripture, even in the New
Testament, which would justify
such an intercession. Christ
said to the Scribes and Pharisees,
2^11 t4i the measure qf your
father 9.

Is this a prayer ? If it be, to
whom is it dirfx:tcd ? It is spok-
en ironically ; and no more
proves, that our blessed I^rd|
who, in the last hours of his life,
prayed for his murderers, did
previously pray against them,
than the words of Solomon, Rc^
joicc^ 0 young" man yin thyyouth^ ficc.
evince, in him, a design to pro-
mote rudeness and debauchery.

To elucidate diflicult passages
of sacred writ, by those which are
plain, is safe and prudent ; but to
explain one obscure passage, by
others equally obscure, is by no
Tnc:uis satisiactory.

The 2d epistle to Timothy
docs, indeed? contain these words*
Alexander^ the coppersmith^ did

a 10

Piety of tlie aniskni Pagans.

me, nmch evii. The laord reward
kimacccrdintf to hU wo r kit. Is it
so very certain, that St. P;*ii] dicU
in these words^ pray« that iMsi
mechanic might cxperiince tim
«ternai wratli ol' Godi that this
text will prove David to have iiu-
precated such misery on his en-
emies? In the verse next hut
one succeeding, t)*e apostle in-
forms Timothy, that, in his first
defence, all men forsook him ;
but subjoins, / ftray God thai it
may not be iaid t9 their charge.
Did the apostle pray, for the saW
vatioD of .those, who forsook him,
and against the salvation of him
who withstood |htm ? His own
tinilence against the gospel was
once, it is probable, as great as
Alexander's ; yet he obtained
mercy ; and he was divinely
taught to give this direction,
In meekneM inatruet them v/to
9iip09e themeeivesy if God fierad'
venture %nU give refientance to
the acknowledgment qfthe truth.

The seeming imprecation on
Alexander is thus paraphrased by
Dr, Doddridge : *' I doubt not,
but the Lord, wbo exercises a
guardian care ^jj|K..iiie as his
foithful servant, will, sooner or
later, reward him according to his
works. May it l)e an instructive
and merciful discipHne.to reform
rather than destroy him."

" All the ancients note," says
a learned commentator, ^* that
this is not an imprecation, but a
prediction becoming an apostle.
Pseudo Justin, Chrysostom,
Theodoret, CBcumenius, Tiico-
phylact."

Good people, it is thought*
would find more pleasure and ed-
ification in reading sucii passa-
ges with a well grounded belief
that tliey are predictions, than if
they^considered them as impre-

cations. If, thereforcr
as the learned observet
an interpretation, it ca
lie a desirable object
should not. But if tli
fact, imprecations, ther
less something relalii
case, which we do n
stand. Lki

THE PIETY OF AKCIENl

It is an opinion of 13
nent authors, that there
tion or race of men sg
and brutish, as to be ul
titute ol' all notions c
sions respecting a si||f
ing. The accounts gi^
natives of New Holland
contradict this opinio]
lar, as the English rc
that country can disc
rude aboriginals of thi
tcred continent mV^
ideas of a God. W
tempting to prove or
the justness of an opi
precise theoretical con
which it may not be &
tie, I would observe,
savage nations have e
some imperfect concep
supreme being or bei
crc.ited the world, anc
to exercise some inliui
men and physical evi
deed it is hard to belief
ings, endowed with ii
powers, however feeW
cultivated, should see th
and every thing about 1
dcr tlie constant contro
es beyond their reach,
strong impression, tL
must be a supreme, u
and all-powerful Agent
the visible operations <
most be ascribed*

P«(y of the ancient Pagans.

3ir

li is certain, that most
ioDs, of whom history
rved any correct ac*
ATe believed in and
d some kind of gods,
ihors of creation and
sen of good and evil.
M have been the ideas
^ world, concerning
and attributes of God,
have been so conscious
vn frailty, imbecility,
ire to evils, ivliich they
lier foresee nor residt,
lowledgc their depend-
tome superior being.
I originated, among
n nation s« that fear and
of the supposed supe-
yremc ageiUi which is
ed piet y, O f t h c prar-
ty among the ancient
rany illustrious exam-
recorded, which, for
ind the spirit of humil-
amission to a su]>crior
icb appear to have ao
l them, would do hon-
eal Christian. Thus
i relates that, when tlie
and Greeks wci*e ar-
' battle at Platea, both
ered sacrifices to the
I in the midst of the
isanias, General of the
looking earnestly to-
temple of Juno, im-
i interposition of the

etreat of the ten thou-
sks under Xenophon,
were offered to the
procure their favour ;
the troops had arrived
>nd, on the Kuxine,
; considered as an ef-
:apc from the danger^
rch, sacrifices were of-
upiter, the preserver,

and to other gods, in fulfilment
of their vows.

In the Institution of Cyrus W€
see the sentiments of Xenophon
in regard to the worsliip of a su-
preme power. He represents
Cyrus, as declaring that he never
undertook any enterprise, great
or snialli without performing his
duties to the gods. In addition
to many instances mentioned, I
cannot refrain from citing the
passage, in which an entertain-
ment was concluded by an ad-
dress to the gods — ni^aifwtu tm<
fl^; r« «^«^«— praying ibr pi*os-
perity ; an evidence that Xen-
ophon at least believed in the
propriety of giving thanks and
asking a blessing at table.

It was piety, whicii led the an*
cients to the practice of vows ;
or promises to perform certain
acts to the gods, in case of suc-
cess in enterprises, or deliver-
ance fr<;m danger. These vows
were Lcld sacred, like oaths. Be-
fore the battle of Marat h«;n the
Athenians vowed to immolate to
Diana ns many goats, as xhey
should find Persians dead on the
field of battle. *

Extraordinary assemblies of
the Athenians, holden in times
of imminent danger, were intro-
duced with religious ceremonies.
The place was lustrated with the
blood of victims ; a herald re-
peated a formulary of vows and
prayers, addressed to the gods
for the safety of the state. The
Amphictyonic council also was
opened by sacrifices, offered for
the public tranquillity ; and Ly*
curgus commenced the work of
refonnin'j^: the laws of Sp;\rla by
consulting the oracle of Delphi.

The Homaus, like the Greeks^
reverenced the gods^ aod paid

SuiDcy of Churches*

313

lest} forbid us to be
id that person, who
to himself of having
leniy in my opinion
5 happy ; for whoev-
the object of divine
ow no swiftness can

0 darkness hide him,
ace defend him, since

1 all things are sub-
power ; eveiy where
squally lords of all.
' opinion concerning
aths, and the gods,
lave made the depos-
it friendship."

fill a volume to cite
»f this reverence for
ings, among the an-
s. Suffice it to say,
srical records abound
lies. And it is pai^-
lervable, that the his-
itantly ascribe public
:o the anger of the
rthquakes, plagues,
ers of every kind are
\j as the just punish-
D for their wickedness
' ; and sacrifices to
I gods and avert their
teem to have been co-
te human race.

(the oiily great and only
IT oi&rinp, vuws, and sa-
in their high compassiori
.vers atone for daily sins."

therefore sentiments
ave been common to
as well as Ciiristian
for want of just ideas
God, and his will, this
)f the paj^an nations
cted, and often mark-
wildest absurdities.
.tian alone is blessed

o. r. K H

with a revelation of the divine
character, the only object of true
piety and devotion. A.

SURVET OF NEW-ENOLAKS
CHURCHES.

(Continued from page 274.)

One cannot have lived long in
New-England under advantages
to obtain information, witliout ob-
serving that a growing contemfit
of creeds and confeaaionB of faith
is characteristic of the present
times.* They are abundantly
decried^ as useless inventions,
having no tendency to promote
the interests of truth and reli-
gion. They are represented, as
fruitful sources of debate and con-
tention. They ai'e exclaimed
against, as inconsistent with the
natural liberty of mankind, and
the sacred freedom of Christiaif
ity. They are stigmatized, as
arbitrary impositions, engines of
spiritual tyranny. In short, they
are loaded with all the reproach-
es, which distinguished wit and
learning can furnish. In conse-
quence of this, they arc general-
ly undervalued, and, in many of
our churcheS) arc falling into dis*
use.

As this is deemed a great evil,
and as there is, in these hazard*
ous times, peculiar danger of its
gaining ground and increasing
itb baneful influence ; we judg«

• • • •

• For the tuhttanee oi what i» to
be exhibited on confewon* ^ faith,
i^Mtor acknowledge! himself incTcbtcd
to a larffc preface to the Assembly'*
ronfrsbitm of faith, written by W.
Diinlop, Ucgius Professor of Divinity
and Kcc^csiaatical History jnth* Uni-
versity of Edinburgh.

314

Survey ofChurcfieSm

it necedsarvy as far as possible)
to lurnish a seasonable antidote.
Accoifilingl/i this will be the
subject of the present anJ some
Ibllowinfj nuinbci's of the sun-
viiY. We si Kill endeavour to
remove the contempt which is
cast on creeds and confessions of
luith, by a brief statement of
their ficsi;.jn and advanta^^es, and
to invalidate the objections raised
against them by fulr and rational
answers. This discussion, it is
ho|>ed, will lead the churches
of New-En^;I<ind to consider the
great evil of contemning and dis-
using confessions of faith.

One use of confessions is, to
give to the 'o.'orld a fair and au-
thentic account of the doctrincB
viaintaiiird by the Chri9tian
church. Mankind have frequent-
ly, if not generally, mistaken, and
misrepresented the &ith of the
church, and loaded ChrisHanity
with groundless calumnies. The
religion of the gospel, in its ten-
der years, was peculiarly cx^mis-
cd to abuse. Its Author, while
he lived, was persecuted by the
fury and barbarity of his ene-
mies. After his decease, they
endeavoured to blacken his mem-
ory and his doctrine by the vil-
est aspersions. His religion was
disguised with a false face, and
rendered unamiable and mon-
strous by reproach. And the
world were likelv to form their

■

opinion of it, not from a careful
examination of its nature, but
from the misrepresentations of
its adversaries. In such circum-
stances, how evidently necessary
was it for the honour of religion,
that Christians shoidd give a fair
representation of the doctrines
which they believed.

This has been the more nec-
•ssar]K. from age to age, because

men, who have scarcely iHi
one principle oif religilM
have embraced the mt>st
*and impibus doctnnesy
usurped the honourable n
Christians ; in conseqUiri
which the multitude, cdi
in g all together, whiD hi
same title, have entertiiBCt
exceedingly injurious i
Christian cause. They I
tributed to the real disciptil
stts, the errbrsand itn^
of those, who have been tt
in name only. Ithas,ttM
been of the last importtftu
true believers, by p^
summaries of the Chnrtb
should distinguish ttieM
from every erronecoi K&c
furnish the world whb
tages to form some pn^
tions of their religion.

This necessity existtt
high degree at the rffb^
The papists, inspired witl
oncileable enmity agah
glory of Messiah's kingdcH
every engine in their po
obscure the light of divine
then breaking forth, and
the progress of the refon
They defamed the chaittc
the reformers, and violeni
duced their doctrines,
cordingly, it was one
end of the confessions o
which they composed, U
the falsity of the charge
lished against them, imd 1
vince princes, and empero
the world, of the unreaai
ness of their persecutors^^

The same reason had
cnce with the assembly
vines, who composed the
minster confession and
chisms. And the same
justifies Christians at this
the use of confessions.

I8O6.3

Survey of Churches*

pA 1 day^ when a greater varic-
Jtf.of fi^e doctrines were pn)pa-
jptedf and when error had more
(iknts and zeal cng;aged in its
iOUUi^ Not wag there ever a
tunci ifhien the sentiments of be-
.jfevara, wen; more openly cuhim-
aiatedt or when the church of
Onfyl was more disturbed and

every hostile wcr^pon with gi'cat-
cr success.

Stcoiidiy. 15y publishing plain
and solemn declarations of their
faithi believers desij^n to x/iurj
that tht'y o-vn ihc d-jCtrh^ctt of
C/irJsf iL'i//i C'iirrj'n/ucf.< und z ;/ ;
that his rtV.-lui. -hjui^h hat id and
drfi/ii^r'd hi.' thr 'nnfii'du^ in thi' fib'

lfi^g;n^ed by the multitude of jicl o/rhrir vt?2crcfr^n ; that thnj

filpe brethren.. It is, therefore, g^^fy '" ^hc goaiirl^ aft ihiir wfjst

hMdy important, that the faith- vuluablr /loJisesJoTt^and/rr/ i^n-afr*

M KPnanis of Clirist should ex- /ui to Cod for snc/i an u7if</fruKti'

hibit aplain, and somevihat full kic gift

^GOOttQt of their religious ;)rinci-
nks. Not willing to be con-
miided with all who l>ear t!ie
Chriitflan name, they crave this
jniticef that the world would
judge of them hy the creed
which the^ embrace, and the
(oondiict which they practically
approve. From t\'{:YY mistaken
and ilanderous representation,
they make their appeal to ihose
pnithentic vouchers of tlteir sen-
limeutsy which are found in their
(nofcssiomi' gf faith.

Now if, according to the spirit

of modern cut hoi •(•.!:; r;i, ccnfes-

|ioDs of faith should be wliolly

U4 aside, tiie world would be

deprivAsd pr one Important ad van -

*^e for distinguislilii-;; the

blends of Christ from otl-.crs,

«U(| so be in tr'-tatcr drj-.i/jr of

'^MHiin^ conn>e<l atnl un'ist

Ponceptions of C!u Istlanli} . In

^Vch 4 Steele of liiin^i^, the faith

^r Christ's people must be jufl--

^d by the cj^?i:iion.s a. I.l'ji; coiu-

^laonly prevail. T!:ey would

"^ant the i.^j.sl advaiita«'e lo ckar

'^^cir priiisjiplcs from pcv\ cr:>e r j-

^roacheSf and 10 (!esji',:ialo i..er»-

^clves, as the laUiiiul ad . -. Lalci

«f gospel truih. T'.iis L\i\.*J. in

setting aside confciblons vould

gratify l:ie enemies ol the j^oa-

pcly voA give them power to use

V.'hcn God bestows distin-
giiishing gifts, his pe<>i)le should
not bury them in ungrateful si-
lence, bnt seize every opportuni-
ty to make them known lo the
world, and to tv-itify their grati-
tude to the b.'jur.Utul Giver.
Now in what way <.an God bless
a people more than Iiy causing
the pure light of truth to shine
upon them ? The gospel is the
noblest privilege, the most pre-
cious gift. Chrii>tians should ac-
^^aov. ledge it with tlie sijicerest
praise, and embrace evi-ry op-
p(/.*tunity to tehiify their esileeni
for il.s heavenly doctrines. This
is done by tlie prariice here rec-
ommended. KvL-ry time the
failliful eharch.es of Clirist pub-
lish th'jir confessions, they own
their ol)ligat'ions to the infinite
5,oodness of God for liie p:c' pel,
proclaim their adlierente tr t le
divine truihs tcntaititu in i-, :ind
gloiy in them as tlvcii" cio ; n.

As it is the dutv of Cliiis .ans,
upon all propel" occayio'ib, lo ac-
knoVtU'dx-.c >.i;)i « oiifideiive tlie
truths ot' the «;o.:y.uh iiul never
to Ifj aiihiinicd lo p:*jfess tiiem
IxTore nvvn ; .so ihere arc :>omc
se i.M)ii.s wliich afford peculiar
molives to this duty. For exam-
ple, if any of the doctrines of
our holy religion should be in-

S16

Survey of Churches.

jured by clamorous reproaches,
and exposed to contempt ; if the
ordinances of God arc regarded
with disdain and represented as
insignificant by the rich and
the learned ; in such a case, for
churches, that have preserved
their integrity, to be ashamed of
Christ's cause, to conceal his
doctrine Si and retire into a corn-
er! would be inglorious and base.
In such a time, God expects that
his people will openly avow con-
temned truth, and esix3use its in-
terests the more earnestly, be-
cause it is misrepresented and
vilified by others.

Unhappily this is the case at
the present day. Numberless
heresies have crept into the
church, and the minds of men
are enchanted with the enticing
forms of error. With a great
part insolent reproach and cun-
ning sophistry triumph over the
interests of truth. Some of the
most important doctrines of
Christianity, which were reput-
ed of the highest value at the
reformation, and were received
witli the warmest affection by
the primitive worthies of New-
England, are not only disbeliev*
cd, but branded with the most
odious epithets, us the ofVspring
of narrow, gloomy bigotry * and
even abhorred, as blasphemous.
Tliis is particularly the case with
the doctrines of man's native de-
pravity, the deity and atonement
of Christ, God's eternal decrees
and electing love, his absolute
dominion over all creatures, and
his distinguishini^, sovereli^n
i];race toward his people.

In such circumstances, wc
ought to stand forth, as faithful
witnesses for the truth, to assert
with boldness the principles of
Christianity in their full extent,

and to glory in them as cm
honour. Let us accou
privilege to retain the*
the reformation, particu
doctrinr of grace ^ whic
utes every step in the
of sinners to God, and n
it to man. True wiad
teach us to undervalue
umny of proud adv
Christian fortitude will
moved from the found
truth by ridicule and
Contempt and reproach,
a cause, we may gladly h
our head^ as a crown i
And if, in many chur
which we hoped better
divine truth has lost mui
purity and lustre ; we
reckon it the more indis
duty, openly to mainta
gelical principles, and t
distinguished honour an
ness, to be free from t
tion of error.

Thirdly. By confe

faith the churches may e

much to ?nufual comfort i

cation^ and promote brotl

and unity.

They, who are anin
fervent zeal for religion,
si1)lc pleasure when it £
in the world, especially
maintains its ground in t
of vit^ilant anri powerful
The faithful subjects of
love him with the war
fection. The glory of
pi re is the dearest objec
desires. The more tha
flourishes and the m
tlironc is exalted, the
jov Hows Inio their hear
erv victory of truth ov<
riud c)f ^r.u\: over sin
iheni extinisite delight,
therefore, cliurches, wl
brace the snmc Christ

Survty tf Churches.

t\1

lish authentic declara-
eir faithf they give pi-
LCtion to each other.
rd the whole body of
that pleasui'c, which
' are inspired with the
iteem for the truth,
Te from its establish-

propagation in the
very view which a
F a church, or a per-
ining the same faith
;lfi especially when it
cd by others around
ens his feelings and
is heart.

ly reason why men do
; feel, how excellent is
»f confessions, is be-
have not an affcction-

for religion, and do
Jerusalem their chief

bulk of professors,
and degenerate, pre-
rn interests before the
f Christ, and so are
»d with the boIdngBs
nies, the wounding of
)r the triumph of his

t$X churches of Christ
/er the earth, by what-
iarities they may be
ed from each other,
Uy one society, are an-
one Spirit, governed
e maxims, invigorat-
gth derived from the
e, and are all mem-

body,of which Christ
. Thus uJl the siib-
*hrist'$ kiiii^doiu are
:thiT hv the strictest

are laid under invio-
itions to the most in-
idship. the mo^t nr-
They should persi-
interrupted harmony,
p that holy fellowship
other, which they all

enjoy tpith the Father and vitk
the Son.

One means, by which the dif-
ferent parts of Christ's church
are to maintain a good corres-
pondence and happy commun-
ion, is the sameness ofthtir faith^
or their agreement in the same
gospel doctrines. The apostle
mentions faith, as one thing
which constitutes unity among
Christians. ^ One Lord, ow
faith^ one baptism." It is easy
to perceive that creeds are Well
adapted to promote among the
churches the happy communion
here recommended. By publish*
ing their confessions, they ex-
press Christian aifection and feU
lowahip towards all in every
place, who receive the smne com*'
7non faith.

It can, indeed, be hardly ex^
pected, that sincere ChristianSf
while inhabitants of these cloudy
regions, will perfectly agree in
their religious opinions. This
happiness is reserved for that
world, where God himself is the
Sun, But it is a most melan-
choly consideration, that Chris-
tians are more divided in their
affections, than they are in their
sentiments. Love is the pecu*
liar character of our religion.
And it is one of its precepts, that
^vhereunto ive have alreadu attain-
ed^ we should ait nralk bij thr Mathc
rule and mind the same thint^s.
Now there are few nu-ans Ijelter
calculated to promote mutiial
love and fellowship, than a right
i!se of confessions. Thin nvould
dirtctly diativtruish ftt'ipeen thnat^
nvha are infected hu fncvailijrr
rrtor^ and those ivho hid the uv»
r^,rru/:tedju/rh ^f the jscnKfn! ; and,
'at the same time, wuuld make it
evident, that u!l the true servants '
of Christ harmonize not only in

118

On the Execution of Laws.

those principles which constitute
the basis of Christianity, Lot in
every sentiment of special im-
portance ; and that they are one
in the temper of their minds, all
actuated by the same motives,
all serving the same divine Lord,
pursuing tlie same object, and
partaking the same pleasui^e.
How would the discovery of this
agreement stifle (ivory unfriend-
ly passion and banish alienation.
Uow would Christians be asliam-
cd of their unchar'^Jjicncss to^
ward those, who adore and serve
the same Lord, and tinist in the
same atonement. Uow would
they blush at their treatment of
t)io8e, who hold in substance the
same faith, and are cordially unitr
^d to the same cause.

Wjiile a proper use of confes-
sions woul4 be likely to preserve
the purity of Chriutian doctrine
from the contagion qf error^ and
to secure the ministry and the
church from those who deny the
faith ; it would be a very power-
ful means of brinp;in<^ all {^ood
men to embrace each o-.hcr with
the warmest aifectipn> and either

to lay aside their coDtfoi
or to manage them with.ii)
tion and charity. The litl
tinctions, which would i
among thei)i| would not c
the noble freedom of tbei
Narrow party spirit won
pire ; while the discusii
poipts on which they difier
ing conducted with good t
and with prayer, would UQ
edly introchice an increa^ij
torniity. Tiic warmth afli
so hurt fully directed agaii
low Christians, would be en
cd in a joint and vigorous
sitioQ against ^heir comniq
my. Their union would j
ceivably augment their sir
and render every measure i
on's good vastly n>orc db
Thus Christian virtue jISl
would be strongly recoiyiiB
10 the esteem of mankind
the church, all its diviuon
weakness, and deformity ||
ten* would look forth as /Ac
^^Sif^r as the hnjon^ cleqr
i^uiiy u7id terrible as an arm\
ban.iera,

V Paiti

9^i$itt\\mtmsi.

For the Panoplist.
#V THE EXECUTION OF LAWS.

A. MO KG the many rules pro-
posed for deriving the greatest
benefit from laws, this is one
of the most important \ that thty
he firom/itly and a^ircdily enforcvd.
Though they combine in them
the two essential qualities of
strength and impartiality ; tlio'
they are plainly and invariably
directed to the public good ;

though they are enacted
consummate wisdom, and.
tioned by the authority of a
sund Soions ; yet if the e:
tion of them is uttendcd wi)
lay and indecision, they wil
essarily be ineflicacLous.

Present punishment is a :
more poveriul prevent!^
crimes, tliLin future punishi
When present evil engage
attention, and threatens our
pinessy it app<;ars highly a

On the Execution of Lcnvs.

31#

m to avbid it is the ob-
ir immediate and anx-
17 ; but, if removed to
fe distance^ it loses its
: aspect, and dwindles
Nimive insignificance,
judgment with respect

and future objects en-
iD the vices that deform
1 character. It ir. this
kcs the slugj^rd prefer
Id contempt, to wealth
ctability ; which per-
t drunkard to indulge

with the certainly of
ilth and reputation, and
ng the object of uni-
>tist and abhorrence ;
luces the voluptuary to
lers with himself into
8 of infamy and sin ;

leads millions of mor-

to postpone the con-
eternity for the enjoy -

the hour. What we
[ to be near, is magnifi-
;be powers of the im-
i while we force our-
lelieve remote objects
in clouds of unccrtain-
is a portrait is useless,

living person is pres-

view ; so I need not
I describe that which is
:ry mind, and which it
dl the power of relig-
srcome. Of this pro-
e magistrate may the
itably take advantage,
:uliarly strong in those
It frequently expose
s to the penalty of law ;
xustomed to reflect,
* to seize on tcmpiu-
illy rejj^rdless of i..e
[ its distanL coiiscqucn-
yht punishment, tlitre-
:h Ibllows cm oflcn<c
lay, strikes j^rcfitcr ter-

one immensely more

severe, if it is to be inflicted at
some future period. Thus by a
prompt administration of justiccf
the good of the community is pro-
moted with the good of the offen-
der ; a happy concurrence, which
the wise and benevolent legisla-
tor wi!i always strive to obtain.

When punishment accompa-
nies transgression, and the con-
nexion between tliem appears in-
separable, the penalty is consid-
ered as more justi both by the
suflerer, and the public. If the
people once form an opinion that
the laws are too rigorous, all the
good to be expected from them
is entirely prevented. Pity is
necessarily excited for the trans-
gressor ; and where this passion
prevails, justice will not long
maintain its authority. The of-
fender, who has been soothed by
the voice of compassion, feels
half recompensed for his sufler-
ings, and quite justified in the
conduct, which brought them
upon him. But if he is led from
the very act to the place of pun-
ishment, all will see the wlsidom
of the law, which condemns him,
and popular compassion will not
operate to disarm justice of its
terrors. For a short time after
an oflence is committed, all trans-
gressors, but the most abandon-
ed, feel a compunction for their
violation of the laws. This time
sitould be seized as the moment
for the infliction of punishment
to the best advantage. But if
the decisions of conscience are
suffered to be neglected and for-
gotten iHifore those of law arc
denounced, piiiilshment will an-
bwor lio purpose to the suflcrer,
but to make him the more in-
corri.i^ible.

Another fundamental requi-
site to the happy regulation of m

>90

On the I^xcauion of Laws.

community, isi that the execu-
tion of the laws be rigorously
exact. It would be hardly ne-
<ressary to touch upon this part
of the subject) were it not an
opinion embraced by vast num-
bers of our countrymen, that,
provided the quiet of individualsi
and of the public, is not directly
and wantonly disturbed, it is a
matter of no serious concern
irhat else is done ; that all of-
fences, which do not immedi-
ately accomplish this end, are
mere venial tritks ; and that it is
tlie part of a prudent, and espe-
cially of a good-natured magis-
trate to puss them over in si-
lence. No doctrine can be bet-
ter fitted to train up villains sys-
tematically from the cradle, than
tliis. Tlie trutli is, no regula-
tion established by proper au-
thority, however insignificant it
^ay appear, should be violated,
so ordinance despised, no in-
junction disregarded with im-
punity.

If transgressors are punished
in the beginning of their wick-
edness, we may hope for ref-
ormation. There is a progress
in villany. No mun ever com-
mitted murder, or treason, or
burglary, as his first otVence ;
and few men ever would com-
mit these enormous crimes, if
their first offences w cih: i)roper-
ly reprehended. There is a
regular and almost impercepti-
ble gradation in iniquity, from
the mischief practised by the
truant school boy, to the hardy
adventures of the high-handed
assassin. It is not a dictate of
common sense, or sound expe-
rience, to use correction after
I lic Offender has become incor-
rigible. OhiAa firii:cifiiid^ is a
Qiuxim, which ou^iii to be deep-

ly engraven on the heart
ry moral agent. At wli
does the physician chooft
a disorder ? As soon as i
ceived I or after the funi
life are nearly suspend
what time is the oba^
children most easily n
When the seeds of c
ence begin to sprout i
they are first caught in
gleet of their duty I
they are rooted in vice> i
tempers have become^
ernable I The offender
great reason to rejoice .
was punished in the first
of transgression ; and d
temporary inconvenience
tification, he is probaU
holden from doing wfai
have occasioned him )
remorse^ and stigmatii
with indelible infamy.

It is an invaluable bk
have the dividing line ^
what is blameworthy and
laudable, plainly and
drawn. It is an uns]
privilege to have those, t
cai*e the execution of the
entrusted, zealous to fix
CISC meaning of every
But where some of the
enforced, and some ne^
where some are dead, sc
piring, and many in a d
state, the man is beside
who expects a cheerful
ence to the I'est. He» i
frequently violated any ti
impunity, soon justifies
in the violation of ever
and at length becomes
dcned as to trample oi
ordinance, both human
vine.

But the whole svstem
risprudcnce should be !
from contempt ; and n

On the Execution of Laws.

Sll

hid aude^
ly tuilcieiit to
ktett exactnefls.
%jlil tbe kwft is a for-
jMliaf to gorenintnt
17, wbicfa is the
as it caimot be
lines all fidr and
iAiir* and nnqoishes
tto itf popalar preju-
i|ki rdaxation in tke
Mfjustice makes way
^~#KW desfrfsed regu-
Pm the mind to de-
M^iill tiie whole code
m' ohject of neglect
UK A statute-book of
Ifmra is fit onlf lor in*
li^ the tomb of depart-
biqpt. It is a volume
More poignant than
liveDal or Perrius;
tte lepslators, the
Vt and the people ;
leh not only cause a
rmntion, but inflict
general happiness a
ksdng wound.
I 'la necessary to the
Flocietyy that the ex*
IHw laws be uniform
IH. IftheadminU-

Etke is unsteady ;
from energy and
ess and indolence,
M time scrupulously
ipft another foolishly
-nothing permanent
*||^'can be expected.
Signified impartiality
Maracterize the judi-
yngs, it is most plain
can be no confidence
%f and that govem-
become the object of
I aversion.

a notorious and glar*
St in no country un-
f aie the rich punish-
9. 7^ S s

ed for what are denominated tha
smaller kinda of offices. From
thdrelevated situation in life,tlicir
example is dreadfully contagious.
But if those* who think that the
possession of property licences
and sanctions their crimes» were
properly humbled at the foot*
stool of juMice, their exampte
would no longer contaminate so*
ciety. And'U the lower dasaea
of the peofrfe saw that no maA
was superior to the law% they
would acquiesce with much
greater alacrity in jwoper re*
straints, and all ranka would
much more heartily engage in
sacrificing individiud gratifica^
tion to the public welfim.

Whoever is in the least ac*
quainted with the state of mor-
ails in our €ountry» cannot but
confess that much dependa up*
on the execution of the laws.
Who does not know that na*
tional cahanities are the legit*
imate offspring of national nco
and abandonment? And who
will not acknowledge that oor^
iftition ought to be purifiM trcm
sin, that the judgments, which
hang over us» and which we so
justly deserve, may be averted \
Look around for yourselves, and
consider this matter^ Take a
View of the fiMhionabie vkes coiIy
which now prevail; of those
practised by the great, the splen-
did, the bonoursiUe, in situatiooa
where temptation ought to meet
with a firm and an indignant re-
pulse ; and then judge what are
the crimes perpetrated by those
>f ho are debased through the ex*
ample of superiors ; who are
unenlightened by education, un*
iofiuenced by a fear of disgrace,
and destitute of every restraining
prinsiple.

322

On the ExicntiOH of Laws.

Contemplate the extensive
|ire valence of prol'anencss. See
the earnest encie;iivours of wicked
men to dishonour the name of
God ; to invent blasphemies hith-
erto unthought of ; and to (faiu
themselves laurels in tlie war
against Heaven. Hear cursed ut-
tered bv children unconscious of
their meaning ; and see the
hoary driveller, with one foot in
his grave) muttering execrations
against his Maker and Preserver.
View the drunkard^ forfeiting all
claim to human society, destroy-
ing his intellectual powers, and
committing a sure though lin*
gcring suicide ; a suicide, de-
stroying at the same time his
body and his soul. Listen to
the midnight orgies of the gam-
ing table, where robbery is le-
galiased by the tribunal of hon-
our, where cheating is elevated
into a liberal profession, and
where the grand strife is, who
shall decoy most adventurers,
and sacrifice them to the rapu-
ciousneas of the banditti. See
the Sabbath, which ought to be u
day of rest, of worship, and of
instruction in holy tilings, con-
verted into a day of sloth,
u day of visiting, a day of un-
hallowed amusement, a day
of feasting and riot, and, pre-
eminently, a day of sin. See
men among our Senators, Judges
and Governors, foolish and mud
enough to go openly and shame-
lessly to murdering each other
in a duel ; and all this under
laws, which profess to guard life
as a thing sacred, and undt-r a
religion, which proclaims *^ peace
on earth," and declares, that
^^ whoso sheddeth man's blood,
by man shall his blood be shed."
See adultery proved in our
courts, time after time^ for the

pui*pose of obtaining a c
and the adulterers suffere
at large, detested indeed. I
men, but unpunished fo
crimes, and totally unnot
the magistrate. See the l
practising every fiend-tili
fice ; committing deliber)
iterated perjury ; destroy
hopes and happiness of bi
sisters, and parents; andi
iiig his guilt by offering U(
with himself at the sh:
pollution. In a part of th
where the gospel hai
preached from generation
eration ; among a peopl
favoured by Heaven tb
other from the fall of m|l]
present time, brothels if
tuted, supported, defenda
up, O Babylon, tliou mc
harlots, and blush for oil
mitics. Thy crimson at
tions whiten into innocenci
compared with the more
vated offences of a CI
land.

In this state of thingt]
every honest man wishes)
laws should have all posti]
cacy, much dependence i
placed upon our rulers,
ine to yourselves ail ou
try men, who hold offices
magistracy, assembled, fr
President of the United
to a Justice of the Peac
Grand Juror, and addrei
this important subject b
venerable civilian, like a I
a ^lansfield, skilled equ
law and in human nature.

*' My friends, and a
men," would he not say
great diligence, that in 8
1>ehaviour, your example 1
as may be considered a a:
tern for imitation. Trai
sion of the laws in a mag

]

On the Execution of Lcnvs.

423

open wickedness in a min-
' the gospel ; it prevents
good he might otherwise
one« and produces evil
10 repentance, no exer-
an repair.

hen obliged to inflict puni-
t, let it be seen that jus-
rapies the first place in
east, and a dignified clem-
e second ; act the part of
, and a father^ not of an
, unfeeling tyrant,
ilher covet nor avoid pop-
Be apt U) distrust your
■nts in governing, when
: into competition with
if your neighbours. If
t better qualified to hold
f trust, be willing that
Mild be preferred. Al^
smcmbcr that the man
jlevatefl by the intrigues
rtion, is never respected
riends, nor by his ene^
and what is worse, he
does his duty as a wise
iful magistrate.
rer fall into the foolish
' considering less impor*
Bees as dishonourable,
e man, who docs this,
ssaed of a weak mind,
rorthy of no office, of no
ce. Rectitude of con-
d a just sense of dignity,
ider any office honoura*

tiember your respective
office. Meditate upon
night and by day. Con-
I engagement into which
e entered, as it really is ;
.gement which Jehovah,
i God of Hosts, is called
IS, Resolve to act agrec-
tbis momentous obliga-
r this be not your inten-
nd off. " Proculj O firO'
• profaniy Touch not

the holy thing with polluted
hands. You had better withdraw
like cowards from the perform-
ance of your duty, than impre-
cate upon yourselves that divi ne
vengeance, which you are prede-
termined to deserve.

*' Consider yourselves as al-
ways responsible to your country,
Tho' she may not l>c able to detect
and punish, you arc still respon-
sible. You are entrusted witli
a charge of more value than any
worldly possession ; a charge of
incalculable importance to the
present generation, and to posr
terity : you are to purify the
public morals ; you arc to guard
our youth against the numerous
temptations, which lie in wait to
devour them. Like the great
Roman magistrate, consider your
country as addressing you in the
most solemn and impressive
manner. J^et each one ^f you
hear the " (juid agi«j Marce
Tidli^** as applied to himself, and
let him ponder well how he shall
return a satisfactory answer to
this most sacred demand of his
country.

^' Above all, consider youri>
selves as responsible to God.
He instituted civil government ;
he has given rules for the regur
lation of your conduct ; he has
appointed you his vicegerents on
earth ; and i|s your conduct shall
prove, 50 will be your allotments
in tlie day of retribution. If
you connive at iniquity'; if you
violate your oaths ; if you barter
your salvation for a ^* mess of
pottage," for a miserable gust of
present popularity ; if you enlist
under the arch revolter, and assist
in withdrawing men from alle-
giance to God, destruction is
even now uncovered to receive
you. But if you strive to co'Op*

3^4 Letter of Dr. Johnson on his Wife's Death. \l

crttc with the divine will; if you
conscientiously endeavour to pre-
vent crimes with all your might,
yoju will obtain the applause of
good men in this world, and, in
the world to come, the approba-
tion of God." C. Y. A.

LETTER or THE CELEBRATED
DR. JOBNSOIf, ON HIS WIFC's
DEATH.

March 17, 1752, 0. 6'.

DEAR SIR9

Notwithstanding the warn-
ings of philosophers, and the
daily examples of losses and
misfortunes, which life forces
upon us, such is the absorption
of our thoughts in the business of
the present day^ such the resig-
nation of our reason to empty
hopes of future felicity, or such
our unwillingness to foresee
what we dread, that every calamr
ity comes suddenly upon us,
and not only presses as a burden,
but crushes as a blow.

There are evils, which happen
out of the common course of
nature, against which it is no
reproach not to be provided. A
flash of lightning intercepts the
traveller in his way ; the con-
cussion of an earthquake heaps
the ruins of cities upon their in-
habitants; but other miseries
time brings, though silently,
yet visibly, forward, by its own
lapse, which yet approaches un-
seen, because we turn our eyes
away ; and they seize us unre-
sisted, because we would not arm
ourselves against them, by set-
ting them before us.

That it is vain to shrink from
what cannot be avoided, and to
hide that from ourselvesy which

must some time be found,
truth, which we all knoWj
which all neglect, and per
none more than the specnl
reasoner, whose thoughts al
ways from home, wboK
wanders over life, whose f
dances after motions of h
ness kindled by itself, and
examines every thing ratbcf
his own state,

Nothing is more evident
that the decays of age mof
minate in death. Yet the
no man (says TuUy) who
not believe that he may yel
another year ; and there Js
who does not, upon thei
principle, hope another yei
his parent, or his friend ; bo
fallacy will be in time dein
the last year, the last dlafj
come ; it has come, and is p
The life, which made my
life pleasant, is at an end, an
gates of death are shut upq
prospects !

The loss of a friend on ^
the heart was Rxed, to 1
every wish and endeavour
cd, is a state of desolatl
which the mind looks at
impatient of itself, and
nothing but emptiness and
ror. The blameless life
artless tenderness, the 1
simplicity, thp mgdost fpi
tion, the patient sickness
the quiet death, are remei
ed only to add value t
loss; 10 aggravate regn
-vrhat cannot be amended
deepen sorrow for wha): c
be recalled.

These are the calamiti
which Providence g^duall;
engages us from the love c
Other evils fortitude may
or hope mitigate ; but irr
ble priyatjon leaves nothi

List of Books for Theological Students. 325

K^utioDf or flatter ex-
The dead cannot re-
otking is led us here
unent and grief.
■ch is the course
that whoever lives
outlive those whom
d honours. Such is
m of our present ex-
1 life must one time
iciation, and every in-
the earth must walk
Lo the grave alone and
,, without any part-
joy or grief, without
sted witness of his
s or success. Mis-
.ndeed, he may yet
lere is the bottom of
of man ! But what is
him, who has none to
Happiness is not
lelf-contcmplulion ; it
1 only when it is re-
n another.

w little of the state of
iouls, because such
is not necessary to a
Reason deserts us at
if the grave, and gives
intelligence. Rev-
not wholly silent ;
oy among the angels
over a sinner that re-
and surely the joy is
ible to souls disentan-
ihe body, and made

«, therefore, dictate,
ition does not confute,
inion of souls may
I ; and that we, who
2;ling with sin, sor-
nfirmitics, may have
the attention of those
finished their course,
nr receiving their rc-

re the great occasions
:c the mind to take

refuge in religion. When we
have no help in ourselves, what
can remain, but that we look up
to a higher and greater power I
And to what hope may we not
raise our eyes and hearts, when
we consider that the great€9t
Power ia the brst ?

Surely there is no man, who,
thus afflicted, does not seek suc-
cour in the gospel, which has
brought life and immortality to
light ! The precepts of Epicu-
rus, which teach us to endure
what the laws of the universe
make necessary, may silence^
but not content us. The dic-
tates of Zeno, who commands
us to look with indifference on
abstract things, may dispose us
to conceal our sorrow, but can-
not assuage it. Real alleviations
of the loss of friends, and ration*
al tranquillity in the prospect of
our own dissolution, can be re-
ceived only from the promise of
Him in whose hands are life and
death ; and iirom the assurance
of another and better state, in
which all tears will be wiped
from our eyes, and the whole
soul shall be filled with joy.
Philosophy may create stub-
bornness, but religion only can
give patience.

Sam. Johnson.

For the PanofilUt.

LIST OP books SECOMMEXDED
BY DR. TAPPAN TO THF.OLO-
GICAL STUDENTS.

lileMsra. Editors^

Will it not bcgrattfulto ihotey
vho cherish the memortf^ and afi-
/trove the nentimentt of the late
Professor Tappan> rs knofo ike
ccur9f nf readings vMtk Me np-

S26

A Funeral Oration.

commended to theological ntv-
deniM ? The fallowing list qfbook*
wa9 tifDr, TtLp^tiarC 9 forming.

On JVaturat Religion.
Aberketht's and Inland's
sermons on the divine attributes :
Clark's demonstration, &c. :
Price on morals.

On the JVec entity of Revelation,
Leland or Campbell.

On th< Proif of Revelation.

Doddridge's three sermons on
this subject : Newton on the
prophecies : West on the resur-
rection of Jesus Christ : Little-
ton on the conversion and aposr
tieship of St. Paul : Fanner on
miracles : Paley's Evidences :
Butler's Analogy.

On the DoctrineM ^Revelation.
The expoaitioDs of Doddridge,
Guise, Henry and Whitby :.

Ridgley's body of divii
wards' History of Re
and Treatise on the t
Ben'v-street sermons i
mons of Blair, Doddrid
Lathrop, S. Stennet,
Tillotson, R. Waike
Evans.

On the Christian C/tun
dinancc9.
Hem men way and ]
Edwards, Lathrop ki
);ood on infant baptis
Grove and Ileiiry on tl
supper.

On Jeviih and Ec
History.
Lowman and Shaw
ism : Shuckfoixi's
deaux^s connexions :
and Mosheim's ec(
history.

fietieto of Beto pubUcationier.

A Funeral Oration^ fironoumced in
the chapel of Dartmouth Uni'
versityjon the death q/*ELiPHA-
LET Hardt, a member of the
junior claas^ vfho died at Hano^
ver^ Jan. 3, 1806, aged 19
years. By John Burn ham, a
classmate. Hanover. M. Da-
vis. 1806.

It is the occasion of this ora-
tion, which renders it worthy of
public notice. The young man,
whose death is here deplored,
was endued with rcniurkablc
intellectual powers, and engaged,
with singular diligence and the
most flattering prospect of suo-
cess, in the pursuit of useful
knowledge. His regular and a-
miable deportment, and the rapid

progress he made in t:

branches of learning, ]

love and esteem of all '

him, and excited the 1

he would be an omam

cause of virtue, and a g:

ing lo the world.

The following par

the oration, descriptive

ercises of his mind ii

sickness, deserves part

tice ; and leads us to

very favourable ideas oi

logical views of the '

veil as of the penitend

mission of his deceai

mate.

•* ^ short time before
tlie (icrcased was the sub
OU8 religious impression!
flue nee sf the Holy Spirit

The Messiah's Reign.

327.

ishetl view tlie ocean of de-
rhleh exists in the huiiiun
Deeply impressed uith a
the rectitude of GocPs boly
W»M convinced that Uie pun-
if sinners wns just. Brought
L to bow to the sccpti-e of
! gsve satisfactorv evidence
iRMind him, that lie was the
regenerating grace. When
es of his miBuhad impaired
1 of his bndy,...8tiU he spake
must profound reverence of
religion ; declaring rcpf?at-
uul no wish the diviiie law
flerthat he might be saved,
erinced that cordial submis-
e decrees of Heaven, whkh
» the true Christian."

^outh and inexperience

rritcr must be an apolo*

•ome incorrect thou^^iits

nressions, for some un-

19 and harshness in his

and for the incoherence

reral purls of his oration.

9aiah*s Reign^ a nermon
hed on the Fourth (tf'July^
the IVoMhijigton 6'ocirtyy
ifEs MuiR,D.D./'a*.'or/i/'
^re%byttrian Church at
ndria, Snowden. Alex-

■

short sermon is founded
Gollowing prophetic de-
I of Christ's reign by the
Micah. *^ He shall judy;e
oany people, and rebuke
ations afar off, and tliey
;at their swords into
nareS) and their spears
jing hooks ; nation khall
up bword a;;ainst nation,
ihail they ieurn A\arany
fiut they shall sit every
der his vinei and under
:e ; and none shall make
aid.'* I'he auiiior*s plan
uder thehe wordu in their
I ihe yic9iticJi*€ afificarm

ancc ; to the tendency of the go**
/let ; to the revolution which hat
taken filace in thiM country ; and
to the eventty which we have rea-^
ton to believe are hattejdn^ for-
ward to their completion. Under
each of these heads we find very
pertinent remarks. The author
is so happy, as uoC to lose sight
either of the text, or of the occa-
sion. We observe a beautiful
case of language, which' is natur-
al to one who is blessed with ease

of thought. The characteristic
trait of the composition is a live-
ly, forcible brevity. In some
sentences there is a transposition
approaching the air of poetry.

The following specimen shows
the author's manner.

In the concluding addrcs»-^
*< Mankind are branches of the same
fainil} . Turn to the East or West,
to the North or South ; traverse the
globe from pole to pole. Wherever
you meet a human bcin^, you meet
R brother or a Mister. This Cliristiani*
ty teaches and enforces in the strong-
est language. The heart of tlie pat-
riot....glows with a warmth communi-
cated from Scripture. Thatlncgleci-
cd, thut despittcd, that persecuted
book has scattered the seeds of patri-
oti.4n), and cherished their growtli.

'' All and each can do somctldng
for the benefit of society. Few, it is
true, can enlighten the nation, or man-
age public affairs. Pretensions. i\»
tJiis by those whose ignorance
and weakness are too apparent to be
denied, tend to confusion. Like
lliaeton, in the heathen mythology,
who unwiselv seized with his feeble
grasp the reins of his father's iiery
steeds, tlioy bring themselves into
dang^T, and cxpr)SK tlieir fellow-mcu
to dreadful calamities. God tits men
for diHurent purposes. Let each
know hi.s place. He may be an ex-
pert mccjianic and a useful farmer,
who would prove a most miserrible
statesman."

The author cannot close with-
out seizing the opportunity to
recommend the missionarj ob-

828

Dr. Baniard^s Discourse.

ject, and to solicit aid to the mis*
sionary fund. This may subject
him to the censure %l the partial
critic, but will much endear
him to the heart of the fervent
Christian.

Two di»C(mr»e9 occationed by the
sudden deaths ofJosefih Browny
jun. Mt. 23, and James JennesSj
jEt, 24 ; foho were drowned
near Hye-Beachy on {he even"
ing of9tk Sept, 1806 ; the for-
mer delivered Sept. 10/A, at the
time qf interment ; the tatter
delivered the Lord's day fol-
lo^ving. By William Pid-
gin, A. M. Minister of a Pres-
byterian Church in Hampton.
Newburyport. E. W. Allen.
1806.

These are plain, serious, per-
tinent and useful discourses, from
the two following well chosen
texts : Ecc. ix. 12. For man also
knoweth not his time: As the fishes
that are taken in an evil net^ and
' as the birds that are caught in the
snare ; so are the sons of men
snared in an evil ttme^ when it
falleth suddenly upon them. And
Job xxi. 23, 24. One dicth in Ids
full strength^ being wholly at case
and quirt : IHh breasts are full of
wilk^ and his bones are moistened
%itith marrou*.

The melancholy circumstan-
ces, which occasioned these dis-
courses, are bviclly related in a

note, as follows ;

" Joseph Brown, of Northampton,
and James Jcnncss, of Rye, tc^»!ther
with a man of colour, naine^l Catswr,
had been at Portsmouth. While ic-
' turning*, which was late in the day,
the clouds collected, and appeared
very black and threatening;, attended
whh frcquerft Uglitmn|^, ami at lenglli
a free discharge of rain. Night came
on, which greatly added to tlic gloom-
iness of l^e season. The) proceeded.

howeTer, withtafetyy %mS
almost reached their home
o'clock in the evening, wb
squall met th«m, as they
ing Rye-ledge, which intt
their boat, Cesar kept '
the boat, and was saved^
otliers were thrown fron
once perished in the de
bodies were found early :
ing, and interred the after
aame dav.**

A Discourse before the <
Propagating the Gok
the Indians and other
America^ delivered
6, 1806. By Tnoi
NARD, D. D. Alinii
J\orth Church in St
which is added an •
Charlestown. S. X
pp. 47.

The theme of this
is St. Paul's declaratia
18. '< What then? fio/i
ing every way^ whetfH
tenccyOr in truthy Christ
ed ; and I therein do n
and will rejoice,'

Alter a pertinent int
the preacher invites th<
of his audience to the
lowinji; observations.

I. ** Permit me to o
manner in which the licinj
iy pouertui, wise and gov
propagate Christianity in
at tlie time of its iutroduc
the years immediately sue

II. "InaUcntivc to th
histor}' of the time, we are
think discoixlance of opinl
apect to the Christian doel
not have arisen under tlic
tive and infallible instructi<
Apostle; and wititout he
tribute to its first preacher
ly the higlicst purity and be

' HI. •* There is no mod
we can adopt, which w ill ■
our characters, or more
hearts ui the seaaona of ii
i3ection, than a persiusiou

P'the 'fim h«ia wc arc
iSnd jBSts CHRisr in-
(m a rfiiiinr teacher and
Bui ne Tea aouie dim-
fcflOnciiinK the foUowing
KMth the idea of hU c//-
fr with the character of
bhotn il^flteifi all thefai-
\ttgoiJiinui 6odily.
|h)i all his divine Bbilitica,
I^Giuitiea of a mui, >itd

Be numbei of hia Follower!!
HfMetttial frt«fiili itlilinin-

L|lwlp Mi cicCuni«anM!
K|(|jL»fibr4 li'mi th^ir ai<i."
^■Bpresstoiit it i&cajutid-
Hoes this rcprescQtmion
l^aBske on tlie mind J Is
M of vieatncts and fJr-
\J la it Rot that of a
lleding a lifeguard, nufa-
qC hii». by mliom the
(Ure made ^

I qticrtca arc made, not
kiubt llie preacher's be'
le sacred Thiniti ; but
ve think such a repre-

rftheboMol'CkJDUitte
la excite tlic rcvcrciiud
|il« of tliouc whom he
rcilecn.

Kthc tfcofd head of his
t'tiiK main abject oftbtf
I'ap^i's to be, luit xa
Ht iliB'«rcnccs of opinba
m dmtrioc, tie. Jtavo cx>
nU fi^a of ifce ohui'cti j
brv thai the preaching
^fMpc\, ttiOuv;ii variuuM
ttaii hm [iroilucLcl very
I'effcctn. spiritiuil and
U- In evideiire of thik,
f specimen uf oui au-^
[Miner, ilic follouiug <ix-

dh ttip irMtPTiflon wham
MreemtiwMu, maf not. in
ifol- 11. T a

:ir idea, pKtcU tbe isWf ^wpel,
t do they nut prcich fo'Tt of it I

^a, Jihinf teJeauf onJ imtraiinfParU
i^itf Arc^ioipsrls lA' it jwod for
■ - ■' ■ ■ " ■ ftn ll^ey not indeed, *

tiimcthing ! ■

ind

betf tliri fhijti of itiiinvrtnr
bliji ? If their stiLtud miiiiatcn asA
misiionariri promote, bv ttieirleach-
in^ in com nuM, taint of the molt itn-
purtiot sulyecu of tbe roltpoii tliqr
beliiivc, !■ it not ihcii duty, in tbesa
[■espcula, la rejoice in tlieir labours,
and wisli ihem snccMs r Lei us now
appeal tnthe fVct (t> deiernlne how
f«r, in uiuun Io)^thi!«, they preaob tlua
Ivoliis of tbe goflpel, Oa tiiey nut
iinittdly preacb the rviiUrux4 of
Christ's roUrion 1 itiilehis pispelthc
only infattiilt directory «fau^ faith tBat
■maimtn i and rhuga na to eonndt it
upop all important quesdoni wl^
teatliahle mliuli, if wo would be tnode
" witc unto salvitiuii V Do they get
[iTopoie, «tid warmly recommend to
ihc love and imitkii on of tlieir hearCrf,
\\i%c>:ampU f Aneiample punyalid
exulted beyond what poets hadfanci*
cJ, or Jiiitoriana, sftored or humuv
(leseKbcd before helivfld; rortinthen,
thzy never beheld, nor beard of sueli
curdtcncc of worth, aueh beauty of
vliftracier in our tbrm. Da they nut
urge upon ua liia frteepit, u tjie »u^
prenii; ruWofourtomper and conduct,
because " the uUitum which is thin*
uboie, ia fir«t puR, then peaceabloi
gx.-nUc and euy lo be ontrevted, fall ,
<i{ mercy and gtiod ihiilg, without par-
tiiiUty, and , wiiliout hypocHsy i Do
liicy not aftrm, in tbc words of tbe
apuktle^4imwitlMtaRdin^(hdr bypath*
..'•i~' tureadet'tbe subject moreintel-.
ligible may dificr, " all haic ainoed
and come ftbon of the |;lory of God;
beinif iuatilidil freely by his ^race
throuffi tbe tedemiption that »' in
Jeaiii Christ 1 «lioni God batt set
forth to be > propitiatioai tbrouKh fajcli
in hi'i blood, to dL-claru hii riglilceiu-
iiesi tor tJte renilskiuii of aim, tbat
arc paal, throoRb the forb'-arauoe of '
Gc«l >■• Do tliey not, Jiiincly tnurfit
by llipir Ms*tcp, bring 6^[iind im-
inuTiaHn beyond the ftruie. into a
state or clearer and inar« sptendid
iiKht, thitn it hud been by the nhllua-
.ifVra of tlw world, and cvenby iti-
Mjired teachers befere lie came, and
\\m,c it in ft point nf view, cileulalcd,

mora ttaa uny oUitf, d««pt; to !«-

T tiLU|[hl lar

ptcn flic IiWnan mind «tKl ptstimnr,

a ictai i^amblett TtOfal la-lUi'iM 7
Do iwt the BU1.IOM llicy in«iilc»lc W
cxcili; Ul tu uetl doing, luid (n iIctcT
uBfrct" evil, e«i-ieti in •pijEtit »nJ
CoiiKitucnce rfl wliich any uther

aUWycixI ■<

^Vlth oiw ljt:ii«»oIeiit author
wecliewfuliy i«lmit,a»adeiiglil-
fvil fiict, that " liigh Bpiriiiial
advuntugti have atl«inied the
prwebins ef Cbritt, though the
Mlutary ofKce Imw lieen perftwin-
cd with v«ryinK liegrcM i»f light,
uliility, and succems ; ituit the
Chriktittn world i» ihc fairestt [)oi-
tion of tliitt eai-th ; and tliat no
purtkular class ot Chrtstians can
ctaim thwc (^ootl effecti, as oris-
iriB exclusively from (heir modes
«[ Uacbiug." Slillt however, it
teem* rcMuuaUc ti> supiwse,
thai the iriflucncoof ibc gospel
would h*\e been greater, hwl it
been preached wilb more li^lit,
altility and uulforoiity ; especial- .
ly if the wAo/e gospel hud been
ihns preoched. AdmUling, with
our catholic author, that instrutt-
ors, deemed erroneous, " preach
/mjt« of tlve goapcl," and that
they unitedW preach the evi-
limcF* of Chribl's miBwon," anil
MM Uf'vatMltbe.oalr JISAW-
HJ,.(f&rt(farg^.«C our ttlh wd
WHIH • itm' th^ mmUjr rc-
aammiKA\i^e»mifila-^aA urge
dpabuft-Uia'^rKOWi' thfclther
exhiint " Hfe ind Ann^offfy in a
n|(Wt.,w]0Ml)d ligt^^ t^ »ny
phuBH^ia QT ei«<t inspired
tMchen" befbre hia GO|Bin|, and
inculcpte " ntcg^w'* w X*"^*'-
excee^Rg in Wn|j[UliDne of any
anner reUpou* %wri»ff;l fl««r^
tbelew, if otbe^ ib^tfWttbnabe
not Mided, we an pttinftaiy v^
prehenqve, tbtt th^ t^Ml f^-

Btpwiiiiiirt blj^KlyflrtuMteiri

truthst which such ll
preach " iii union," aq
named by our author i ■
well be doubled, whctbe^
Ruence of Chrisiiauity
moral character of indiviri
even on society, would
surpass that of the pbiloi|
Socrates, did not other,
crs often escecd ihrir lua
ne are luught in the K04
by nuiui% we are moraUTJ
ed nnd diildrcn of wrig
we are dead in tr«apaM
sins, aikd evfmica to Cq|
wc most be bora again 4

atoned onjy by the itoott|
and that this Jesus i**^
person ; that justificati^
work of Cod-a Sfliri/, 4
uiir aalfation ii mhoU^ f|
through fuith, and thM
oiirselvea i — these doctn|l
not only be pads, but tin
liai parts, of the go^Ml
they give to mun, andu
tianity, a character ancl4
not merely ditVereni, bw
■Ht w^nu, MiMJIy 4H
tbuBpia afMsnuafjthM^

aside. TheScripMra«a
■appoaes'thsltlw liilhl

brtand-MB «nd:ft«Mnfe
tl«M:- &Ulit.i»ir«t4jH|
WW due pmud ■£ llHrii
jof . He nijttosdr'llltf
ii«y or .wteh any tf ^idW
iCtfaftaotivc' wcre>ci«tf
ma .pr^S^ied.^ Here-a
ersDce, dttaer u the nl
nqiif)cri<fF#e doctrine^
^ 1%e Bir import of
tngt iS( tbat those, wktt-
tiiated by envy, prood
tame doctrines with Um

Society for Prjopagatinj the G^spcL

S31

fere« does not warrant
ihmi, that Paul ever

mi^ preaching, or sy&-
eolog^, which was in
eficient in any e»»rntial

the Christian faith ;
presumed^ more will
!quired of us* than of

r leave it to the imelli-
er to determine for
rhcther the kind of
, above described) tho',
incient philoitophy) it
iseful to civil society^
ndanger the final sal-
he individual^ by con-
im him his true charr
the only medium of
id by leading him to
himself) and not upoo

reat pleasure to us, io
^ion^ that we are able
:he worthy author of
ine from the number
taperficial preachers^
has described. Nor
duty, on this occasion)
equally imperious) had
! of Catholicism been
gel) tie man) less res-
»r taientS) natural and

»rrcctness and weight
sot) expressed by our
ler the iase head of his

we arc happy to give
, testimony. We rc-
id the preacher here

element) while ce|e-
i excellencies of that

religion) which alone ^ gives
glory to God) on earth peace,
good will towards men."

The length) peculiar structure,
and consequent intricacy of some
periods in this discourse, may,
perhaps, have led us to mistake
our author's meaning. Errors
springing from this source, will
Dot be charged to our account.
With frankness we confess, that
the perusal of this sermon has
frequently reminded us of the
old) but useful ad^ige, Bi^ ad
Umam quod semei ad Hngiuun.

The appendix to this discourse
contains an account of the pror
ceedings of the Society) before
whom it was preached. The
greater part of their funds, it ap-
pears, are expended in books for
distribution, and in the support
of missionaries andschoqls in the
district pf Maine) whichi for con^-
venicncC) they have divided into
seven miBnonary dittricts^ here
described ; in each district books
are deposited, with some suitable
person, for distribution. The
instructions given by tbp Society
to their missionaries, together
with an account of the number
of missionaries employed the
current year^ and some interest-
ing extracts from their journals^*
are inserted in this appendiX)
which concludes with a list of the
present officers of the Society.

• • . •

• These extracts are inserted under
the head of «« Hetigiot/t Intelligence,*
which see. •

Bcligiou0 3[ntentgencet

OR FKOPACATIKG THE
COSPEI..

etj' for Propojfatinjf the
ig (Ii€ ladhms and others

UNITED STATES,

in North America, in their Annual
ReiK)rt of Nov. 1806, state, that they
have emnloyed^bur misBirmaries this
year in the District of Maine. The

339 Society for Propagating the* Gaspef. \

Journal of one only (the Rev. Mr.
Hiriden) had been received.

Mr. Hidden completed hia miaaio-
nary labours, in the counties of York
and Oxford, early in November. His
iourniJ haa been received, from which
It appears, that he has travelled about
seven hundred miles, prcachedninety-
two sermoiu, baptized seven adult
persons, one by immersion, and forty-
three children ; received tvrcnty-fcnu*
persons into church communion, vis-
ited twenty-seven aged and aick pc;r-
aons, established four schoola, admiii-
Ssten^d the Lord's supper four times,
visited eleven schools, and sixty fam-
ilies, and distributed about two hun-
dred books. Mr. Hidden observes,
that '* the weather was so favourable
during the whole of hia mission, (of
tliree mouthsj that he waa hindered
fr^m travelling but a single day :" that
*' people in general were very ready
to attend on Sie word and ordinances
of God," that « many maaiieAed
warm gratitude to God, and thankful-
ness to the society for tlieir notice of
them ;" that " he found the schools,
which had been begun bv the society,
in excellent order.** Of the inhabit-
ants in many of the towns be visited,
he speaks in terms of high contmenda-
timi, for their industr>', frugality,
peace and order ; and particularly for
their attention and exertions in edu-
cating their children. Ol the town of
{^ovel especially, containing forty
families, all of the Congregational de-
nomination, he says, " there is the
in^atest attention to religion in this
flice, according to tlietiumber of peo-
}A \ and the least enthusiasm, I ever
saw." " Sabbath, Nov. % preached
al Lovel, and administered the Lonl's
supper ; "cccivcd nineteen persons in-
1 the churcli, baptized one adult and
. : children. One received into the
cl.urch was seventy-nine years old,
another sixteen. God is doing won-
ders here. This was one of the must
solemn and joyful days I ever saw."
Though few in number, they coiUcni-
plate settling a minister among thcni.
The church in a letter to the secreta-
ry, in very affectionate terms, express
th^ir grateful arknowledgmentR to
God and to the Society, for ** send-
ing missionaries to preacli to ptmr,
pcrishinfi^ sinners, the unsearchable
riches of Christ." They speak of the
succassof Mr, Hidden*! laboun amoqg

them, at <* woodcrlbl i^ • n
have been added to their ohm
der his ministration, in thitn
tlement. They conclude 1qr|
ing tlieijr earnest desire that **
■end, and they who icoahi
unite in our pr|fiera-to God,
would continue the fpo^el
tiiem." A letter to the Soc
1 ike import, has been received i
inhabitants of the town of Al
From the acceptanee and'
of Mr.. Hidden's labours, and 41
ilispositions ipaniteated by thg
to whom he was sent, the Socic
great reason to be satisfied wl
missionary, and much encoqra
to continue their attentiooa li
who togratefuUj' receive, nA,
mendabiy improve them.

Since our fast annual repn

aged and reverend Zedianal

. hew, long a diligent and fiwifaf

aionary in tlie senice of 4|mi 8

among the remnant of Uidjp]

MartJia's Vineyard, haa dei

The ancestors of these Indiiu

among the first of the aborigi

liew England, who embraced

tianityi and from that tine

present, they have notcease^ti

the ordinances of the gpspel. 1

these people have at present

them, two oi-dained Indian t«

by the name of Hansuit and

(the letter a temperate, ^ottii]

yet as botli are advanced in 13

Society contemplate making I

provision for their instruction, a

not cease to contribute, aecott

tlieir means, to the support o

gious ordinances among them.

The venerable Mr. Hawley, i

the eightieth vearof his age,

the fifty.frfth'of hh missiona

hours, and who receives

• The number of people of *
taken from actual etntmeratimi^ %
Head, Martha'* Vineyard^ vtert a
/ou't, in October, 1606.

Betvicen four and tvettty-one

years eld,
Oflventv-oneyear* amlupnardf
fnen 43, 'j:oti\en 75^

The nmm^ tuidet/oMryemt tum
HonmL

] Minutes of the Synod of Albany.

333

is mpport} fxoni the Society,
ligent, active, and Micctssful,
tfging the daties of his mis-
ifanhpee. He is jiistlr yen-
J hit people, who are chiefly
L blood, as their father, and
sctor of their rights and prop-
fTobe coHtimied.J

fivm the Mimitei ^ the fro-
teftke Spiod nf Albany of the
\mrian Ckurckf at their Set'
Wktte*6oroughf held on the lit
' days qf October, 1806.

Synod have heard with plea-
t the institutions of religion
eir bounds are well attended,
ted with marked re%'erence
ction. In some places strik-
nces of the triumphs of the
PC occurred, and in most the
God seems to be advancing,
nlently, yet surely. The
e instnicted in the principles
ly religion with considerable
mendable assiduity. Peace
nony prerail gencrallv, and
omer of the church is pre-
dnpaired. Vacant congrega-
e snpplying, new ones are
and the cr>' for additional
B of the word becomes more
uivent. The pastors appear
kheir duties, and the nocks
o that between tliem, excciit-
ry few instances, exists the
the Spirit in the bund of

fjk the prospect externally

Timising, Synod regret that

coldnciis and formality pre-

■ • ■ •

limdred doitars, betide tome
i grantt of tniall tumt^ tta-
td booh.

e Mi ant potteft teveral thou*
toftandf vjhich vere tequet-
teeurefi to their aneettort, and
fttort, by Richard Bourn, their
)ho frtt planted Chrittianity
«f a century and a half ago.
vtation it an atylutn for In-
m variout partt of Nevj JCt^
Loag Itland„ and tome have
\ere front Georgia^ and even
Eatt'Lidiet. They are not
The Indiant of umnixed
we exeeed forty or ffty ptrtont*

t-ail among Christians who enjoy s<s
many gospel privileges ; thnt so few,
compared with the whole number of
sinners who hear the gospel, feel its
power and accept its otiers in love ;
that in some societies gross sins
abound, and into others essential er-
rors have crept. Deeming it a sa-
cred duty to contend eaniestly for
the faith once delivered to the saints.
Synod take tliis opportunity of raisinr
their warning voice against this cold-
ness : these sins and errors. It is
mournful that they who are snatched
from perdition by the grar^ of Jesus
should ever be careless in the service
of their Master { should ever permit
their love to decay in its ardour or
its public expression. Christians
0ug^t ever to be awake and walk, as
becomcth children of light, and the
redeemed of God. It is high tima
for them to do so, since the night is
far spent, and the dav is at nand.
They must gird on tfie armour of
Jehovah, and bear testimony against
sins, espef ially those which abound.
Drunkenness and profanity, and sab-
bath breaking ouglit not to be so much
as named among Christians ; and Sy.
nod hope that all who are in their
connexion will most studiously a^oid
the appearance of evil as well as its
practice ; and that they will admonish
and exhort all, who arc guilty of im-
morality, to repent and live godly in
Christ Jesus.

Error in practice arises from error
in doctrine ; not that all who are cor-
rect in the latter, are always so in the
former ; for many are only nominal
believers, who tliough they profess
the tmth in words, hold it in un.
righteousness . Between sound princ i-
|ile and sound conduct there is an
mseparable connexion. Synod there-
fore, whilst they warn their churrhes
against immorality, warn them solemn-
ly against errors. Those m-hich
chiefly prevail respect the future
dcHtiny of sinners, and tlic character
and work of the Redeemer. Satan
is still instilling into the hearts of sin-
ners what he said unto the woman in
paradise, " yc shall not surely die"
He is filling thrm with the hope, that
though they live after the flesh, thoy
will finally be savrcL Thus he is ex-
citing them to turn the grace of God
into HcentJousncss. Christians ought
not to be dccvived. Sin is an ainul

35 i female Contributiom to Missions. [/

cril, end merits infinite diBplenfiurr. vemale exehtioxs foe ipe]

It ntccl only be mli/ed, to be thus jnc the gospel.

acknowledged, and that with panj^>nt

l^ricf of soul. Wc cxtiort our cliurrh- 'io the Editors of the Pam^

es to bcm'arc of rejecting tiiis solemn

truth. Gentlemew,

Great Es their error is, who do till!!, , 'I'hb multiplied and liberal c

it is surpassed by tliat of those v^ho tions nf Christ's female tUsciple

ileny the only Lord God uho l>ou}^lit pronsotiiig Ids kingdom, are a ooi

them. Over their sad sr.d dreadful infCC'vidoiicc of tlie powerof hisfl

mistake v^-c weep with unfeiufned sor- i" their hearts, and arc the li\-tij

row. The divinity and atonement of piTssions of their attachment eh

Christ, are uTitteii as with a sun beam dclity to him, and of their disinter

in Scripture, and are felt to he tniths wl.artlent wishes for the rcco\Tif

by all awakened souls. Let none be *ii|viition of immortal s<Hds. 1

deceived by a parade of learning in I^i^ iik: Jesus, in our age, no lesi^

the opposers of these doctrines. "} ^'>y 4^>'* o'' his apostles, has fft

These men arrogMe to tlieroselvcs a (l|sc-riminating marks of his love i

greater share of it than they reallv kindness to the daughters of S

possess. Their conduct is imposin.^, ^>' exciting their aflcctiona to h

but their foundation is unstable as the ^*!^ ^y animating their zeal and tt

wind. Before their opinions can be *!*^^' t« minister to tlic necessitkb

substantiated, the Scri)nurcs must he ^"■'* Po^ members. They have \

abandoned: for if these h^^ explained, i»<M'Kcd honour of taking an aef

arcording to the mode of explaining »nd I cat ling part in repairhigthfeiA

works or iminspired men, Christ is ('lotions, and building up the wdh

tnily God, and ha^ paid the pric<- of 9^^ Jerusalem. Numerous are I

redemption for our sms. We receive ""tances of female charily to t

tliesc tniths, as they are publiNhcd in "''"'"^ <'^ n*cn. Among otiicrs, Ictti

the volume of inspiration, ronfessediv P<ii^<>pli*«t record the bcasunable «

a m^'ster)', but it is "the rnvsterj' of ^"cvolcnt exertions of a number <

godliness," worllnr of Jchovnh, and <^c^*i'Ut ladies in Whitcstown, H0

necessary for sinful man. Without Y^^^t who have funned thcmselK

this mystcr)' the convinced sinner can |"^^ -^ society fur the purpose of tii

find no peace here, or hopt^ for etcmi- '"l> missionary labours in the nevKl

ty. To the law and tc»tim:jny ; if n e ilt-iiieiiis i>f our countr}-, by the MB

speak not according to these,' it is b(N ^'^ '^}^^ Female Charitable Sode^rc

cause there is no light in u.h. Wo Whitcstown ; and, as tlie first prM

lea\e these sentiments with you! we of their pious benevolence, haveed

appeal to your conscicnrcR \ we call lt-'<:tcd and contributed to the fundi t

on the churches to defend the com- *^'c Hampshire Missionary Sucie^

mon salvation with the temper of the ^/^ ^^^^ purpose of promoting Bia

gospel. Many of them are the posteri- sions, the sum of gHO. To Ub ii

ty of those, who for Uic same pre- firmation, whicli must be pleaiingi

•ious tniths, left their native homes, ^'»c fiicnd.s of Jesus, let me siibjoiRtf

braved the terrors of the deep, and extract of a letter, uTitten In* a war

settled in a country then inhabited hv ^iiy minister in the District of Miia^

savages. Wc pray that the spirit, to a member of tlie Hampshire llii>

tliey felt, may influence their desccn- sionary Socictv .

flants, and all who bilong to our Ziim. Kx i r.\c r. " From sober report^

May great grace, meivy and peace be the presence of God, I conclude, «-

miiUii>licd unto all such, and all fompanied your missionaries, "AtBk

helievors every whei-e, fn)m G(kI our they were hei-e, and in other phc0

Father, and Jesus Clirisl our Sa- ^^ito- I f< cl a degix:e of thankfulneH

viour.—- Amkn. to God that he has been pleased tfl

favour you with such missionarid^
JONAS COE, Mndtrrator. »» you have sent into Maine. IVJ

arc an honour to your Scx^iety. ThjJ
eoinfort &. rejoice the licarts'of Gfltn
puor people, who are sail and solittf^i
and destitute in tlic wildernesi.

Translation of the Scriptures.

S35

bferve in the Report of the
• of your Society fur Au|^i9t«
it entertaining period, ' Total
rmlaU AuociatioH, S278 88.'
lie condescending^ God ordcr-
ffection of m tAbcruacle, that
i dwell among^ his people, the
Ufty is this ; And nil the wo-
vrrr vn«r hearted did tpin faith
wdt^ and brought that vhich
jftarn, hoth ofTdue and of pur •
f 9earUt am &f fine linen. And
om«a, vihote heart itirretl them
dotn, Mfiun goaf 9 hair, Tlirec
I years have now ela^Mcd
is piece of history miib re-
ly an amanuensis of tlic Holy
iince whicii time Uierc has
of ike kind come to my
^ more pleasing, and more

0 this piece of ancienl lusto-
the efforts of the Female

ion in Hampshire county to
ilaree, and ornament the tab.
if the (glorious Redeemer, tlie
^the living God, the pillar and
•* the truth. May tl»:y never
f in well doinfif ; for they shall
uomreaPt if thej faint not.*'

furegoing, the Editort thini
to add the following particu"
f the Female Society ahox€
md, from their Constitution
rmfar Letter.

ocicty was formed in Scptem«
ftt Whitestown, which, twen-
ago, was a wilderness. The

1 of this institution, bcliev-
a portion of tlu: bounticit of
loe can be applied in no bet-
than in administerinf^ t(» tlie

necessities of tlicir fellow
I, and convinced of tlie utili-
iportance of mistfiouarif $», by
nevolent exertions tlie {^lad
f redemption are carriua to
es, who are perish inf^ for
knowledge ; and wiKhing> to
te with such societies, by
ing their mite towards the
Dent of so good a cause, us<
for that purpose.
ocicty is under the manaj^-

six Trustees, w}io choose
easurer to receive tlie nio-
icribed, and to kcop their ac-
id recoi'ds. Each tiuhscrjbor

ona doUar aim u ally to tJjc
IT.

The specific object of the Associa*
lion is expressed in tlieir circuUr
letter.

** We humbly hope, we in soma
measure feel the magnitude of the ob-
ject, which is, the advancement of the
cause of the dear Redeemer. This
we would endeavour to promote by
contributing to the support of faithful
missionaries, who are sent to break
the bread of life to those who are des-
titute ut' the ordinaty means of grace,
which we so richly enjoy.

" \Vc Lave recently been told, by
missionaries returning fn>m distant
parts of our country, of persons who
have come to tliem, and witii tears in
tlieir eyes assured them, they had not
heard a sermon for fourteen years be-
fore ; and who, taking them affec-
tionately by the hand, have invoked
the blessing of Heaven on their heads,
and on tlie heads of those charitable
persons, whose compassionate hearts
Iiad moved them to commiserate their
unhappy condition, and to send tha
word uf life and salvation to their per-
ishing souls."

May '* the blessing of man^ ready to
perijJi" come upon this Society ; and
others of their sex, more liberally fa-
voured with the bounties of Provi-
dence, when they shall read the above^
be excited to " go and do likewise."

EXTaACT OF A LBTTBa FaOM A
GKNTLEMAN IX PBILADBI.PUIA
TO HIS COKEESPOVDBirT IN BOI-
TOV.

Si a.

Philadelphia, Jfo*. 33, 1806.

— I SUBJOIN an extract of a latter
received by Dr. Stoughton, of this
citv, from Mr. Carey, dated at Calcut-
ta,' tlie 25th Oct. 1805. «The third
volume of the Bible, from Job to Can-
tides inclusive, is published. Tha
second edition of the New Testament
will be out in about a month. Tha
prophets are begun, and we intend ta
begin printing the historical books
from Joshua forwards in a few weeks.
The gospel by Matthew is printed
(nearly) in the Mahratta languages
nearly' the whole New and some parts
of tlie Old Testament are translated
into that Janguagr, that of the Otti-

336

List ofNav PuUcathm*

le, the Hindoftaiuie^ ud Fenisa.
The gnipelt in Hindottwine, and
Matthew in Persian, arc printed fat
the ooUege at another press. We
have tome more extenaive plans for
tranaiatians in contemplation, if God
prosper ua.*'

In a pamphtet, entitled, ** Period*
icU Accounts relative to the Baptist
Mkaionaiy Society." I flad the fol-
lowing : ** We are fbrvardinr the
transbtinr and prialimecf tlje Scrip-
tures as fast as possiUe. The third
▼ohime of the BiUe is finbhed. We
have almost got throiu^ the second
cditian of the New l^stataent ; we
watt it much, as we have not a singltt
congr of the first edition left/*

SRihseqiient to these advlees» there
can he no doubt but cansidemhle pro-
ffKss has been made in this all
uiyiortant wurii; and. if the JLiOcd
please to spare the fives of his ser-
▼antsynow en^ged in the trantlations
and printing, and open the hearts of
his people to ftmiish pecmlary aid«
there is every reason to hope, ftat a
few years will produce traaslstions
sad puhllcatlDM of the whole of the

Scripturea ioto the sevea fa
of ImUa.

The mission last jear wsa i
ened by the accession ef €m
naries from Rnriand by tbt
this countiy. TtoM yw .tv
have been conveyed dirin
England \ but no informetM
received of their arrlvaL ^
don Missionary Society in
year, alio, dispatched ms |
ries, who aS arrived aafely ft
Three of these were sett^l
Ion, two at Vlzanpataib^^
at Tranquebar. Two moce
after these, from the mp
whose destination was km
Thus the enemy's kin
dark comer of the e;
on many sides.

With thb vou will rec^
of the gospel by BCa^ev
K€ahratta langosge, ind if v
it will be useral to promtfei
able work vou have & jiP
procure ana will forwuJTK
the Kew Testament aiul W;
in Bengalee.

Your fiiend, ^-

list of l^etD Ipnibltcations*^

A Diaeourse beifare the Society
for propagating the Gospel among the
Indians luul mers in North Ameri-
ca, delivered November 6^ ltt)6. By
Thomas Barnard, d. n. minister of
the north church in Salem. Charies-
town. Siimuel Etheridge. 1806.

A Sermon, delivered Sept. 14
1806, at tlie interment of Mrs. Rachel
Smith, relict of the late Hon. Thomns
Smith, Esq. who died Sept. 1% in the
74th \-ear of her age. By Menry
Lincoln, minister of the Coiigrega-
tienal church in Falmouth, Dumsta-
ble county. Boston. £. Lincoln.
1806.

The happy voyage completed, and
the sure anchor cast. A Sermon,
occasioned by the universally lament-
ed deatli of Capt. Jonutlian Parsons^
who departed this life at sea, Dec.
29, 1784 in the 50th year of his ag« :
preached at the Prenhyterian churcli
m Newlmryport, Pt?briary 27, 1785.
Pablidied at the request of the Ma-

rine Society there. By Isk
ray. a. x. pastor of si^
Reprinted. Neuburyport. £.
len. December, 1806.

A Sermon, delivered b>' Es
Ely, on the first Sabbath aftoj
dination. Hartford. Line
Glrasou. 1806.

An account of the Massa
Society for promoting . C
luioii^ledge. Published uy j
the S(»ciety. Cambridgei 1
Hard. 1806. pp.44.

An account of the Massai
State Prison. Containing a.|
tion and plfui of the edilice ;
regulations, rules and orders
view of the present state oft]
tTition. Bv the Board of '

_ m

Cliarirstown. Samuel Bt
Dec. 1806.

Christianity Displayed, or^
al view of the great ^Scriptu
trine of Redemption' and %i
llu-ough Jesus cSirist toget

List of New PubUcations,

337

ictical obiervations. By a
of Baltimore. 8vo. 25

r recommended from the so-
of man. A Discourse, de-
wfbre the Salem Female
e Society, September 17*
f Rer. Jdhn Prince, ll. d.
t9. Salem. Joshua Cushinir.
course, delivered at StiU-
Fbre the members of Mont-
xidge, August 12, 1806. By
itler. Rector of St. Paul's
rroy, and of Trinity Church,
rgfi. 8vo. pp. 24. Trov,
Wright.

ight, Goodenow, and

loiiy preached July 13, 1805,
meral of Mrs. Lydiii Fisk,
ifft of the Rev. EUsha Fisk,
the church in Wrentham.
Jiael Emmons, d. d. pastor
irch in Franklin. Dcdliam.

Augttst, 1805.
.ife of God in the Soul of
9 the nature and excellency
riatian Religion. By Henry
A. M. To wliich aire pre-
moirs of the author. Bos-
•incoln.

ourse, delivered next Lord's
r tAe interment of Deacon
^hhing, who departed this
smber 9, 1805, in the 60th
lis agpc. By Nathanacl Em-
D. pastor of thi* church in

Providence. Heaton and

•

itxon, pronounced at Little-
Ik 1806, the 31$t anniversary
can Independence. By Ed-
iter, A. M. minihter of the
it Littleton. Cambridge.

1806.
eath of Legal Hope, and the
Evangelical Obedience. An
I Gal. ii. 19. Slicwing that
inner is in tlie law, as a cov>
: cannot live to God in the
nee of duty : and tJi.it the
V is immutuble in its nature,
erpetual use, as the rule of
5r*s conduct. By Abraham

12mo. pp. 84. Bullion.
' & Loring.

> Family Bible, vols. I, II, 8c
rice to subscribers gG per

vol. Philadelphia. W. W. Wood-
ward. These vols, complete the Old
Testament. The fourtli and last,
which contains tlie New Testament,
will be finished in the spring.

Anfcrican Annals ; or, a Chrono-
logical Historv i>f America fn)m itt
Discovery in 1492 to 1806. In two
volumes. By Abiel Holmes, D. D.
A. A. S. S. H. S. minister of the first
church in Cambridge. Vol. II.
Cambridge. W. HilGard.

Horae Paulinx ; or, tke truth of the
scripture liistorj' of St. Paul evinced
by a comparison of tlie epistles which
bear Iiis name with the Acts of the
A])nstles, and with one anotlicr. By
William Paiev, D. D. Cambridge.
W. HiUiard. ' 1806.

PROPOSED BY SUBSCRIPTION.

A Theological Dictionary, contain-
ing definitions of all religious terms i
a comprehensive view of every arti-
cle in the system of divinity ; an im-
partial account of all the principal de-
nominations, which have subsisted in
thQ religious world, from the birth of
Christ to tlic present day ; together
witli an accurate statement of the
most remarkable transactions and
events recorded in ecclesiastical his-
tory. By Charles Buce. Philadel-
phia. W. W. Woodward.

A c6mplete system of Geography,
ancient and modem, in 6 volumes
8vo. By James Playfair, D. D.
Principal of the United College of
St. Andrew's ; Historiographer to
his Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales; F. R. S. F. A. S. Edinburgh;
and author of *< A svstem of Chro-
nology.** Philadelphia. J. Watts.

Collins, Perkins, & Co. of New
York, propose to put immediately to
press, a new and valuable work, en-
titled French JIumonysint, or a col-
lection of words, similar in sound, but
dirterent in me.ining or spelling. By
John Martin, professor of languages
in New York.

Thr Era of Missions. By W'lliam
Stuaj^htcn, D.I), pastor ot the First
Baptist Church, Philadelphia.

Vol. 11.

S38

Ordinations Obituary.

^xtiimtitm*

Oe DA IKED at Sandbornton, K. H.
on the 13th > November, Uie Hev.
Abraham Bodwell^ over the Congre-
gational church and society in that
Uiwn. The Rev. H. C. Parley of
Methucn, Masis. made tlie introducto-
ry pruyer ; Rev. Asa M'Farland, of
Concord, preached from Epheaiana iii.
8, 9, and 10. ^Rev. Kthan Smith, of
Hopkiiiton, made the consecrating
pra\cr ; Rev. Isaac Smitii, of Gil-
manton, gave the charge ; Rev. Tlio-
mu Worcester, of Salisbury', gave the
fellOHship of tlie churches ; and Rev.
Mr. Babcock, of Andover, made tlic
Gonchiding prayer.

Respecting this transaction there
was great unanimity in the church
and society ; and the order and pro-
priety which were observed during
the solemnities of ordiiuttion, reflect
honour on the iiiliabitants of tlic
town.

On t]ie 4tli Sept. tlie presbytery of
Oneida ordained Mr. George IlaU, of
£ast-Hadtlam, Connecticut, to the
work of the gospel ministry, and in-
stalled him in the pastoral cliargie of
the congregation of Cherry Valley.
The Rev. J . Southworth, of Bridge-
water, nuulc the intnyductory prayer,
and gave the right hand of fellowship ;
the Rev. Samuel F. Snnwden, of New-
Hartford, delivered the sermon ; the
Rev. J»mes Camalian, of Whitesbo-
fough, madr the orilaiiiinpf prayer ;
the Rev. Ju&liua Knight, of Shcrhunie,
presided, and gave tlie charges to the
minister and to tlie ])ei>plc ; and the
Rev. Andrew Oliver, late of Pelliam,
in M.'.ssarhusetts, made tiie conclud-
ing p:«;er.

Thisorrtination is the fourth which
has .iccuri sr^ w iJiin the space of four
in^'iths, HI tiie Presbyterian and Con-
gregational churches m this part of

the coimtry. In June, the Rev. VL^
CUurk was' ordained and installed 3
the towa of Milton ; a few months pn^'
vious to which the Rev. Mr. ShsicB*
wick was installed in another oongr^s-
ntion in the same to^n. In Jiil^, t):* -^
Rev. Mr. Rich was ordained and iK»-
stalled at Sangersfield. In Au|[tt!k"K^
the Rev. Mr. Adiiihs was ordaup «
and installed in a congregation E.^^
Sherburne.

It is a subject of pleasfaig conte
plation, and cause 01 lively grati^
to God, that congregations arc _

formed, and supplied with pastor-^M*
in places which but a few yean ---^^
were a wilderness.

The oKlinations abof« flftentioi
are confined to churches^ iriiich fro
tlieir agreement in doetrine and coj
furmity in worship^ and spbit of dl
cipline, may be considered as *
ing one denomination. Bap^
churches likewise increase
ben ; and an Episcopal chnrch, whL
has a settled pastor, was cooseerat-j^ed
on the 7th inst. at Utica.

On Tuesday the 23d of Septemk^
last, die presbytery of Oneida orda..a
ed Mr. William Keill, alicenciateL^
of the prc8b}ter>' of New-Brunswi^c=k,
to the work of the gospel ministry, ~"'
installed him pastor of the
tion of Cooperstown. The exercl
were performed in the following orA^r,
and by the following persons : 'm^ H»c
Rev. Andrew Oliver made the in^=-30-
ductory prayer ; the Rev. James
nalian delivered the sermon,
Luke ii. 34; the Rev. Joshua Rni
presided and made the ordai
prayer ; the Rev. George Hall \
the right hand of fellowsfiip ; and
Rev. Samuel F. Snowden deli\
the charges to the minister and
pie, and made the concluding pra;

ar-

^DWtuajrp.

^i»:?"Mps OF Miis. HAVNAH HODGE, was married to Mr. Hugh Ho«.^Pf-

He too 'va.4 one to whon* the lab^^""
• . .v;/n;m p. '2^S.J ^,f j^p VV hi*ff:eld liati been ,Tmi» T-ta-

]/^.s ca-i b«"» ascor- blybler.t; aiid was chosen .>:»e oP ^^^
• . .-. :\ iv.'is i: liivitlvc hr3t deicons of the ciiUrch whic ti> a*

Mrs* Hannah Hodge.

:331)

ilready scen^ was formed by
ition of the particular friends
"cuts uf that eminent preach -
Hudge ** used the office oi' a
:U ;'* bustftining it with ^cat
id reputation to the da)' of
I. On his si«lc, hb well a<s
r his wife, a regit rd to reli-
nfort and impi*ovement had
ng influence in tlie choice
sy made of eadi other as
^rlifc ; and experience fully
ited, that on both sides a
I happy choice had been
Scldum has relif^ion appear-
e advantage in the conjugal
han in that which subsisted
Mr. and Mrs. Hodge. For
ty years they y> ere empliati-
rlps-mete'' to cacli other in
dut}, and in their journey
ivenlj rest. "They walked
I Lonl in all his ordinances
ifindnients," with a blame-
if which the examples arc

' together with a rer}' small
r worldly pniperty between
jy had to provide for their
:e by their own efforts,
ffts were mutual, strenuous,
ant ; aiul by the smiles of
e, sucli was their success
H, thiit they were able not
»» in fi comfortable and re-
anner ; but to show a most
xample uf iiospitality, to
umen»us arts of charitv and
to be among the foremost
lort of the gospel, and, af-
Ti^main ])osi;es!>ed of a liaud-
f.al.

ms coiipb: b:id two children,
a tlau;:htop. The d!iuj.;h-
linfaiit ■^■; but llieson li\ril
>, to vc<ti%e a liberal edi3'*!i-
tndy physic, unci to give
f future Ubcfulncss to the
1 of comfort to his parents.
; ex[)''ctati«tns were soon
During the revolutionary
ti'.t '.o ^oa, on a vo\ai'e of
, vvitli ri !iiir.ber of oth'/r

\'.)UtlUTrthfcilV»)rPliil;j(lfl-

no cci<;iiii infurujation was
ivcd :.fierv. ai'ds, either of
the \essel in which thev
he probability is, that all
:d ti'gcliier in the bosom of
The anxiety which Mr.
;iudgc e^kpericnced tlirougU

a Ic-ng period cf time, during mIucU
tliere was some hope that their son
might be aH\c, ami the grief which
they sutlered when they %\ere at last
obliged to consider it as a me Ian. ■^' ly
fact that their onl^ child was no n^i re,
can better be KiipiM)sed ihsin ilesciib-
ed. It is of nioie importance to re-
mark, that their di&trr.ss, great as it
was, ne^cr sunk them into dejection
or despondence, ne\er bi-ought from
them any unavailing or unchristian
com]>laints, but was borne with a
resignaticm truly Christian, and a
fortitude tnily exemplarj*. Mrs.
Hodge, who had both hopes ami fears,
in regard to the real piety of her son,
told the >iriter of these mem(-ith that
she had passed many an hour in nius-
ing on what was probably his eternal
st^te. •* After all," said she, " it
must be lelt entii'cly with a sovereign
and holy God ; but I may, must, and
do h(>pc, if I get to heaven, to find
him there.*'

The death of her daughter, who
was her first child, she has httJi
heard to affirm, gave her very little
disturbance. "I had been married
eleven years," s:dd she to xm intimate
friend, '' and had no child. Nor was I
very anxious on the subject, till on a
cei*tain occasion, I was much interest-
ed in seeing an infant devoted to God
in baptism, in our church. I vas
then forcibly stnick with the thought,
that a Christian parent possesses an
unspeakable privilege, who ^ives birth
to an immortal being, and is permit-
ted to give it away to God, in this his
instituted ordinance. On the spot I
fer>ently prayed for this privilege, if
it should be consistent with God's
will t<» grant it ; ami I solemnly vow-
ed that if it should be granted, I
mould, by his grace assisting mc,
unresenedly demote to him the child
which he should give me. My
prayer was answered, my vow was
performed, and my child was taken
to Gml, all within a year."

During the life of deacon Ifwlgc,
his hou.se was constantly open it)r the
reception of all frflw^//ca/clorg\men
who >isitcd the city. The cordial
welcome i^hich alwaj^s met themi
theixs and the plesuiure which they
both gave and recei\ed, made them
love to resort to this happy dwelling.
To many of thera it m as, for several
years, a home, to wUich they went

340

Mrs. Hannah Hodge.

[Z?rt.

vith as mtich freedom as thev would
bavc felt in g^inj^ to a houMr nf their
own. Such, indeed, was the deep
interest iihich both Mr. and Mrs.
Hodgre took in every things that re-
lated to the church, surh their emi-
nent piety, and such the influence of
fhi'ir opinion upon others, that their
sentiments on many interesting sub-
jects, were asVed by their clerical
visitors, and are mcII known to have
had weight in several important pub-
lic concerns.

The house of deacon Hodgt; was
also i-emarkable as a place in which
religious associations, and assemblies
of various kinds; >*ere frequently
he^ld. Pious conferences, prayer
meetings, and the exhortaticmsof the
ministers of the gospel to as many as
tjie house and yard could contain,
were here always welcome, often
witnessed, and in many instances em-
inently blessed.

A general outline has now been ex-
hibited of the life and hal>its of this
pious couple, for a long scries of
years. Harmony between themselves,
active attention to neccssan' worldly
business, with a sing^ilar beneficence,
charity, and piety, rendered them
shining examples' of practical and
primitive Christianity.

Deacon Hodge died a. d. 1783.
By his will he left the use of nearly
his vhole estate to his \^ ifc during
her life, and at her deatli, made it a
fund fcir the education <»f ooor .ind
pious youtli for the gosp* 1 Tninistn',
in the college of Nrv. Jerhey. Mr-..
Hodge b.»re the loss of her linsbrmd,
not indeed without keen distn^sn, for
all her feelings were renark.iMv
acute, but yet with such a berouiing
ami sweet submissir>n to the divine
will, as was extrenioly amiable and
instructive. She cherished a foml
remembrance of her hi tshand through
the whole remainder of her life, on all
occasions she honoun»d his memor\,
often spoke of him with tenderness,
and yet, after her first sorrows, n< ver
with much apparent emotion, but in
the same manner in which s'ne 'viulrl
have mentioned a dear abseTit friend,
whom she shortly expected to meet
again. Happy spirits! ye are now
united, never more to part.

The house of Mi's. Hvlgo, after
the d 'Tth '»f her husl}.intU wa.s the
same hospitAUe mansion as he r'oiv^ thv

ftaroe place for McreJ conferencei^
and meetings for prayer aud religiout
improvement. One of these meet-
ings \< as held weekly at her home
till a short time before her death,
and Has, as she acknowledged^ a
valuable substitute fur the priTilese
of public worship, from which her in-
firmities at that time often detained
her. For many years after the death
of her husband she likewise continQ-
ed the business of shop-keeping, to
v hich she had long been accustomed.
He had left her an easy maintenance,
indi-fiendently of an\ exeitions of her '
own. Rut al'ie continued in her for- -
mer oecu|>ation from considerBtioni, ^
which manifested equUly her benev- -
olence and piety, and her good senses
aud knowledge' of human nature.^
I'he income from her shop, vhicl^H
was considerable, was almost idioUy""«
applied to charitable uses, aud seme-^
tinits she even added to it from hei^
other resources. Thus, though she^
did not labour for her own subsist- .=
ence, she had the satisfaction of pro-^^
viding more extensively than sh»'^
could otherwise have done for tK-.^
poor, the friendless, and the pious m
snd while she perfltrmed an impo^r«
tant duty, gratified highly the tee"^
ings of her heart. But she also we'-:^
knew the c licet of habit on herscLC^
She knew that having long been a».a
customed to fill up a lai*ge portion ^
the day with active business, sbd^
would be likely to feel the want of"
b<»ih in boily and mind, when
should be discontinued. Accordin,
ly, M hen her infirmities at last coi
|)elled her to relinquish her emplo
intnt, she declared ihut she regrctti
it, priiici|i»lly because she found
uiii'uvourabli: to her religious staC _.
" You are very fortunate, madan»,*
said a friend to her pleasantly , «• v<r rf
fi^riunate, indeed, in having' no care
or anxiety about the world ; no buai-
ness to take up your time or attcjj.
tion ; nothing to do fnmi momin|p
till niprhl, but to read, and meditate,
and pray, and converse with \u\xt
friends." ** For all that," answered
she, ** I have not half so much com-
fort, not even in religion, as uhen I
was hustling half the day behind tlje
counter. I m-cd ni"re variety than I
nov pt. I bcrouu n»oped aud stu«
jjified for the w.int of :>omething ts
roune me. liesiile all thi% >-ain, fool*

]

Mrs. Hamuli Hodge.

341

icked, and vexatious thou^hta
most constantly uorking tLeir
ito Hi} mind, because I Iiave
:h oi that tinie, \i-hich }ou talk
meditation. And^ in addition

1 become lazy and indtitent,
• nothing- »s I ought to do. Ko,
k great deal belter ofi ^hen I
ime worldly business to ^hich
d attend n:oderately. It did
•od in evciy\iay. I must get
IS well as I can, now that I am
ble of business, but I find it no
age, but thi coiitrar}', to be
t it." It is believed that this
,e language of ti-uUi, of nature,
rrience. Those who have led a
fe, should contract their busi-
s age advances, but they will
. 6nd it beneficial, even to a
«ligion,^o be wholly unemploy-
orldly concerns.
. Hodge had tJiree attacks of an
:lic or i)aral}tic kind, within
t sixteen years of lier lite. But
nderfully recovered hum them,
aiesscd all her faculties, in a
of vigour beyond w hat is usual-
I in persons of her age, till
two years before her death.
tier decay became rapid and
On the 16th of Dec. 1«05,
g.to bed, she was st- izcd with
Medical aid was used to re-
icr, and she recovered so far
aow awl speak to those vho
)OUt her, esperiallv to the pas-

the church to wfiich she be-

In the course of llie evening,

th, at diiieri-nt times, prayed

P, and she appeared capable of

in the service, at least for a
the time. But her mind was
ly in a broken, w andeiinpf, and
sd state. Still, however, it

to draw to the centie u hich
' loinj attracted it. *llelp,
esus ! help ; come I.oi d Je-
roc quickly,' were seritiuces
5 often rejH-atrd. She had a
ion of ^light ])aralytic nflec-
iiTing the night, and early in

''**''fr» fi^^ a»!tep in lie Lir'/^
g witlidut a sij^h, a Ktiiijrplr,
luch as the motion of a «>i: g'le

persons in the city of Pliiladel-
ad so extensive a religious
itance as Mrs. H-dp-. To
fjcse memoirs will he iiitert .st-
d to others a part of thcin may

be useful. They will be closed wit}«
an atten>pt to give tli. most striking
features of her character.

An.ong the natui :d po\\ ers ol her
mind, she was most of all distinguish-
ed I'y that faculty which hasbecii de>
nommateii common stMt, and oi \> Inch
it has been trid) said, ihat **thougli
no science, it is fairly w orth the sev-
en." Except on the subject c.l relig-
ion, she had rextd but little ; and m
what is u.«maUy uiKlerjstood by n.ental
improveoient, she had made no gicat
piogress. Her powers of juognig
and distinguitihing were natuially
str(»ng, and these she had inij>ro\cd
by thinking much, and observing
accurately. Hence she seldoni gave
an opinion vhich did not dcscr\e to
be heard with respect, and which was
not proved by experience to be just.
This was the source cf the influence
which she possessed, and w hich was
singularly great. Often has the wri-
ter of these sketches remarked, that
she was a striking example of what
solid sense, sterling jntcgiity, and
sincere piety will efu'ct, without the
advantages of refined education, gre^^
wealth, or even of that sex which
usually claims the highest respect-
It was his belief that for many years,
her opinion had more influence in
the large religious society to which
she belonged, than that of any other
individual in it. Yet it may be re-
marked with truth, and the truth is
much to her honour, that she did not
appear to know the influence that she
possessed. She was truly diffident
and unassuming, and never intnided
her opinions upon others, nor deliver-
ed them as if she supposed they were
im])ortant.

She possessed mat ienstbility^ and
9trov.g pauionst w hich caused her ma-
ny a sore conflict. Yet the united in-
fluence of religion and good sense,
had given her as a habit, a remarka-
ble self-command ; so that she was
capable of managinc", witli a happy
address, the most refractory spirits of
others. She could reniuin self-pos-
sessed and silent, till the time for
administering rojjroof was come, and
then give it with the most complete
efiect. Many examples of tliis were
know n to her acquaintance.

Kindnttt :oul off ability wore disr
tinguishing features of her character,
'lliey rcudergj her company unusual-

542

Mrs. Hawiah Hodge.

ly aip^c&ble and pleasing; so that
even the young* and the g&y soug-ht ir,
;ind wore o(\cn dclif|^hted with it.
They cuuld not btit admire in iicr a
strictness of piety, uiiited with a ten-
derness, an attenti'Mi, ami a desire to
give pleasure, wliich they Heidoin
tound. To the last she was visited
by the young us well as by the old.

Her benevolence and (iberalitj have
already been mentioned. Many will
feel their loss, and, ungrateiul as the
world is, many will long remember
with gratitude tlie benelits she eon-
icrred.

She was remarkable for sincerity.
There .was nothing that she abhorred
more tJian dissimulation or hyitocriny.
She coulil not endure it in others,
and she stood at the greatest distance
from it herself. She loved to hear
ami to ipeak the truth in all its sini-
pUcity. On some occasions, the
frankness and explicitncss of her
manner gave oilcnce. Such instanc-
es, however, were not numerous ; for
though she would never speak what
she did not believe, she was often si-
lent, when she diiiercd frrmi tlio
sentiments of others, and when she
thought that speaking w^uhf do no
good. But her silence on nian^- such
occasions was ehx^uent, for it w:is
not easy for her countenance to con-
real any sentiment that she stronglv
felt.

In domettic life she was indeed a
bright example. Intent on doing
goinl in this, whicli is the principal
sphere t)f female usefulness, and hav-
ing always a small fumily of her own,
she brought up a number of orpiiau
or destitute children, i-eceivcd several
female boanlcrs into her house,* and
made it a charitable asylum lo others
w1k> had once seen l)ctter days. Ma-
ny of these, es|>eciHlly the youth, rc-
c<'i\ed tlie most cJ*scntiid bcneht
from her example, h<.r conversation,
her instruction, lu r admonitions, aiul
her praters. A doTitcstic incident
•on wliicli she loved to dwell \v;i.s tlie

• The l(i.t rf tfit'ic vaw the ayeti and
itvn'iioic siv\/<>.ii rf liif. l^iif. 2ii:v. Dr.
yinlcfj wZ/cMr*" i:ui}tpanj and Conversation
■ivffe the principal carthhtidace <f Airs,
Ho.ige in t/.c Uutt yearn of htr life:
And lo Mihom the writer here bc^e leave
to dniicatc the*e memoin of her de^tr
departed friend.

conversion mud piety of a ni
can woman, whom her hu
purchased, and whom she
u(«usly taught the principK
ion. This woman died
Christian faith and triumph
in broken Englisii, scntic
would have adorned the 1
ohlest andlicst instructed s
The piety of Mrs. Hod^
deed eminent^ but its peculi
teristic was humility. T
had heard much of her d
ways find their expectation:
when tlicy heeanic acc[^uu
her. 1 hey touml tliat shi
one of tliose wlio anticipat
ally and w iih conildence Ui<
joys, who are raised by tliii
fear of death, and mIio ae
rapped into a better worid ^
remain in this. A person i
what he had heanl of lier^ '
believe that she possessed I
of this character, at^er a"
quaintauic, ollered to pp
witii a haiiiisonte copy of Mi
Devout Exercises of ih
Her reply to iuni was this :
s<iri.ethiitg of that i)c>ok, S
thank vou sincerclv for ofle
nie. Bui I nii;st say that il
which ihies noi suit me.
was more like M»s. Kowe t
Bui her exercise* were so fa
to n)ine, aiiil her descriptioi
are so strong*, that, to id
truth, tliey :;uher dibcourag
help Hie. It" vou phase, le'

he ^ivcn to Mis I th

exactly suit iier." In this
no atteclati**:*., to which il
was a sliaiiki-er. She bell
oth; r> hud n;adc attainmei
}oiid licr ov. n, uUainments \
wished to make, and mou:
she wanted ; hut to whici
believed slie did not possf
she would make iu> pn
There were some considei
titnis of her life, and many:
sons scattered t:.r<>ugh al
whole of it, in which .she rej
ti'iuiiipherl in God her SavK
as a hahit she did by no m
sess the "full assurance c
On tiic contrur}', she had
doubts and fears, and gprea
about her si>iritual state ;
never, after her first exerc
she sink into any thing likv

Religion, a Hymn.

343

kbe was often searching her
istioning and examining hcr-
iscertain whether «he was
isciple of Christ ; and this
\ io the veiy lajt. Few
i%aTe ever more fuUy re*
iMinselTes than she, and ex-
InUion as the purchase of
ir, and the free gift of God
Ibid. The Idea of humoH
be sight of God was tlic ab-
of her soul. Some of tlie
n she relieved, would some-
iggettt tiiat her abundant
would render her the fa-
'Heaven. Such intimutions
yB received i^ith manifest
ind it is believed never fail-
>rove the parties wiio gave
id to endeavour to convey
ions of the manner in which
be recommended to God.
ed ardently after holiness
rd conformity to the divine
a clear sight and a deep
ir remaining depravity made
herself, and dleave to the

perfect nglitcousnesa of Christ, as
the only foundation of her hope. New-
ton's Letters, and Owen on Indwell-
ing Sin, wei*c, next to Uie Holy
Scriptures, the books which she
most delighted to read.

Thus has an imperfect sketch been
given of the character of this excel-
lent woman, of whom a man, who
hod seen much of the world, was
heard to say, as he followed her
corpse to the rrave, « I would ratlier
be Mrs. Hodge tlian Bonaparte."
Beyond all question, her life was
more enviable, her dcutli more hap-
])y, and her eternal destiny infinitely
more desirable, than that of any un*
sanctified hero, patriot or sage, whose
actions or whose wisdom have fur-
nished the tlieme of the poet*s song,
the materials of the historian's vol-
umes, and llie objects of emulation to
a blinded world. " Blessed are tlie
dead who die in the Lord ; vea,
saith the Spirit, for they rest from
their labours, and their works d«
follow them.'*

poctrp*

]i£LIGION.

OCeASIONAL UYMX.

I shades and solitudes pro-

liiiig traveller winds his way;
■g meteors glare around,
Dpt his wandering feet a-

I thrice welcome to his eye,
Iden moon's inspiring light,
th she stdlics thro' the sky,
ardian angel of tlie night !

tals, blind and weak, below
the phantom, bliss, in vain ;
I's a wilderness of wo,
t a pilgrimage of pain !

Religion, from above,
ds, a sweel engaging form,
engcr of heavenly luve,
sr of ornmisc in a storm '

Then guilty passions win^ their flight.
Sorrow, remorse, aifiiction cease ;

Religion's yoke is sofl and li^^ht.
And idl her patlis are paths ofpeace.

Ambition, pride, revenge, depart.
And folly flies her ciiastening rod ;

Slic makes the humble, contrite heart,
A temple of the living God.

Beyond the narrow vale of time.
Where bright celestial ages roll.

To scenes eternal, scenes sublime.
She points the way and leads (lie
soul.

At her approach the grave appears
The ffate of paradise restor'd ;

Her voice the watcliing cherub hears,
And drops his double-flaming sword.

BapUs'd wltli tlie renewing fire,
May we tlie crown of glory gain :

Rise, when th^; host of heaven expire.
And reign «ith God, forever reign,

344 To CmrespoJidenu. [i)«

TO CORRESPONDENTS. i

T's <' Obdenrations on the account given in Rer. xx. 4—6, of Hm #rit ai
second resurrection, tihall appear in our next number. '

B's Ci'itical obicrvations on several texts of Scripture, are approred, & on fi]

A review of Mrs. Warren's History of the American Re^-olution, and
I). Masoirs sermon, on Messiah's Reign ; and also Memoirs of the h
Rev. Julin Sergeant, father of the present missionary of that name, and^
the Rev. John Moorhcad, arc received, and are intended for publicati
^xt montli.

We thank our respected correspondent Jhta, for the letters he has seift c
*< from ku ag<:d clergyman, to a young student in divinity .'*

The attention of our readers, and particularly of magistrates a
legislatur.s, is invited to the piece on the extcution of iamt^ which will well ]
«ward a careful perusal.

TO THE PUBLIC.

Agrsxably to an intimation in the Panoplist for October, the Editon
that work beg leave to state to their patrons in particular, and to the pnb
in general, to whom they hold themselves responsible for the profits of ^
work, which are pledged to ** charitable uses," that their success, notwi
standing many obstacles thrown in their way, has much surpassed their <
pectatiuns ; that the avails of the Panoplist have enabled them to discba'
all its debts for the first year, though iiici*eased by various necess^y exp
ditures, which will not occur in future ; and that a balance remains for '* ol
itablc uses,*' the exact amount of which, for reasons following, has not
been ascertained.

The Editors have experienced very considerable difficulties in closing tb
Accoimts for the first year, arising from unavoidable impei-fection in tlieir €
ly arrangements, and the scattered and distant situation of many of the s
scribcrs and agents, from some of wliom arrearages are yet due. Biov
these inconveniences, they think, will not occur again.

The profits already received, have been disposed of as follows :
To " the Evangelical Society** in Vermont, established to aid"^
pious and ingenious young men, in indigence»to acquire educa- sRl^
tion for the work of tlic gospel ministry-, 3

To the Hampshire Missionary Society 108

To the Berksliirc Missionary Society, 31

, 339

K'^side the above, there is at least an equal sum, for like charitable u
iti uncollected debts, and in tlie Numbers of the first volume of the Pn
plist unsold, in the hands of the Editors and their agents. When the amc
of this unestimated property shall be ascertained, it will be carried to
credit of the charity fundy at the close of this year, when the Editors int
to exhibit an official report under the hands of the Tnistees. In the m
time, they offer their grateful acknowledgments to their numerous lubsc
ers for their past encouragement ; and a^ thi^ work is not intended to em
its Editors, but to cnli^chten the minds, and do go:)d to the souls of their
low-men, to explain and defend the doctrines, and to recommend the precf
of the gtispcl, and to collect a fim<l for tlie benefit of the poor, they confide
soticit continued patroi^ge from the friends of evangelical truth.

THE PANOPLIST;

ORi

THE CHRISTIANAS ARMORY.

No. 20.] JANUARY, 1807. [No. 8. Vol. II.

"Biogprapfis.

MEMOIRS OF JOHN HOWARD, ESQ.

From Dr. Samuel Stennett's Sermon, occasioned by hit death, which hap-
pened January 20, 1790.

I SHALL not take up your time

Vith the particulars of his

liithv education, and fortune.

The advantages of this kind with

irhich Providence indulged him,

«Dd of which he was truly sensi-

tde, were of trifling considera-

tioD, when brought into view

with those personal endowments,

nttural and religious, by which

be was distinguished from moi>t

other characters.

He possesses a clear under-
standing, and a sound judgment ;
*hich were enriched and im-
pitiTed by a variety of useful
baowledge. And as he had a
tttte for polite literature, so he
vu well versed in most of the
modern languages, wliich he
took no small pains to acquire,
that he might be the better eiia-'
Ued to carry his benevolent
purposes into effect. He had a
just idea of the civil and relig-
ious rights of mankind, acconi-
ponied with a true sense of the
*orih, importance, and dignity
of man as a reasonable, suciul,
M^d immortal creature. And as
Do man had a more extensive
Vol. II. No. 8. Ww

knowledge of the world than he,
having conversed with person-
ages of the first rank in life, and
with those in the meanest sta-
tions ; with chan.cters eminent
for virtue and piety, and the most
abandoned and wretched ; so no
man was more fully persuaded
than he of the universal depravi-
ty of human nature. With the
discernment both of a Philoso-
pher and a Chbistian he enter-
ed into the principles, maxims,
and views of men of all ranks
-and conditions of life ; and knew
how to apply the knowledge he
thus acquired to the most im-
portant purposes.

His moral endowments were
perhaps more extraordinary than
those jubt mentioned. Here he
shone with distinguished lustre.
The two virtues of Fortitude and
Humanity were the prominent
features in his countenance.
Nor could his modesty conceal
them from the public eye, no,
not from the view of all Europe.
Thcv were interwoven with bin

nature, and always acted in uni-
jion with each other.

346

Memoirs cf John Howard; ^%Bsq.

Such was the JirnineaM of hia
fnindy that no danpfcr could de-
ter him from his duty ; not the
painful fatig;ues of long and
hazardous journies ; not the per-
ils of seas infested with merciless
barixirians ; not the loatlisonic
Infection of dungeons ; not the
dread of assassination by the
htinds of miscreants, who draw
their gains from, the vitals of
those committed to their custo-
dy, nor the apprehension of
the plague in a ship with a foul
bill, and m the confinement of a
Lasarttlo ; n©- danger, however
formidable, could sliake his reso-
lution. ^^ Slaving made up his
mind to his duty," a* he told
me when expressing ray appre-
hensions for his safety, " he
thrusted all consequences from
his view, and was resolved to
ibillow wherever Providence led."
Anil in a letter I received from
hint, when just embarking on a
dangerous ocean, with the pros-
pecl before him of performing a
ibrty-two day squurdiitine, he thus
expresses himself, " / bicss Gody
my calm ifiirits and steady reioiU'
tion have not yet fornakni me"

He was superior too to the
frowns and the contempt of the
envious and the avaricious, who
represented him as petulantly
ofl^ious, or extravagantly insane.
Disappointments he did meet
with, and " obstructions nocre
thrown in the way of some of his
benevolent plans. Hut none of
these things moved him. And
more than one instance I might
mention of his asserting the
cause of the oppressed, in the
iace of a kind of opposition
which would make most men
tremble. Nor, on the other
hand, could the Syren song of
CAsey indulgence, and pleasure,

prevail on him when of
reer of duty and danger
least to relax his painfi
tions.

" Firm to the mast with ch

self he bouiuly
Kor trusted viniK: to th' ei

sound."

With tliis Roman i
was united uncommon H
He felt for the miseries
kind in general. He fel
miseries of the oppresses
he felt for the miserie
guilty, for he well rem*
that we are all guilty bed
Their distresses existec
his ima:.pnation only
were realized to his eycj
his touch. As the Poeti
cs it, when speaking oft

" Ke quitted bliss that nu

bestow.
To seek a nobler ainidu acei
To traverse seas, range k

and brkifc home,
Not the proud monuments (

or Home,
But knowU'ilK'c such as c

geoiis tcHch,
.\nd only sympathy like 1

reach.**'

The number of pri
visited^ at the hazard of h
and life, it would be dil
collect. Xor did he 8tc
iron gate of the most
dungeon. He entere<
xlrcary mansions of site
darkness, and, in some in
of cruel oppression ;
tears of commiseratioti
wretched inhabitant ; a
his own hand ministere
ance, while his heart waa
ting plans of more gen<
eflectual relief. " 7%?
sionnj says he, which thei
of misery made on my i
length of time can rffin

mr.j ijAm^^

SA7

if ilMii<mi JMiljillii faiu«t»' Ttadw it one tmiic triilt in bis

4ft* that, mill « leMiltiitf pecu- ciumcter which aunt noi be

JwrtohmiMlf^^berafiBedthafetf^ ^wcfktokad,' and- tkmt It bit

iHVc/ai0ttatP hit book^ - '^Ttmfienmee. tkuch a masterr

**Ah!-llttle dunk the my 4^c«jtwcil ovcsrhimadft that^

-#|£ut<|riSrf> |iM^.£d dkcaiMBe litUc AM|d, and that chitflf of the

, fcgettUe ,

mtm'Bim i» w»tf •«4 Am- namlt of nattm'; and with one

^MtlS^^^mm mr." •igiMtoe^ «it:of three he could,

W^^^ y» w-w-f- Y«oiu0K. *»• aJongcourteof UiBc, purtue

V -faia Jminuct. No cooaideration

*'• • H«rel night fMuat, bjaC I thill ^Jcoold imsvail €■ him lo |iartahe

VAiUcr Itave U Wy^ to iniaem^ ^ the liucuriet of the inott ele-

^6c exOMle ' j(V -which many g«nc ttMe, or to allow himself

SMnibg wnAcr i^qKMtttihn Mtf vmw rett than wat abaoiutely

y ktart^gintw life anJhapjMPeti^ Jiecetaivf. Nor yet wat he in-

^roojsb tholtMn^otidan of thlt Juenced, in thit dund of disci-

^beir ffeherontPHtrop ; and the pAne he 4)btertod, by cvmcal

^Mititade too, whieh «r<»i tiA>te -«iMerity.. He fooiid thit mode

3riio^ jvatif t^fiJM {mp#iiM^ of li^ng nott agreeable to hit

^M0t fen, for tbk iJM&adGb'^f hootjtimion, aind bott 'qualified

3iltii;.flrioorihc4>ylHt4ttodoffiGet. 'Mio 4or thote «cflife c;nrtioht,

^- Wb dUnfereUedtUM' who in iHtich were^thejilMttfVfe of hit

^phMfa^0ltcltiMt'filr«legood of 'HA-

^^iitiUAtdi 'i< detcr^g'df oar ' ^Buch wiefe the moral endow-

_i|iaiijiiii«r Tintlrff * fSt betldot 'iii««U«! of thit -^extraondinary

=A^cocMderMioii«r4hefittig<iet ^iMb i -«iich ' hii^ J^m^m^^^ his

^ ■fctf tW^llflllj tho^dangflllto Whlih HumtmUy^ hit DuimePHfiedneiB^

^jiMl OBpoafed hit pectaiiv ««l the M^ten^iki^met. V^4m

"^^SipiiJihinf ^MloxA kf bdt he in- apeak of -Mt religioat character.

7 Wimtfi'tin ^1 kDdw the rcfportt ' He wat a firm telievel* of di-

^^ ihdri t!0 Hie qtoblie^wonld ^t Tine revvlaiion/ Nhr wab he

tifiigiM fitlNBr thtii* iiftCf . '«ahaniM oiTthoMMrtifha he heard

and to Ae read «od jre- ' Mtfted^ extAined, and enfbrctd

few. ' Hi: ih-otje there* ^ ihthi^ place. 4ie htd made tip

•lor dMh aJAButetneM'^of *«Mt inihd» at he tiid, «p6n his

«t, JindtUJuM icispect'no - tvHgfoUt tefitimenltr'and wat tR>t

•'•fironf the* unfe^in^. 'tob^ntored-fhrni'hiifttedfattness

«|a:objj«et I'M the infibr^^ '^by no^ opt«iioiit bUnided on

<>>Le|ptimDra, of whom 'the-'woild. Nor did he content

MioiqrihCt 4JMl'<iNnn whom, to - himtdf^th a.bareprofeaaion of

«ri|ii'|Mtl talltbetioa, he obtain- '-ttiete divine tnitht. He enter-

^*<^|ri^ttii #edrai8 of mapy erilt he ' ^ intoJfhe tpirK jof the ^tpel,

^■lhul|ithiitd of. ^A^ notktmg^ • Mr itt power, tut batted itts

-Miyfe li^ im m ewiuicu99te99 of '• tweetAett. Yoo know, my

^im^VmiU Mne enabled ffie to ^0 * friend with what teriousness

'^fli iug^ otf she ditagreeMe wenea and derotion he atteiKled, for a

^ '^aWf* lay fawy fwgy, bo I had the long coprte of yeart, on the

haf4un^9 pf being placed out f^ worthip of God among us. It

the reach of other incitemente." would be tcarce decent for pie to

348

Memoirs of John Howard^ Esq.

repeat the affectionate things he
sayst in a letter written me from a
remote part of the world, re-
specting the satis&ction and
pleasure he had felt in the relig-
ious exercises of this place. I
shall however be excused, if I
just observe, that his liours of
religious retirement, wiiether on
land or at sea, were employed in
reviewing the notes he had taken
of sermons dehvered here. And
«' chcse^ adds he, are my •onga in
thi- hou9e qf my fntgrimage, Oh^
Sir^ how many Sabbaths have I
ardently longed to %i\end in Wild'
Street J God in Chriu i« my
Eoeky the fiorcion qf my aoul !'*

His candour, as might natu-
rally be expected in a man of
his exemplary piety, was great.
As he steadily adhered to his
religious principles, so he abhor-
red bigotry. JElaving met with
difficulties in his inquiries after
trutii, he knew how to make al-
lowance for those who met with
the same.

His acts of charity to the poor
were numerous. For though
he was not ostentatious, yet ma-
ny of them could not be conceal-
ed. Providence blessed him
with affluence ; but all who
knew him, know that nothing
was more opposite to his dispo-
sition than heaping up wealth.
His treasure was laid up in hea-
ven. His neighbouriiood in
Bedfordshire will bear witness
to his generosity ; and many a
poor family there will, I doubt
not, feel deeply for the loss of
so kind a friend. Nor were his
charities confined to the circle
of his own mansion. *' He went
about,** like his divine Master,
" do'.ng ujood." Compassion ex-
cited, prudence gu'tded, and
obligingness accompanied his

benefactions. He well rei
bered what the benevolent
was used to say when on •
^' It is more blessed to giv<
to receive." Few, who •
his assistance, were refusci
many obuined it without
ing it. |The advancement'
interests of truth and rel
was an object in his view
important. To the erecti;
many a place of worship c
liberally contribute. And
wliut cheerfulness he assis
building this house you
not be told. ** He aceoun
an honoury he said, io jw
name with youra,**

Good men of every dei
nation he affectionately 1
And while with a manly
ness he asserted and maini
his own religious sentin
agreeably to the sense he 1
their importance ; he was i
deal hurt at every approa<
his apprehension, towards
tie, narrow, contracted sp
matters of religion. Yet li
a Disaenter from the estabi
church on principle. No
he ashamed to have it k
to all the world that this w
profession. He well undei
the grounds of his dissent
could he on any considei
think it his duty to take tl
cramental test as a qualific
either for enjoying any pL
honour and emolument, or
ing any burdensome office i
state. Called u})on, howen
the latter, he did not avail
self of this just excuse fo
dining the service ; but
lutely undertook it, at the h
of incurring enormous pair
penalties^ from which no
but a bill of indemnity cou
cure him.

1807.3 Memoirs of John linear dy Esq.

340

Such was the character of this
tittcllcnt man. ^ Pie went about
domg good." The lite ot Chri&t
vttthe originalt his the copy.
How nearly tlie latter resembled
the t'ormer* you will judge from
what haa been said. Nor am 1
afraid you vill charge the ac-
count given of liim with exag^e-
iition. His character was a
fery extraordinary one. It waS)
howeTer, not without its imper-
fections : nor should 1 do liim
justice were I to omit adding
thst he was iiim&clf deeply sen<-
lible of those imper lections.

It remains that 1 m<:ntion a
Cew historical facts, winch will
scne to thi*ow a further light
upon the character we have
drAWUf and confirm the truth of
vhat hath been said.

In the year 1773, he was call-
ed upon to serve the oihce of
sheriff for the county oi Bed-
ford. The prisons, of course,
&Uii)g under his inspection, and
nuugcment, he became ac-
quainted with such disorders and
ibuscs, as failed not to excite his
compassionate concern. He
coasiuered tiiat prisons, houses
®f correction excepted, were not
Attnt for punislmicnt but con-
'UKrmcnt. No man is in the eye
of the law guilty, till legally tri-
ed and convicted. He tlicreforc
vightly concluded that to bubject
* person in this state to any in-
convenience, more than the ne-
cessary one of confiiiemeut, is
^Djust ; and to suffer him, when
l^quitted, to be loaded with ex-
orbitant fees, is cruel oppression.
The utmost pains, therefore,
he immediately took to cfl'ect ;\
reform in the gaols under his
own custody. I'his naturally
Jed to the idea, tliat what had
happened in his own county.

might have happened also in
other counties. He therefore
resolved to visit the prisons of
neighbouring shires. This he
did ; pnd his fears being i-ealized
by the miserable scenes his eyea^
beheld, he extended his progress
further, and visited the whole
kingdom. The information thus
obtained, and which was com-
muted accurately to writing, he
immediately applied to the ob-
ject he had in view.

In the year 1774, he was ex-
amined upon this subject before
the House of Commons, wJien he
had the honour of their thanks.
And soon alter a bill was brought
in^' for the relief of prisoners, \^ ho
shall be acquitted, respecting
their fees ;" and another bill ''for
preserving the health of prison-
ers, and preventing the gaol dis-
temper." These two acts, which
passed that session, he iiud print-
ed in a different character, and
sent them to the keeper of every
county 'gaol in Kngland. By
those act 9^ as he observes, thr
tear was wi/ied/rom wany an eye ;
and the Ugialaturc had Jor thvm
'' the bleHningH of many that iwrr
ready to firrhhJ* Thus had u
Howard the honour oi i)o\iiing
consolation into the afilicted
breast ; and through him it
might be said, '' God looked
down from the height of his
sianctuary, to hear the groaniin^
ol the prisoner, to loose those
that were apiniinted to death."*

His views, upon this suc( es^;,
were c^uickly enlarged, lie re-
solved to visit the prisons in
foreign countries, not uniy to
obtain relief for the ojiprt ssed*
and a mitigcition of iuIm rics to

the distressed wherever he found

• . . .

• Ph. cii, 18, 19.

^50

Memoirs of John H<rward, Esq.

them ; but to procure such new
intbrmation,. as might be neces-
«ary to Ibrward the reforms he
had in contemplation at home.
His visits were repeated, and
«carce a kio^om was there in
£urope9 which he did not traverse.

He then cxUmded his views
«till further, and resolved to col-
-lect the ruleSf orders^ and drafts
of tM principal Lazarettos in
Europe, with the medical treat-
ment of patients in the plague ;
in hopes by these means to set
on foot such regulations^ und
bring forward such measures as,
with the blessing of God, might
prevent the future return of that
calamity to this country. So he
travelled into Turkey, and visit-
ed himseit one, if not more^ who
was actually in that dreadftil dis-
order, the distant apprehension
of which has made many a coun-
tenance tun) pale.

To give you only a general ac-
count of his well laid plans, for
alleviating the miseries of the
poor, for stopping the progress
of vice, for promoting industry
and virtue, and for preventing
the importation and spread of
infectious diseases^ would carry
me too far. 1 must therefore
only add, that sticcess has alrea-
dy, in a degree, attended his en-
deavours. And it is to be hoped,
that such a superstructure will,
in time, be raised on the founda-
tion he has laid, as will 1)e of the
greatest utility to this country ;
and which, should he have ac-
cess to the knowledge of it in
the world above, would, I am
persuaded, add to the joy his
benevolent heart there feels.

We have hinted before at the
painful fatigues he endured, the
grreat expense h. incurred, and
the imminent dangers to which

he exposed himself in thi
ing adoui to do guod : and o
subject I meiuit further i
large, but must deny myiel
satisfaction lest I snould jtR
on your patience.

The attention which wu
to him by the principal p<
ages in Europe, and whi<
was so far from courting, tl
sonie instances, he abta
decimed it ; I say, this ex
dimiry attention of theirfi
the peculiar circumstancci
accom|Xitiied it, shews in
high trstimation his cht
stood with the public. Ir
his modesty must not be f
over without particular b
His reply to one of the prii
oflicers of state in a great
dom, upon being told that,
ever he would not suffer a
to be erected to him in hi
country, a statue would bed
in the prisonsofthat; IsdV 1
ply was memorable, and mat
character of the man. ** -
no objrcfion^ said he, to IM
erect rd where it a hail be \
A/r." And in a letter he sc
from Turkey, speaking c
ha^ty meanure^ as he calls :
his wish that it might be tt
he adds, " »/ffa» ! our be9
/brmances hcn^r rtuch a mixi
folly and ain^ that firaine u
and firenum/inrjjiy and fiph
thinking mind,**

He set put on his last jc
the beginning of July, 17fl
was to have been of great i
and to have taken up the
pass of about three years,
postulated largely with \
parting, on the mistake of
inu: himself, through an c
desire of (loini>; good, to I
cipitiited heyond the clear
duty, which might poasi

Memoirs of John Howardy Esq.

351

les the case. He secm-
apprehend he aliould

ie« this country again ;

:ii last in ti:is phice, said

.cDd near hiui, ^^ Hell!

/ not perhafiB meet one
again till we meet in

; we feared) Providence
nitted. Howaud is no

He died at Cherson^*
the 30th,t of a malignant
rhich he cuuj^i.t by Im-
visiting a person in that
r; to wiiom ho adniinis-
he usual medicine, but

effect. The same med-
le took himself, wiiich

too powerful tor his con«
It the fever carried iiim
:n days. He had the as-

of several physicians ;
at attention >vas paid him
Dce Potemkin, wlio not
Dt him his own piiysician,
joA. him himsclf.$
s fell this great and good
Mcrihce to humanity.

publisherU became ac-
d with this woncieriul
len first in Scotland, and
iny agreeable and instruc-
iversations witli him> on

■ • • •

ettlemcnt of the Emprms of
tovard the nurthern extrcmi-
s Huxine or Biack Sea^ not far
zaJtao,
90.

ew dayi after the publication
•ermon, frfim which this ac-
I tak«*n, the person who at-
Mr. Howard on liis journey,
rhose arms he expired, arriv.
I Cherton. From him, amon^
irticulars, I learn that he met
vith submission, composure,
tttude ; and that lie retained
les to tlic last, expr(>ssing: the
I satisfaction he felt in the
t of ** gYtinjc home to his Fa-
il his Gi.d."
le late Rev. Dr. Erskinc of

d variety of subjects. He knew
not, however, till his lust visit to
Edinburgh, his happy experi-
ence of the influence of evangel-
ical doctrines, falsely chnrgtd
with a licentious tendency, in
exciting to abound in works oi
righteousness and beneficence.
At that time, Mr. Howard hap-
pened to hear a sermon, in which
justihcation thi'ough the blood
and merits of Jesus, and the con*
nexion of the belief of that doc-
trine with holiness of heart and
life, were occasionally illustrated-
The next day he acquainted the
publisher, how congenial the
short reflections on that subject
were to his sentiments and feel-
ings. A deep and humble sense
of the defects and blemishes of
his best duties, convinced him
that he needed a better right-
eousness than his own for ac-
ceptance with God. Free justi-
fication by grace through the re«
demption which is in Christ Je-
sus, was the great source of his
comtort, and motive of his gene-
rous and toilsome eilbrts for sof-
tening sorrow. In one of the
Greek Islands, he was surprised
to see exposed to sale, two ser«
moiib by Mr. William Bridges on
the sinfulness of sin and the ful-
ness of Christ, which he imiue-
diateiy purcnased and read with
pleasure and edification. The
publisher has been credibly in-
formed, that he was ambit iouS|
that his only son« who had the
prospect of inheriting a hand-
some fortune, should study di-
vmity, and, as a dissenting cler-
gyman, publish to men the gos-
pel of Christ. But I'rovidence
denied the gratification of his
wishes, for reasons which he
now sees to be wise and just
and good.

352

Life of Rev. John Sergeant.

C7-

THE Lirz OF REV. JOHN 8BR-
OEAKT.

DiooRAPHiCAL sketches of
Tiriuoua and good men must al-
ii'ays be useful. By being con-
versant with the excellent of the
earth, we shall catch somewhat of
their spirit. The jKitience with
which they sustained the most
weighty afflictions, will teach us
not to sink under the troubles of
life. The re^lution with which
they encountered the difficulties
tliat were thrown in the way of
uprightness, will excite in us an
elevation of mind ; the zeal^
which they manifested in the
cause of truth, must impel us to
exertion, and while we view them
distinguished for qualities, which
we do not possess, and yet hum-
ble and penitent for sin, and re-
nouncing all pretensions to mer-
it, we must be impressed with
the folly of nourishing any proud
conception of our own worth.

If we measure the excellence
of character by the ardour of be-
nevolent feeling, and by the
cheerful sacrifice of earthly bles-
sings in attempting to promote
the glory ol Ciotl in the salvation
of sinners, those holy men, who
have renounced the pleasures of
civilixed society for the disgust-
ing intercourse of savages, who
have exchanged the cultivated
field for the dreary wilderness,
that they might cause the desert
to rejoice in the knowledge of
God, must surely occupy a high
place in our estimation. But
while A'Ao/, the iV/ji/Afw«, and
Brainerd are held in deserved
remembrance, the name of -SVr-
giQut is not so generally known.
Some notice therefore of his
character and labours, it is
thought) will not be unaccepta-

ble to the disciples of Jesus,
take an interest in the exertion^'
whici) are now made for extendi
ing the blessings of the goipfl|
among the heathen. This ^M
the object, which was dear tote ,
heart, and to the promotion «
it he devoted his life.

The materials for the IbUov-
ing memoirs are principally de* '
rived from a •pamphlet publiihi'
ed many years since, which iff
now in the hands of bat few ;
and the words of the author wB
occasionally be adopted.

Mr. John Sergeavt was bom
at Newark, in New-Jersey, 14
the year 1710. A wound in Ui
hand deprived him of the power
of labour in early life, and in*
duced him to seek the improfc-
ment of his mind. As great in
evil, as it might haVe seemedf
it was the means of opening t»
him the sources of human lean-
ing, and of introducing him into
the ministry of the gospel. Me
was educated at Yale College, «n*
soon after receiving the degree
of Bachelor of Arts, in IW
was elected tutor, in which of-
fice he continued four years with
honour to himself and advanUge
to those, who were comraitied
to his instruction. Being dete^
mined to devote himself to the
work of the ministry, and poff"
sessing those endowments and
acquirements, that penetratioo
and learning, that swcctnctt of
temper, cheerfulness of mind,

• " Historical Memoirs relating to
llic Itoiuatunnuk Indinru, OP an accmiat
of tho methods used and pai|w tato
for the ])ropagation of the gospel "^
mong tli:it hcuthenish trihe^ and tl*
siiccesji tliciccif undt-r the ministry W
the late Rev. John Sergeavt. By
Samuel Hopkins, A.M. Pa$torof ■
cluircli in Springfield. Boston. ».
Knccland. 1753. pp. 182.

1807.]

Life of Rev. John Sergeant.

353

•penness of manners, and cour-
teousnens of address, which
could not fail to render him
pleasing and acceptable ; if
worldly distinction had been his
object} his prospects were flat-
tering in no common degree.
But he was not influenced by
selfish desires. His heart, it
would seem, was weaned from
the world. While a member ot
college he apprehended that he
was the subject of a saving change
wrought by the Spirit of God, of
a renovation of soul, of conver*
sion from sin unto holiness ; and
he had long regarded with com-
passion the rude and barbarous
natives of this country, daily sup-
plicating God to render him in-
strumental in turning them from
darknvH unto light . His prayers
were heard, and an unexpected
way was opened for his entrance
among the heathen.

In that western part of the
state of Massachusetts, which
now constitutes the county of
Berkshire, there was a small
inbe called the iiouaatujinuky
JHoiuHitonnoc^ or Houtiutonic In-
dians, probably because they liv-
ed upon a river to which they
had given this name, and which
retains it to this day. It signi-
fies nrver the mountain. I'hey
were considered as attached to
the larger tribe of River Indiansy
most of whom lived in the state
of New Vork. Of these Indians
the General Assembly, about the
year 1720, purchased two town-
ships on the river ubov(;mentiun-
ed, with the reservation ol* two
small tracts, the one called Ska>
ekooky which is now included in
Sheflield, and the other Umihk-
iuku'jky in Stockbridgc. At eui h
of these pluces there were a tew
bmilies of Indians, wl^.cn the
Vol. II. No. «. X N

English commenced their settle-
ments near them, and A'-. V.'yr,
the principal person at '/' '.('-
tukook^ was soon discow;!'.;.; to
be an industrious and \v,.''iy
man, who was inclined to c.n-
brace the Christian re! i -ion.
The character of Kunkafiot rcivh-
ing the ears of the Comrnh-'... -rft
for Indian affairs^ at Boston, of
whom Gov. Belcher was one,
they dispatched the Rev. Messrs.
Bull of VVcstfield, and Williams
of Springfield to Houaatonic to
confer with the Indians upon
their willingness to receiv;; a
missionary among thcni ; mid
at the same time it please:! I lie
Governor to bestow upon Kun-
kafioi the commission of C»pi.iin,
and uiM>n Umfiaehenee^ anotlier
Indian well disposed towai (Is tiie
English, and the principal pei*-
son at Skafekook^ tliatof Lic'Ucn-
ant. In July, 1734, tl^e Ipfliuna
were visited by tiie p;l.i Ir^nen
appointed for the purpose , und
they cheerfully agreed, uftrr Tour
days' consultation, to rLCfc'\e a
7;i/w/Vfr among them, wlo si ould
teach them to read and i;^r.:.iict
them in the truths of the i^o.poh
At the close of the conference a
6elt of vfom/ium* was presented
to them by the Rev. Mr. Wil-
liams, as a solemn ratification of
what had been transacted.

Every obstruction to the estab*

• (C

A K.'cnnpuin is a smuU c;!inder
about one third of an inch hng iiH'i as
large us a straw, with a h"ic ••r.lled
t!imuj::li it Icnprth-wise. 1; i $ T?i;i<?cof
Uic sii« lL)t's<»no yca-tish p ihs icil ^c»*
rv sHii) iJi. A number '»!" tiu sc iw img
iip'Mi sni. i: tIiiv:wlM and knit ■■•ci'liier
form :i l:e/f rf -.■'.»»i^.'»»j." Sfinys of
wr>M'.;)ii .1 r !• '.IS!. » ■. ' nan\.-"i' ', mul
ar^'Aciv.i >1:'* "^t :•• ■ ■• t ney. l.c-ltJi
i'\ 'M'r.rvini . . .v. ■ '. ; -. . rir-

it ../ur.iA ot' trraiicsi ami rfconls yf
events.

.354

Life (^Rev. John Sergeant.

aarr^

lishment of a mission at Ilousa-
tonic, on the part of tiie Indians,
being; thus removed) tiie next ob-
jeci \ids to find a suitable person
to undertake the arduous em-'
ployiiicnt ; and Mr. Sergeant
was.tlie man in every respect
quuiiiied for the work. Lli» de-
sire to carry the glad tidings of
pardon and salvation to thosei
who were ignorant of divine
truth, being knowu^ he was re-
quested to accept tiie proposed
mjssiun, and he cheerfully con-
sented. In Oct. i7^^i4, he bid adieu
to tile pleasures ol' his situation
in an excellent seat of learnings
and proceeded towards the place
ot* his future labours. From
Westfield he was accompanied
by Mr. Bull. " We sat out,"
he says in his journal, ^^ on
Thursday, October Uth, in the
afternoon, designing to lodge at
a house about 15 mile» onwards
upon the road, which was the
only house before we came to
Housatunic But night coming
on too soon for us, we were forc-
ed lo lodge in the woods without
fire or shelter. The next day
we got to Mousatonic, a little l>e-
fore nighti through 'a most dole-
ful wilderness, and the worst
road, perhaps, that ever was rid."
*' Oct. 1 3th, I made a short dis-
course to the Indians by an in-
terpreter, an Indian called Kben-
ezcr^ to which the adults, about
20 in number, gave very good at-
tention, especially Capt. KioiA-w
fiot^ their chief, and his family.
I adapted my discourse, as w<:ll
as I could, to their capacity and
manner of thinking."

J\brnrzfr possessed a consider-
able knowlc'di^e of the principles
of the Christian religion, and the
next day, at his request, after de-
ckiring that *^ he would lather

bum in the firei than fo¥wke th<
truth," after engaging to " for-
sake heathenish darkness
embrace the light of the gos|
and the way ot hoiiness»"
promising " by the help of <U—
vine grace to cleave to the Lord^
with purpose of heart, &:c." he
was baptized by Mr. Bull at the
house or wigwam of the JJnucn-
ant. Thus was the 'mission
smiled upon at its very com*
D>enccment.

Mr. Sergeant persuaded the
Indians, wlio, it has been observ-
ed, lived at Skate kook and
Wnahktukook, 8 or 10 mile»
distant from each other, to fix
upon an intermediate spot be-
tween them, and to live together
in one place for the greater con*
venience of assembling on the
Sabbath and of having, tbeir chil-
dren instructed. Here they
cheerfully built a house, which
answered the double purpose of
a school'house and a houbc of
worship ; around which they
constructed small huts for the
accommodation of {heir families-
This establishment, however,
was only for winter, for in the
summer they separated, and re«
turned to their little tracts of
land to plant com and beans,
which were the only vegetables
they cultivated. «Their princi-
pal reliance for subsistence was
upon hunting.

Ebenezer informed Mr. Ser-
geant, that ^^ some of the Indians
whom he bad known, were athe-
ists, who supposed all things
began, continued, and ceased ac-
cording to their sevt:i*al natures
witltout any cause or direction
from a superior hand. Others
believed the sun to be God. or at
least the body or residence of the
deity ^ but that now they gener-

1807.]

Remarks on T/ieohiliis'' Criticisms.

^Iv believed the existence of one

■

suprcnus inviM'jit' Uciii;^, the
maker of all thini;s. He men-
tioned also .s\:n(1rv ridiculous
thinj^s, which tiiey believed ; us
thai the seven starti were so niu-
Jiy Indians translated to heaven
in a dance ; that the btars in
Charlrh* M'ain are so nianv men
hunting; a beai* ; that they be^ixi

the chase in the sprhig and hold
it all summer ; bv the Lill t! cv
have wounded itt ;.iKi that the
blood turns tiie leaves red : by
the winter they have killed it,
and the snow is made of its fat ;
which beini^ melted by tiic heat
qC the summer makes the bup
.qC trees."

( To bt cvntiimed.J

Be!tgtou0 Communications.

CRITICISMS OX SCRirTlTKe PAS-
SAG»:S.

In the folio win jj remarks,
which I beor leave to address to

you* on the criticisms of The-
ophilusi* I shall aim to unite the
respect which is due to his tul-
entSf with the freedom which !k-
longa to an inr|tnrer alter the
truth. I readily acknowled;:;e
that all his coinnumicatiuns in
the Panopli.st display both learn-
ing and ingenuity. But as to the
correctness of some of his " crit-
ical observations," you will per-
mit me to express my serious
doubts. In the first place, I have
not tKsen able to suti.^lV mvself
with ti»e construction he j^ives
of the passages, in which diftcr-
cnt forms of the Greek verbf<$«
are used. As I Cor. ii. 2. / dc
termhifd not to knoii* cniy tfiintf
among you^fav Ji*huh Chnnf and
him crucifird. Considering itiivxt
as having]; the power of the He-
brew conjujjalion lliphil, The-
ophilus renders the pabsugc thus ;

• • • •

*. Sec Fanr>t)Ubt| Ko. 16, p. 160.

** I determined not to make i-v"::'!!
any ihiiij^, Sec." But sufier me
to query, for wliat reason, or by
what authority ? He inlorms us
that the Seventy use the ncuiral
verb ^ettf in an active or transitive
sense> to rjuickniy or caufcr to /.".r,
and adds ; *' the same llel)rew
idiom we hnd in the New Testa-
meni," immediately referring: to
the (ircek m}«, as aflordin^- in-
stances. But 1 would ask, with
deference, how it appears that
this is t/if same idiom \ The in-
auiice in 1 19ili Psalm in the ver-
sion of the Septuajrinti is that of
U71 ittfransiffie neutral vrrb uned
ifi a trannitix^e svulc^ to answer
the meanini:^ of the Hebrew
Hiphil. B\it in the other passa-
ges mentioned by Theophihis,
there appears no chanp^e Ironi a
neutral si^uijicatifjii of a verb to
an activtj nor from an active to a
neutral. Accord in j^ to his con-
struction, the mtunhr^of t/it rcrb
undergoes an essential chauf^e,
so tiiat ttiit^ an active^ or trtniAim
tiv V rbs sij^nifies the same as
r»4'(«^*r, au'jih' raciivr Verb. The
neutral verb ^tctt is indeed used in
an active sense by the Septua-
^int. Wc find it in other psalms

356

Remarks on TheophUus* Criticisms'. L?^''*

as well as in cxix. But in all

those places the active or transi-
tive sense is abf^olutely necessary,
Xv^iH'-^nnu «VT«F in psalm xli.
Kv^M ^nntf fa in cxliii., and ^vw
fu ot'ten repeated in cxix, admit
no other rendering but) the Lord
Vfill quicken mr , or kee/i me alive ;
Lordy thou wilt quicken me; and^
quicken thou me. But in the
places which T. cites, what oc-
casion is there for the new rem
dering which he introduces I
Is there any place in the New
Testament, where such a render-
ing seems either necessary or
proper? The passage in 1 Cor,
ii. 2, has as plain, forcible, and
momentous a meaning according
to the common translation, as ac-
cording to that which T. pre-
fers ; and, if I mistake not,
tnuch more extensive. The
apostle's determining ^' not to
know any tiling among the Co-
rinthians, save Jesus Christ and
him crucified," evidently ex-
presses a more unreserved devo-
tion to Christ crucified, than de-
termining " not to make known or
fireach any thing but Christ."
The former comprehends the
full meaning of the latter con-
struction ; but the latter does
not comprehend the full mean-
ing of the former.

It is >vith reluctance I disclose
the same dissatisfaction with T.'s
construction of Mark xiii. 32.
" Of that day and hour k-ncwcfll
none, neither the apgels in heav-
en, nor the Son, but the lather."
On which T. remarks ; " Christ
had already foretold the event,
and given the previo^is sighs of
it. Some might wish for a
knowledge of the exact time of
it. But this knowled}^e for vari-
ous reasons was improper to
Ibe theo communicated. Jesus

therefore says, thai day and ho4ir
none maketh knoWn^ no, not the
angels, neither the Son. ToT
reveal this \ belongs ncyt to mp
commission ; but it will be mads*
known by the Fatheri in tha:
course of his prondence.**

T. adopts this coostmctioni if
seems, in order to avoid the So* .
cinian argument against the dl«
vinity of Christ. But are not
the expedience and &imesscf
this mode of constructing scrip*
ture very questionable ? If it be
an argument against the divinity
of Christ, that he, in a certain
sense, disclaims the knowledge
of a future event, it ia also m ar«
gument against his divinity^ that
he says or does any thing, which
represents him as inferior or
subordinate to the Father. And
if, on that account^ we are to give
a new and unsupported transb"
tion of the text under conaidera*
tion, we must do the sane of
others like it. According to thi«
plan, all those texts which literal*
ly represent Christ as a rra/many
a servant^ or a creature^ must
be made to speak a different luH
guage, lest our preconceiifed
opinion of his character should
be contradicted. No doctrincf
in my apprehension, is more im-
portant, or more clearly tai^ght
in Scripture, than that of Christ's
proper divinity. Out if it can*
not be supported without taking
unjustifiable libeities with the
word of God, let it fall. With res-
pect to the office which Jesus sus«
tained, as a man, a servant* a suf*
ferer,he miglit,! humbly conceivet
say. My leather is greater than Ii
1 know not the time of the Jbud
judgment; I can do nothing iff
myself^ 8cc. in perfect consistency
with his true divinity, as the
eternal Son of God*

^tt7.3 Remarks on Theopfulus'' Criticiims.

35T

*m^*

Thtore ii* nccording to T. a
snilar mode of expression in
Guisl's answer to the two brath*
who solicited the honour of
the one on his right handy

the other on his left in his
Idngdom* His construction is
this \ ^ n Ht on my right hand
mmi Off my i^ftj i. e- promotion to
tsmpovml honours^ u not mine to
fAw i it is not committed to mci
ai the teacher* reformer^ and Sa*
yimw of men. But worldly hon*
ows «ritf be given under my gos-
pdi SB they have been heretoforet
tmihtmfoT whom they are/irr/iared
^my Father. They will be disr
peaaed agreeably to the usual
methoda of Providence."
This exposition) I acknowN

i, seems to be fevoured by
lering that the sons of Zeb-
who solicited the favour, us
wttD aa all the disciples at that
limmi were so iar under the in-
of ambition, that they

red the kingdom of Christ as
etfmpriaing temporal promotion
and honour. l^xxi'wYiW^theyBfioke
oC hie kingdom with mistaken
a|i|pi«heiisions of its nature, it
lis* nothing unusual for him to
attqit his answer to the true na-
ture of his spiritual kingdom.

I would modestly query,
whether T.'s construction, by be-
lag conformed to our trunslation,
does not overlook the true mean-
ing of this * passage. On crit-
ical^ inquiry it will be evident,
that a Jnst rendering of the
original text does not imply, as
cor translation does, that Christ
tf aclaimed the right of distribut-
ing the honours of his kingdom.
It cannot escape the notice of the
e6mmon English render, that
these words in our version, it
ekaii be gii*en^ are printed in ital-
icsy denoting that they are want-

ing in the original. " To sit on
my right hand and on my left,*'
says Jesus, ^' is not mine to give,
«AA' Mf &c. exceflt to those fo?
whom it is prepared of my Fa-«
ther." Thus Parkhurst renders
it, referring to other places
where «A>«i signifies biity ex-*
cefit^ unlets, Campbell saysy
^ the conjunction uXXm, where*
as in this place, it is not followed
by a verb, but by a noun or pro-
noun, is generally to be under-
stood as of the same import with
u ^, unlree^ exerpt** His trans*
^lation ag^rees exactly with that of
^Parkhurst. Blackwall justifies
this use of the conjunction by
citing classical authority. Guyse.
exhibits the same easy and agree-
able construction of the text.
*' These honours are not mine to
give, eave only to them^ for whom
they are prepared of my Father,
&c." Doddridge is of the same
opinion. He considers Christ's
answer as referring to the high-
est privilege in the kingdom of
glory ; and thus paraphrases the
words, it is not mine to givey ls^c»
*^ I cannot dispose of it to any
but to those for whom it b pre-
pared by my Father."

May I add, that what T. ad-
vances respecting the word hard'
encthj Rom. ix. 18, is not quite
satisfactory. It is well known
there are momentous and diffi-
cult questions as to the manner
in which God may be said to hai^
den sinners. And different di-
vines of great learning entertain
different opinions. It is not the
writer's design to advocate the
system which T. so ingeniously
opposes. But whatever our pri-
vate opinions, or human systems
may be, it ie highly imfiortant
that the original Scripturee be CQr-
ruilf rendered^ accortfing to the

358

Brief Remarks, on a Chil Oath.

IJau.

o6viou9 /truse of the worcU^ and
not be madii to afnak the lani^uag**
^our particular theory. II \Ve
depart in the smallest decree
from this rule, we open toe door
for incalculable injury to tiie
cause oi* inspired trutn. Were
the passage above nicntioneci tiie
only one, in which simiiar Un«
guaii^e is used concerning the
ways of God, the construction of
T. might be more readily admit-
ted. But no one who has atteup
lively read the Scriptures, needs
to be informed thati in different
connexions) and in various forms
of speech, they often convey the
same sentiment. Nor can I ea«
sily conceive that the figure,
vhich T/ introduces, qf God*^
hardr fling himncif againet ainn t n,
conveys a sentiment any more
pleasing, or more free from di(H«
culty, than, the language of our
common version.

T.'s explanation of Rom. ix.
2, 3, I am disposed to receive,
if it will bear a close examina-
tion. But at present I am ap-
prehensive that it weakens the
apostle's reasoning, and sinks the
sublime, holy patriotism, wiiich
glowed in his breast. At least I
would ask, before resorting to
T.'s explanation, whether the
passage may not receive lir^iit
from other parts of Paul's writ-
ings l May not his admirable
sentiment in this place be illus-
trated by what he said to his
brethren, who wept in prospect
of the evils to which he would
be exposed at Jerusalem ; " what
mean ye to weep and to break
Tnv heart I for I am reaclv not to
be bound onlv, but also to die at
Jerusalem for tlie name of the
X.ord Jcsiis." Why may it not
be illustrated by what he says to
Tjmothy ; ^ I endure all things

for the elect's sake, that they
also obUiin the salvation which if
in Ciirist Jesus, with eternei
glory ;" and by tlie •pirit of ||
mari^r, wi.ich he so slnkingfir
expi*esse& to the Philippiaiis ;
^^ yea* and if 1 be ofTered* Stc.'^
or as Doddridge trandati^a and
paraphrases it ; ^^ if 1 thould^
even be Jijurcd forih^ and xaj
blo(jd be slied, a» a kirid of lib^
tion or drink^'^fferinif^ on the ^acr
rifice and wiuiht ration of your
fuiihy while you are presented by
my nieans,^as an acceptable o&
iering to Cod, far from i uiciit-
in^ tliat I should n>ejet with death
in such a cause, I rather r ju.ee
and congratulate you ati. He
Dot only presents himself us \
resolute victim at the altar of
Cod, but speaks of that strokcf
by which his blood was to be
poui*ed out, as an occasion of joyy
and calls for the congratulation
of his frien^ls upon it." i: inall/t
how beautifully may tlie apostle's
sublime sentiment, now under
consideration be illustrated, by
the sell-denisd of his life; by bit
voluntary submissiop to the ser
verest sufle rings ; upd by the
Chribthke benevolence, witfi
which he forsook his own private
interest, and devoted himself un*
rcser edly and heroically to the
cause of .h. church.

Requesting you, Messrs. £^
itors, unci Theophilus, ]xi consid-
er candidly the IVeedom of these
remarks, and every reader to ex?
amine and judge for himself, I
subscribe youi constant friend,

CfllTQ.

BRIEF BSMAUKS OK A CITlI,
OATH.

An oath is the '^ calling upon
God to witaosBi i. c. to t^e no^

Surwy of. Churches

SS9

t trhat we say } and it is
ing^ his ven-^tncc or re-
tin^ his favour, if what we
: false, or wliat we promise

performed."* This is the
n import of the words

dose the form of a civil
. So htlfi you God, May
[eal with you in mercy or
Igmentf as you shall speak

or falsehood in the case
lefore you, or as you siiall
'm or not perform what you
iromise.

it awful nature of an oath
Y fiarticularly exhibited in
llowing form, which is ad-
lered in Holland to those
robracc the Jewish..reli^-

*• You swear by the al-
y and living God, who cre-
eaven and earth, and ^ave
vrs by Moses, that you will
right and true in whatever
Jicrc be asked of or pi-o-
to you ; and if you declare
ling either entirely, or in
fiilse and unjust, you ac-
edge yourself liable to all
iraes, plagues and punish-
) temporal and eternal,

the God of Israel inilicted
iom and Gomorrah, and
> Dathan, and Abiram^ and

he has denounced against
ite who invoke or use his
Cilsely or in vain. As you
le or false, so may God al-
f and omniscient reward
lith yoti."

KEMARKS.

IT shocking to every pious
is the apparent lightness
PcYcrence, with which civ-
s are often administered.
tUle do people in general

• . • • •

• Palf V

consider the awful nature and
sacred obligations of an oath.

How heinous is the crime of
perjury, and the crime of using
profane oaths in conversation.

Civil magistrates as well as
gospel ministers, should often
instruct people in the nature and
obligations of an oath, and en-
deavour to impress their minds
with a religious veneration for
the great name of God.

Civis.

SURVEY O? KEW ENGLAND

CHURCHES.

(Continued from page 318.)

How great soever the advan*
tage of conftHHifjnay they have
many and powerhil adversaries ;
who, although they agree in a
common disesteem of confess-
ions, are influenced to it by dif-
ferent motives. Some are al-
ways ready to complain of mea-
sures, which they did not ori::,in-
ute and contml. Others extend
their charity to men of all parlies
of Christianity, and of all reli-
gions which prevail in the worlds
and do not consider the belief of
any particular doctrines, as es-
sential to salvation. They think
that people of all persuasions
have an equal claim to the fevour
of God) and may be saved ac-
cording to the particular scheme
of religion which they embrace.
With such ideas, they, naturally
despise confessions of faith, the
very being of which is founded
on the importance and necessity
of believing cerain articles in
order to church fellowship. They
w;io esteem the Christian doc-
trine of small moment, look with
IndifTereiice upon the means of
preserving its purity, and upon
the obligations wl^ichbind moo

360 Survey o/CAurcAts*

to maintain it. We beliere it an e^i inguiry^ mud ewmot

obscryatioDy which will be found without free and ratictmi

generally true9 that in propor- M man, thertforef or m

tion to the opinion which a man men have authority to jm

entertains of the doctrines of another^ or to eompOMt a, «

Christianity^ and his zeal to prop- doetwineu to which they cim

agate them in the woridf will be hit oMoent. And aa ouek.t

Ills esteem of confessions. hy fohomooever made, io «

But a greater numbery it is ap* and arbitrary ; it io dUi

prcheiidedf take the side of op- hie and ba»e in any Chf.

position, because, in the bulk of tubmit to it. He who y

confessions, their own senti* neck to thia yokcj give* i^

ments are condemned. They valuable right qf a ratifot

wish to destroy a weapony which ture^ and violate* the conu

tliey sec directed against them- Christf to ** call no num

selves. Were their own partic* on earth,**
ular sentiments contained in the In order completely Ic

generality of creeds, their zeal date this specious obja

to discredit them would un- seems necessary to ab

doubted ly decrease. Although foundation on which a '

wc arc iar froift applying this to tion of creeds is built, orl

all Avno differ from ua concern- tion tiie principles, upcM

ini;;; this subject, yet we are ap- a church may require ol

pret'cnsire that, generally, men who would become her m

arc againMt eon/e^siont, because or her ministers, a coaa

ronfcetiono are against them, public confession of faith.

There are indeed some, deserv- we are willing the candid

ing the name of Christians, who. Judge, after attending to t

by a mistaken fondness for the ject, whether the use of

noble principles of liberty and sions be any thing morey

private judgment, and a zeal for proper exercise of that j

the honour of divine revelation, in religioua concerns^ whl

are led to entertain an un&voura- stitutes the essence of tl

ble opinion of creeds. jection.

We now proceed to a serious It is not only the dk

and careful investigation of the reason, but the appointn

principal objections which have Christ, that good men

been urged against creeds, de- unite together in religiou

signing to represent them sub- ties, and have communi

Btantiaily, as they have been stat- fellowship with each othei

ed by the ablest writers, and not people of God. And as f

to dissemble any thing which is the birthright of manki

adds to their strength. number of them may yo

Objection I. Con/eouone of ly join themselves togetl

faith^ in their very nature and religious purposes, undc

drt^ign^ are an imfMion of the regulations as appear to 1

natural right* of mankind. Every greeuble to God's word ;

fieraon i> tntitUd to examine and ed tliey do not violate th

judge /or fiimael/ en/iecially in ri- of justice, or the rights i

i^on, which commando the Uriel" ers. As every man oi

«Q7.]

Survey of C/mrc/its.

361

dioose a religion for himaelft and
to joiii himself to that body of
Christians} which, in his serious^
impartial judgment, enjoys the
greatest purity, and confers the
greatest spiritual advantages ; in
fike manner religious societies
kare a right to worship in that
Iray which seem^ most agreeable
to divine revelation, and to man*
age all their concerns as a body,
and act In every respect, as they
kelieve themselves directed by
aupreme authority. Nor can any
■Ban intrude himself into such
iociedes without their consent.
No man can force them to enter-
tain communion with him con«
trary to their own consciences, or
in any respect usurp the direction
•f their affairs.

If Christians, who have formed
Aemselves into a church, choose
llmt some one should be appoint-
ed to lead in their religious ex-
ercisesy and to explain the doc-
trines and inculcate the dtitics of
Christianity ; they have a title,
iranded on the natural rights of
mankind, to determine who shall
be invested with that sacred of*
fice. They are authorized to
eon fine the <^ce to such, as give
sstisftctory evidence of the qual-
ifications which they judge to be
necessary. Nor can any camli-
date for the office reasonably
compbun of hard treatment, be-
cause just satisfaction is demand-
ed as to his qualifications. Since
it is a duty of a Christian minis-
ter to recommend the practice of
every virtue and grace ; a church
may properly require, that the
character and life of one, who is
fL candidate for the ministry,
should be such as to exemplify
the graces of Christinnity. As
it is one great duty of a minister
lo explain and enforce the doc-
Vol. U. No. 8. Y T

trines of salvation ; a church
may reasonably require that hct
whom they receive as their min-
ister, should believe those doc*
trines. For it is absurd to ex-
pect that any man will suitably
preach doctrines, which he disbe-
lieves, or that he will contribute
to the support of opinions, which
he holds in detestation or con-
tempt.

Let it, then, be remembered^
that a society of Christians have
a right to determine for them-
selves, what doctrines shall be
preached to them, and by what
mode of instruction they can be
most edified. To oblige them
to hear doctrines which they do
not believe, or to hinder them
from being instructed in that
faith, which they seriously em-
brace, would be to usurp a ty-
rannical authority over their con-
sciences. The members of a
church, therefore, are by their
natural rights authorized to
judge, what doctrines or articles
of faith shall be held by t.heir
minister, as a part of his qualifi-
cation for the office. But let it
be well considered, that many,
who profess to believe the Scrip-
tures, deny the most important
truths, and, by a cunning perver-
sion of God*s word, propagate
the most hurtful errors. Con-
sequently, a declaration of faith
in the precise words of Scripture,
thus misapplied and wrested,
can no wise distinguish among
those who hold and preach the
most opposite doctrines, or give
any satisfaction concerning their
faith. The church may, there-
fore, justly require of one who
offers to become their minister,
that he express his belief in such
terms as are least ambi^uouSi
and best calculated, according ta

362

Survey ifChirthes.

'itydH.

the clrctimstanees of the time
and place, to assure them of the
soundness of his religious opin-
ions. ^ In other words, they may
require an assent to (heir public
crce Is, which arc the exprcs*
•ioua they judge best adapted to
frive them this assurance.

A society of (allible men arey
no doubt, exposed to mistake.
They may believe what is false,
9r may imaji^ine a truth of great-
er importance than it really is,
and may thus l)e led to require
that as a qualification in a minis-
ter, which more enlightened
">iety would willingly forego.

tut this docs not alter the case.

[r they err, they eiT for them-
selves. Their liability to cit for-
bids implicit confidence in their
Jpdgment, but does not nullify
their rights. The same is true
of civil societies ; they may mis-
take as to the best mode of
l^vemment, and as to the re-
quisite qualifications of rulers.
But they do not, on this account,
forfeit their right to judge and
act for themselves.

On the principles which have
been laid down, a number of
churches have a' right, and may,
for certain important purposes,
find it expedient to form them-
selves into a large body. When
the greater part of a nation
voluntarily enter into a religious
union, there will arise what may
be denominated a national church ;
and the articles of faith received
by them, and established as the
criterion of the qualifications of
their pastors and members, will
"become a national confesfdon.
Now if a number of churches,
thus associated, embrace the
same doctrines as constituting
the faith once delivered to the
saiou i if thejr desire to be in*

stmcted hf their niniftitfn ia~
that Calth, and their coDacicocet
determine them to join in that
worship which is Ibtmded vpoa
it, believing too that a ^epanur»
from their confeaaioo ia a de^
parture from the apirit of tlie
gospel ; they have a right, vhicli
cannot be disputed, to confioc
their choice of inini8tera» and
their reception oC membera la
such as ^mbrace their confisa*
aion. And he who would thnni
himself into their aocitfty contra^
ry to their rules, would be guilty
of arrogantly infiringing tiieir
religious rights. * '

In short, we apprehend thcK
nothing is necessary to vindicate
the use of confessions« hut the
fundamental principlea of sopie*
ty, and the natural righta of
rational creatures.' And we arc
ready to think that an impartirf
consideration of the aubject woaH
convince our opponents, thai
those very maxim's of liberty,
which they appropriate to them-
selves, and in which they glory,
are siiflicient to support alltheair-
thority which creeds have had, in
enlightened reformed churches.

It is not to be supposed, be*
cause at present we rest tlife
vindication of confessions fm
these maxims, that we can fiiid
no support from Christian princi-
ples. We think it «asy lo show
that confessions of faith are im-
plicitly required by plain gospel
precepts, and involved in Uie very
nature of a gospel church.

In that legitimate use of con-
fessions, for which wc contend,
there is no assumption of power
to determine controversies, and
to oblige men to al>so]ute siri>-
mission. We would leave every
person free to examine the senae
if Scripture, and to judge for

Survey (^Churches.

365

df ^tbe doctrines contain-
confetsions. We are ever
to assiert, that a Christiun
: to receive that seiuinu'nt,
I9 upon IIP partial inquiry,
rs moat agreeable to 8crip-
whethcr it is contained in
isions, or not. If we pro-
passagea of Scripture, as
j^ve proofs of the doc-
contained in creeds, let it
{ supposed, that ^ve would
Howed at a venture. We
DO design to fetter the un-
inding of others, or to bear
a rational inquiry by the
it of our decisions ; but
rrerjr one, with an unbiass-
pd| to examine our faith|
idge whether it be accord*
I Scripture.

; pretend not that a con-
n 'of faith, or any human
Mition is, properly speak-
atandard of ortliodoxy, or
I by wliich erroneous opin-
sn be certainly distinguish;-
itq. those which are true,
possible the truth may be
i other side, and that error
e found in the established
k. of the church, liut al-
h 110 church or society oi
: men have a right to
i^ine any article ol faith,
fix the meaning of Scrip-
so as to oblige others to
t to their decisions ; yet
who constitute a Christian
f have proper authority to
aine, what articles of faith
hemselves embrace, or in
i^aimer they understand
criptures, and what they
have their ministers be-
and preach ; and con-
itlyf tliey have authority
ipose a body of docir;ncs,
lief of wiiicu they ihink. ^xi
ial qualification of those.

who desire the ministerial office
or church communion among
them. So that when any person
is convicted of an opinion con-
trary to their confession, he is
not to be considered as properly
chargeable with absolute hrrefty^
but as holding a principle which,
in their xiifWy is heresy, and v hich
they are seriously persuaded is
of such a pernicious tendency,
that they .caimot receive any
man, as a minister or brotiier,
who maintains it.

Hence it is manifest, that the
determinations of an]^ body of
men ccmcerning articles of faith,
aire not founded upon any suppos-
ed authority, which they have to
govern the consciences of others,
or to make creeds for tiiem ; but
upon the natural right which all
men and all societies have .to fol-
low the dictates of their own uA-
derstanding, and to embrace and
supiKirt that scheme of religion,
in which they perceive the great-
est evidence of divine truth. In
a word, that use of confessions,
which we believe to be proper
and beneficial, rests upon that
unalienable privilege of arational
creature, the right qf private
judgment. And all the consid*
crations, which the warmest
advocates of freedom can urge to
heighten its excellence, we shall
cordially approve as important
advantages to our own cause ;
since ^e shall thereby have at
least the san^e liberty to value
and support confessions, as oth*
ers have to despise and reject
them.

If indeed churches should
oblige any person to incorpor^itc
witi) them and subscribe to t*. :ir
constitutions ; if tisey should
either forcL him to »cwe a as-
sent to their estabUsned coofev

,SM

ricMtt'fittt, tt-kftkn*Mdipaii^'
' hb Urn iot slteritig his lenii^
nenta bf depriving bim of uf
advuitagea, to Which be had &
dum independently of tbtn;'
this vohld bs czcee^Og tb*
bottnds of priTtte judgtiiwit, Md'
lording it onr flnothvi'* bitb:
But the priMciple> we tdopt «t«
not in the leMt expoied to Mk
objection. We'iUwr pbrweo**
tion in ef«97 llnpB)' beKivliit
^btt ererjr nuh liw «a e«iiu '
right irith W to ibUow tbi light
(^ hii own uodeMaodiiir md
the dictAtta «f hi» coiMUcMtii
ud thftt eoiilMttlonti lAprtioa*
lamtS) tomrtt tad Uood tte not
theftrgancnta Which <CMitiui^
neekaeu ottd charitf emptor'
ThcM BK the tool* ofiRttmK*
V)d cnw, calcnlued to' «^reM.
bamanilfi sod to ektirpHe- ill
true relig^. Thtt ut««f cob-
fewionit for wblcli wo^cod, Ik'
Bol bailt on mkI) priiwiplei, nor
don it tend to-tuehcMW^ueo-
cea. CandM readen Mil) eaHlf
perceive th«t the vehement «x>'
«I^niatioa&. i^ich have been al-
tered agtdn«t usurped power and
religioua perwcutioD, affect not
our cause- Thoto firlghtful im'
ages of itnpoeition, . hieimtchjriv
nnd lyrapnXt with which lonift
liibour to array confesaiona of
&ith, arecreatum'of fancyt-utd
owe their being to taistakeb ap*
preheniions or wilfiil partiality.
Indeed wc'have reason to com-
plain that writen on the other
aide have not treated out opiq-
ions with that moderation ano
candour, of which they ao often
jnake their boast.

We go iarther; It ia not ao
nnfoiwded obMrrBtioa, that the
outcry made by the iovetente
cncmiea of confcMipna tcnda to
deprtfc tbe elMRbea itf llie nai^

uttfWJf ' ifP^Imll^MIK ' '

CJM^i

■nd grlewMMly IB dppreMiMN
conaddMea. ' Thw tKroxiMitfit
of tmaghupy Mbnty', ftr'iAMii*

"thiy doMead.'bi-eMr'llHr-A**
OpjKtsite extreme of arbitrary ■
ptftvtr. This will be evident, ■
if we consider the consequent ■
'ceh, which natunilly attend ihc
aclienie of those, who moat ri-
gitily oppose confessions. From
flifcir i-fusonings ii plainly fol-

■loWs, that churches h«»c not '

■power to aijrce upon rules for '

' their own government ; that, al-
'thbugh tliey ape convinced in
COtascience. that soch docirinca '

" only arc agreeable to revelation
901I ou^ht to be preached to the

■peopk, and thercl'ore incline to

'tboosetlioscoBly fur pastor*, and
to receive those only for mem-
bers, who believe them ; yet
thty must be denied that liber-
ty ; they must be imposed upORi
ttod forced to hear doctrinest '

' which they think inconsistent
wJTh their edification ; and when '
they desire to attend upon piit^
lie worship, that tliey may make '
proj;rcss in religion, they must

- tubmit to an administration, '
which in their view tends rather
to retard, than to advance them

; in the ways of holiness. They
must have their ears grated by
doctritiea, which they reject 1t>
peralciouB, or dea|rfse aa ttcfcl|^l>

. and must be robbed of tlioMlwtf
ligiAua initructioin) whDdi Hi*
their greatcfft comknt.' '' '

It fioliows from the ■eH«libe-«f'
those, who make the fleroeat t/ff
poaKion ^ainW confeaalMu, thil^
becauae Ikey have « low .dBinMfr''

• of the doctrines of ChtiatlabitW
and are for allowing i|nbownJl|tl
latitude in mattcra of fiiitfa, tbhifeu
ing a man none the worMftwM^'
r^lkmi KWWiiKK; Y-"- — '

5t2y%mr y^Cyi w thiim

565

■ad aelicie uic ooc*
of
IB comridicnoo

and cMitcmpc oFtbcn. aftd «c\iM

d!C

i:s o «!« Asrr noiHXis in as

off rcMgioQ of ^reat

tB gmify tAeir inclios-
■iust be mrUiertat as lo
terests of t^ltj^ and ^tc
fcs little coDcem about
■mistera believe and icach.
90J be added aa another
[ttenceof their rea*oniD<»,
scBUie they are fuUj sati»-
lo the orthodoxT of a nuDi
awn the Scriptures and ex«
his sentimeots in the prv*
ords found tnere« though
ilne giving his assent to
Bcs expressed in any other
; therefore we« who are
ided, that ni4*nv men un*
nd scripture phrases in a
sr quite opposite to what
ok the true sense, and un-
mx lair varnish conceal the
UDScripiural schemes ;^
ID accordingly believe, that
using scripture phrases is
^idence what kind of doc-
tbey embrace, must, not-
landing, be content with
Use test of orthodoxy, and
act with serious caution,
be stigmatised, as morose,
fr-minded bigots.
lese are some of the won-
I benefits ivhich we owe to
I who profess to be most
MS for lil)erty and the right
mte judgment. This is the
freedom, to which they
1 elevate us ; a freedom
I would dissolve the bonds
hristian societies, and the
of faith ; a freedom whicli
I confound truth and error,
Hid darkness, the church
ie world ; a irc-edoin which
I impose upon us, if not r/r«
^ j»th^ at teast a disbelief

ji an«! imperious 4, nuz>
ner. as uic pontiOCAtc crcr «s-
samed.

Is there not ground for this
rebuke ? Usve not the ^n>urite
words»lfAr».>^:'ri>i.-«i>: ,/ ri\ ufe
Judgments £t2ni.\ kc been pi-r-
verted to an uncertain and danger-
ous sigmficatioD* and prostituted
to the most unworthy porpoj«s ?
Have they not been instniuicnu
of infidelity* and a bir ma&iu un*
der which apostacy from Chriy-
tianity and hatred of all goodness
liave disguised themselves ? Do
we not know that in the mouths,
and in the lives of many* liberty
means UteniiouMnf9t% a contempt
of the restraints of virtue and re-
ligion \ Do we not see t)uit tlic
adversaries of creeds are as fond
of their own notions, and as ob*
stinate in maintaining them^ and
look with as much disdain on
those who differ from thcm« as
the moat xealous devotees of
ortliodoxy I Are they not us im-
patient of contradiction .^ Do they
not shew themselves ca|>uble of
as much warmth and ruduncss ?
What writera in all the wc^rld
treat thoir opponents with more
contempt, display an air of high-
er superiority, or are more fond-
ly addicted to their own schemes,
than those who make the loudest
pretensions to candour and hber-
ulity I l^As loa.

THOUGHTS ON TUB DIViyiTY

or cuuisT.

The perfection of (*hrt&i's ex-
ample, and the evidence tiu'nrc
arising iu favour of the (;o»pitl,
have been stated in sfime pre-
ceding numbers of the Panu*
ftU%t, May we not hence derive

te6

Thmtghtsmi ^fui^Dhifdty 1^ Christ. f (

tn ar^vmeat- in' Ikvoitr of hit
yroper diTinity ?

Cbriit's perfect example
proves, at leaaty that he was an
extraordinary person. No other
mideBB ahd perfect character was
•?er known among men. *^ There
ia nott*' nor has there crfer been,
^ a just man on earthy who does
Mod aiid sins not." Moses nnd
Elijah were men endued with
prophetic and miraculoua gifts ;
tliejr were iavonred witii imme»
iliate inspiration ; th6f were
•minent fot* piety and virtue ;
they iiad'Dear access to, and hy
ttiiliar intercourse with Gon ;
tat still Ibey discovered human
Imperfection Moses, though
distinguished by the meekuess
of his temper, yet, under great
provocation, felt the impulse of
passion, and spake unadvisedly
with hia lipa. £ltjali^ though
pre-eminent for his zeal and for-
titude in the cause of God, yet
•nce^ discouraged by oppositiour
and intimidated by danger, quit-
ted his work for a season, and re-
tired to a cave. But Jcsua, un-
der vastly higher provocations,
preserved his meekness ; and
in the face of more terrible dan-
ger and more violent opposition,
maintained his' fortitude and acal.
We mutt then conclude, that he
was more than a man ; for we
tee that the greatest and best of
men— men endued with the most
eminent abilities, gifts, and vir-
tues, fell far below him. His
example plainly confutes the 60.
if man doctrine, that he was a
men^ man, authorized and fur-
nished only to instruct and 1*6-
form mankind by his doctrine
and example.

That he was truly andproper-
Ty a man, it is agreed ; tiiat there
iwt some Bupenor nature united

tA his hnmankyi 4t ia'-gec
conceded. But -what wni
nature f Might it not b
geltc f Need we suppose il
dMne f Now, whatever di
iy attends the latter suppes
attencb ■ the * former. If
was a union ot different^ni
to constitute his person, wi
as well believe, tnat ** thefi
of the Godhead,*' as that tk
ness of an atigel, or of a cf^
superior tjb an angel, ^ dw
him bodily.'* Either 61
unions would be to us iaez
ble and incomprehensible;
both e4ually so. By dei
his divinity, we neither ex
nor remove, nor dtminki
mysleiy ot the uniou« btti :
it as great, as it was bekiliq

Besides, have we suctt
roation concernin|^ the p
tion of angels, as will juati
conclusion, that tht: union
angtUc nature with Aicx
could have proiJucecl so pci
character, as timtol Jesus C
Angels are not impec
Multitudes of tlicm have a;
tized, -and hillen into conck
tion. Titose, who have
their first sute, unu who, wi
pose, are happily secured
detection, are certainly m^
ferior to Chnst 111 purity if
as in dignity. 1 iiey all wc
him witn humble views of 1
selves, and with aumirin)
adoring sentiments ot iiis w
parable holiness. When
saw^ in vision, the glory c
LoKO> or, as St. Jolm sayi
gloi7 of Chsxst, he thus
of him ; ^* I saw the Lord s
on a throne high and iiftc
and hia train filled the ter
and above it stood the Herufi
or principal an^ls ; ^^ etc
had six vringt % and wil|i

ISqy^l TimUghis m the JOi'&inity of CArhi.

36?

t covered hit &ce, and mth
in ftc covered hit feet," in to-
Ibep oi hit humiiitjr and rev-
tvencCf ** and with twain be did
fyy" to execute his Lord's will ;
fid one cried to another, saying,
4 //ofy, Hoiyj holy is the Lord of
^OBtp; the whole earth is full
ef liift glory." Jesus is here
ciliedJsHOTAH, a name not giv-
en to any of the angels, except
Ibe angel of the covenant, the
jf^rd JV«tf«. He is elsewhere
tBllcd the Son qf Gvd ; and ** to
vlucb of the angels said God^
ft any time, TAou an my Son P**
^ God chargcth his angels with
fcUy." When has he thus
charged ^ his beloved Son," in
vhom be has declared himself
* well pleased," and who profess-
es %o *^have done alnays the
fUngti which pleased him I"

The angels indeed are called

4ely i but still they are imper*

ibct. They stand not in their

^wa strength'. It is the nature

mt a creature to be mutable.

-S;iad Jesus been mutable, he

"^fDUld have been incompetent to

^lie work assigned him ; for he

'^^^ght have &iled, and the work

If^ then, we sup-

him to be a creature ever

perfect in his nature ; we

suppose some kind of union

^^^Ih Divinity, to secure him

l$9ni the possibility of error.

And why may we not as well be-

"Vpvc that Divinity was, in some

Viysterious way, united to the

WMis Jewys^ as believe that an

mgeUc or 9uprrangeHc nature

was united to him, and this na-

tare* in a way equally myste-

rioufty supported by Divinity i

Will not the latter supposition

ifther involve^ than unfold the

Seat mystery of godliness^
ill it not lather perplex, than

simplify a great and wonderful
doctrine, taught in Scripture witk
as much simplicity, as its nature
permits, and with as much per-
spicuity, as the &ith of the hum-
ble Christian requires I

There are angels, who kept
their first state. But they nev«r
were appointed to so momen-
tous a work, and never were sub-
jected to such tremendous trialsy
as was Jesus Christ. Had any
one of them been sent, as Christ
was, in the tike new of our sinful
flesh, and placed in the same
situation, in which he was, wh^
can believe that this angel would
have conducted with equal digni*
ty and constancy, benevolence
and meekness, humility and pap
tience \ If reason may be allow-
ed to speak in a question of thie
nature, will she not give her
judgment in &vour of Christ'a
Divinity \

We need not say that Christ's
perfect character alone^ is a fuM
and drciave proof of his proper
Divinity. There are other
proofs. But i/u9 has its weight.
At least it opens the way for tho
positive evidences to come witk
gi*eater force, and removes some
principal objections. In the ob-
jections, which arise from cer-
tain metaphysical difficulties at-
tending the union of different na-
tures, we are not, at present
concerned ; for, whatever hypo-
thesis we assume, these still re-
main.

Let a man read the Biblc^
especially the New Testament^
laying aside the fear of inexplica-
ble mystery ; and will he not be-
lieve that the Divinity of Christ
is taught there ? Admitting the
doctrine to be true, what more
decisive modes of expression
would h% oapeott than those

am Thmsghumih^DMrn^q^Cknit. 'j^

nMeh beKUt ? It U « genend of the eUUrai cT

rate, to rooeiTe those, as doc* *^lie frtll vilie the deed,

trines of wretetioii, which, if jvdfe the world aft the bstdiy^

thef were anch^ could not be ex- that ^ all theraa^dt of God ^m*

preaaed ia clearer and airoiiger ahip him, and tohioi temerj ittfi

terms. shall bow, of thhigs in hesiM

I remember once to hare and thuga In earth*^ that *•

heard two i^tlemen disputing he throi^ the olenial Sphk

on our present subject. One of offered hnnsdf witho<|t spoils

them, arising against the Di« Cvod, so his blood can cisaatt

Hnxvf of Chriat, said, *^ If It were Awn all ain, and purge the coa*

true, it certiUnlf wonld hafe been acieUce ftom dead wotka.'* K

expressed in more clear and we believe 'his DiTlnitfy ttos

nncquivocal terms.** *^ Weil,*' doctrines are' eaailf nnderslao^

said the olhe^ ^ admitting that and reidilf admitted. If «e da*

you believed it, were attthorixed tij it, these doctrines beesMS

so tiesch it, and allowed to uae more cfifBcolt to be oxphiae^

four own tangnage i how would and more hard to be' reodvA

you cxpreas the doictrine, to than that which we denjr.

make it indubitable ?*' ^< I wonld Rsah and injudidoas

aay,*' replied the first, ^ that Je- tions ofthe doctrine haveffcte-

aus Christ Is thb rmun god.** Uy been the cansci why sdsib

^ You are very happy,*' rejoined hav^ denied, or been tliooghlt»

the other, ^ in your choice of deny it. What ia denied tiqr

words, for you have happened to perhaps, in many caaes, be fsA*

hit on the very words of inspire- er the human dogma, than dn

tion. St. John, speaking of the divine truth.
Son, says, *< Hiis h the true Go^ How &r right conceptienti iid

and eternal life.** > correct ideaa of this woaderfU

There are unions in the naturv doctrine, may be essentisi Is

al world, which the philosopher aalvation, the' humble ChriitiiO

cannot explain. Why should chooses to leave with him, wMlB

the believer attempt, or the dis* judgment is always accoidiagts

believer demand, an explanation truth. His principal concern i^

of the union between the divine with himself, to know the tntk

and- human natures in Jesus and to be governed by it. At

Christ f The Scripture saya himself he examinee careMb^

enough, when it tells us, that that he may be folly persusM

*' God was manifested in the in his own mind. But of Ul

flesh"-~that <' in Christ dwelt brethren he will hope chantakVi

the fulness of the Godhead bodi* and speak cautiously. Besiire ht

]y.*' Does the philosopher go will be slow to condemn, as hcffs-

farther in stating the union be* sy, the rejection of Ai# own ex*

twcen soul and body in man ? plAnatlons of p:irttcular* dOC-

The Scripture asserts that ^'all trines ; for he knows, men mil

things were created by Jesus agree in the substance, butfi^

Clirtst*'— 4hat *' he is before all fer in the circumstances of tte

things, and by him all things fisiith, delivered to the s^iMi*

consist**--that ^' he searcheth At a time, when the gospdil*

the hearts, and trieth the reins self is opposed» its fiiettia oa|^

)

]

The Decalogue.

369

: tlieir strength in its dc-
aid be watchful, lest tliey
I their own, and each oth-
)d9 by unnecessary con-
ITy and uncandid severity.
: not Christian candour
rate into indijfcreucc^ nor
I the didthif^uLhing doc-
f the gos[)eI for tiie sake
c. The >visdom) which
above, is peaccuLIc, but
I pure, Theophilus.

HE DECALOGUE.

BNTU COMMANDMENT.

ibalt not commit adulter}'."

RiAGK was originally the
on of the Creator, and
(Ugned to promote the

domestic comfort, and
order of mankind. To
Qen from violating its su-
ities is the object of this
•

comment, which our
IS given us on this com-
is evidently the dictate of
sdom. " Ye /mvc htard
was haiil by Uum of old
^QU nhali not com mi I adul-
ut I Hay unto yoti^ That
cr Uioktth on a woman to
r herj/tai/i committed adul-
h her already in hin hvart,
thy riff/it eye offt-nd t/iee^
out^and cant it from fhcc :
Pvfjitablf' for thee that ojie
icmbera hhould /irrinh^ and
thy whoir body should Lc
7 hell, jfnd if thy riifht
end t/ire, ciif it off^ and
rom thte: fjr it is fir rf-
or thfc that one ff thy
» should furifih^ and not
/ whole body tdiould be
o hillP Let tlie ave-

sin be sluit. Chasten
DUghts, y<Mir words, and
:tions. In g:iining this
se every exertion. No
. No. 8. Z z

present gratification can compen-
sate in any degree for the loss of
tlie soul. Let that gratification,
tiioreforc, be resolutely denied.
Valuiible as an eye or hand may
be, it has no vuhie, when com-
pared with our peace and salva-
tion. Less ground is there for
comparing tlie pleasure of sen-
sual gratifications of any kind
with the consequent damage sus-
tained both in this and in the fu-
ture world.

This command has its founda-
tion in theprescnt state of things.
What it requires is necessary for
our own happiness, and also
jruards one of tlie best interests
of society. The irregular, break
through all bounds, and incapaci-
tate tiiemselves for tlie purity
and order for which celestials
are distinguished.

The crime here forbidden was
punisiied by the law of Moses
with death, infiicted by strang-
ling, or stoning, according to the
degree of aggravation attbnding
the crime. It was peculiar to
the Mosaic dispensation to re-
move the jealousy of a husband,
when excited, by bitter waters
administered in a solemn manner
by a priest to the suspected per-
son. When the suspicions had
no foundation, the waters were
of a salutary and invigorating na-
ture ; but otherwise, nothing can
be conceived more instantaneous-
ly pernicious and fatal.

The deviatior»s of those desti-
tute of revelation were very
great witli respect to this com-
mandment. The Lacedemonian
virgins were lau;^ht to consicfcr
it as an act of religion to sucri-
fi':e their honour once in their
rile, out of respect to their koc!-
diss Astartc. The sanse prue-
tice prevailed at Carthage. The

370 Dr. Campbell on Possessions* [^oir^

Lacederoofiian virgins were not publish the feUowing^ extract
only indulged, birt even en- from the learned Dr. Campbell^
coom^cd by law in cxercisesi Prelim. Dia. VI. part I. $ 10.
which were inconsistent with this " A late learned and ingenioiif
commandment. With respect author,* has written an elaborate
to purity of manners the Gentile dissertation to evince, that there
world in j^eneral were in a la- was no real possession in the de^
mentable state. moniacs mentioned in the goB«

Scott, in his note on this com- pel ; but that the style there enf
mondment, well observes, that ployed was adopted merely is
^^ writing, publishing, vending, conformitj to popular prejudi"
circulating, or reading obscene cesy and used of a natural disease.
books ; exposing to view inde- His hypothesis is by no means
cent ])ir in ITS or statues, or what- necessary for supporting tht
ever else may excite men's pas- distinction which I have been il-
bioi^s, paitakes of the g^ilt of lustrating, and which is founded
transgressing this command; purely on scriptural usage. Con-
and wit, elegance, and ingenuity ceming his doctrine^ I shall on-
cnly ' increase the mischief, ly say in passingi that, if there
wi.erevcr the specious poison is had been no more to urge from
admhnstercd. All the arts of sacred writ in fisivour of the conn
dress, motion, and demeanor, mon opinion, than the name
which form temptations to heed- imfM^tH^fUHf^ or eveu the phraset
less youth, with all those blan-' )«^vMriXf^v,i«^3«iAAf«9»&c. I should
dishments, insinuations, amo- have thought his explanation at
rous looks and words, which sub- least not improbable. But when I
serve eduction, and prepare the find mention made of the number
way for criminal indulgence, fall of demons in particular possea-
under the same censure. In sions, their actions so expressly
short, the commandment re- distinguished from those of the
quires the utni«)st purity, both man possessed,conversat]ons held
of body and soul, in secret as by the former in regard to the dit-
well as before men ; with a holy posal of them after their expul-
indi Terence to animal indulgen- sion, and jiccounts g^ven how
ces, and the strictest govern- they were actually disposed of;
ment of all the appetites, senses, when I find desires and passions ^
and passions.*' ascribed peculiarly to them,

How grateful ought we to boj similitudes taken j from the con-
for the restraints of religion, duct which they usually observe
Listen to its instruction. It is it is impossible for me to deny
the instruction of tried friend- their existence, without admit- —
ship, summed up in few words i ting that the sacred historians
do thyself no harm. Philolooos* were either deceived themselves
^ ■ in regard to them, or intended tfw

EXTRACTS FROM DR. CAMPBELL deceive their readers. Nay if
" ON POSSESSIONS.'* they were Coiithful historiansy

As there are some, who disbe- this reflection, I am afraidi will
lleve the literal account of fios~ strike still deeper."
tessiontt found in the gospels ; a
constant reader ret][uests you to * Br. Farmer.

1807-3 Extract from Jortiri^s Life of Erasmus. 371

^BB BrVBCTS OF TEMPORISING
IM MATTERS OF BRLIOION,
SXBMFLIFIED IN THE CON-
DUCT OF ERASMUS.

fixtrmctedfrtmt hif Life by Dr. yartvu

Tbb celebrated diet of Worms
vat held this fear, 1 53 r, where
Luther^ who had as much cour-
age as Alexander and Julius CaM
aar pat together, made his ap^
pearancey and maintained his
opinions) in the presence of
Charles V. and of other Princes.
After this, his friend, the Elec-
tor of Saxony, carried him off
fecretl]^, and conveyed him to
the fortress of Wartburg, where
,be ren»ained concealed for some
time, being proscribed by the
ismperori and excommunicated
by the Pope. Hereupon Eraar
mus wrote a long letter to his
friend Jodocus Jonas, a Luthei^
VH in which he deplores the fate
jnf Luther, and of those who de-
idpred themselves his associates ;
|c blames them much for want of
inoderation, as if this had brought
their distresses upon them.
Moderation doubtless is a virtue :
liut ao iar was the opposite party
from allowing Luther to be in
the right, as to the main points,
that it was his doctrine which
gave the chief offence to the
court of Rome ; and he would
have gained as little upon them
oy proposing it in the most sub-
missive and softest manner, as
he gained by maintaining it in
bis rough w^y. Erasmus him*
lelf experienced the truth of
this ; and the monks were not
induced to change any thing that
reprehenaible in tlieir no*

tions and in their manners^by hit
gentler and more artful remon^
strances, and abhorred his ironies
no less than the bold invectives
of Luther. However, Erasmus
may stand excused in some mea-
sure in the sight of candid and
&vourablc jndges, because he
talked thus, partly out of timidi-
ty, and partly out of love and
friendship towards him to whom
he addressed himself. ^' You
will tell me," says he, " my dear
Jonas, to what purpose these
complaints, especially when it is
too late ? Why in the first place,
that (although things have been
carried almost to extremities)
one may still try, whether some
method can be lound to compose
these terrible dissensions. We
have a Pope, who in his temper
is much disposed to clemency ;
and an emperor, who is also mild
and placable." Honest Erasmus
judged very wjrong of both these
persons. Leo was a vain, a vo-
luptuous and debauched man,
who had no religion, and no com-
passion for those, who would not
submit entirely to his pleasure,
as he shewed by the huu)j;hty
manner in which he treated Lur
ther, without admitting the least
relaifAtion in any of the disputed
points. Such is the character
which history has bestowed upr
on him : and as to Charles V. he
was a most ambitious and restless
prince, who made a conscience
of nothing, to accomplish any of
his projects, as it appears iroin
the bloody wars which he wu^ed
under religious pretences, and
indeed from his whole conduct.
The Lutherans would have been

572

Character of the Apostle Paul.

[Jan.

fools and mad| to. have trusted
themselves and their cause to
such a pontiff, and to such an
emperor.

^* If tills cannot be accom-
plished," continues Erasmus, " I
would not have you interfere in
these affairs any longjer. I al-
ways loved in you those excel-
lent gifts, which Jesus Christ hath
bestowed upon you ; and I bey
you would preserve yourstlf, that
you may hereafter labour for the
cause of the gospel. The more
I have loved the genius and tal-
ents of Huiten, the more con-
cerned I am to lose him by these
troubles ; and what a depIoi*able
thing would it be, that Philip
IMelancthon, an amiable youth
of such extraordinary abilities,
should be lost to the learned
world upon the same account !
If the behaviour of those, who
govern human affairs, shocks us
and grieves us, I believe we
must leave them to the Lord.
If they command things reason-
able, it is just to obey them ; if
they require things unreasonable,
it is an act of piety to suffer it,
lest something worse ensue.
If the present age is not capable
of receiving the whole gospel of
JesusChrist,yetitis something to
preach it in part, and as far as we
can 1 1 Above all things we should
avoid a schism, which is of per-
nicious consequence to all good
men. There is a certain pious
craft, and an innocent tinit:serv-
ing, which however ^^ e must so
use, as not to betray the cause of
religion." ! ! Sec.

Such is the gospel which Eras-
mus preached up to the Luther-
ans, imagining that they and
their cause would go to ruin, and
that a worse condition of things
would ensue. But, if they had

complied with his proposal, wa
should have been at this day in*
volved in all the darknesst which
had overspread the Christian
world in the fifteenth centuryi
and for many ages before it. So
far would the popes and the ec*
clesiastics have been from aban*
donmg their beloved interests^
founded upon ignorance and &u-
pcrstition, that a bloody inquisi-
tion would have been established^
not only in Italy and Spain, but
in all Christian countries, which
would have smothered and ex-
tinguished forever those lights
which then began to sparkle. Lu-
theranism, gaining more strength
and stability than Erasmus ex*
pected, prevented the tyranny of
an inquisition in Germany, and
the reformation of Calvin socur*
ed the liberty of other countries.
If all Germany had yielded 8c sub-
mitted toLeo & to Charles, in com-
pliance with the timorous counsels
of Erasmus, he himself would
undoubtedly have been one of
the first sufferers ; and th^ court
of Rome, no longer apprehen-
sive lest he should join him-
self to the heretics, would
have offered him up a sacri
fice of a sweet smelling savour t
the monks, who did a thousani
times ipore service to that'cou
than a thousand such scholars
Erasmus.

(To be continued.)

CHARACTER OF THR APOSTLC
PAUL, BT MiLKER.

We have now finished

the lives of two men of singular
excellence unquestionably, James
the Just, and Paul of Tarsus.
The former, by liis uncoinnlon
virtues, attracted the esteem |if a

Old Divinity.

373

people, who were full of
tmgeftt prejudices against
tnd in regard to the iat-
t question may be asked
peat propriety, whether
nother man ever existed
; all those, who have in-
1 the corrupted nature of
? He had evidently a soul
ind capacious, and possess-

those seemingly contra-
r excellencies, which,
▼er they appear in conibi-
, fail not to form an extra-
ry character. But not on-
talents were great and va^
—his learning also was
Hid and extensive ; and
persons with far inferior
w and attainments have ef-

national revolutions, or
rrise distinguished them-
, in the history of mankind,
onsummate fortitude was
aped with the rarest gentle*
and the most active chari-
Elts very copious and vivid
nmtion was chastized by the
accurate judgment, aud was
«ted with the closest argu-
itive powers. Divine grace
could compose so wonder-
, temperature ; insomuch,
br the space of near thirty
i after his conversion, this
whose natural haughtiness
fiery temper had hurried

into a very sanguinary
le of persecution, lived the
d of mankind ; returned

for evil continually ; was a
a of patience and bcncvo-
i^ and steadily attentive only
evenly things, while yet he
I taste, a spirit, and a genius,
h might have shone among
greatest statesmen and men
Lters that ever lived.
ht. of the Church of Chrisif
'POi.I.fi. 137, 3</re/.

OLD DIVINITY.

The following are the sentiments
of the jBritish* divines at the
synod of Dorty on some intere^t^
ing points of divinity,

(Translated for the Panoplist.)

Of the /lower of the will in cor*
ru/it man.

Thesis 1. The will of fallen
man is destitute of supernatural
and saving endowments, with
which it was enriched in a state
of innocency ; and therefore
without the energy of grace, pro-
duceth no spiritual acts.

2. In the will of lapsed man,
there is not only the power of
sinning ( but a strong inclination
to it.

Of works preceding conversion.

Thesis 1. There are certain
external works,, ordinarily requir-
ed of men, before they are
brought to a state of regenera-
tion or conversion, which aret
sometimes, to be freely done by
them, and sometimes freely omit-
ted ; as to go to church, hear
the preaching of the word, and
such like.

2. There are certain internal
fffccts previous to regeneration
or conversion, whichjby the pow-
er of the woi'd and Spirit, are
excited in the hearts of those,
who arc not yet justified; such as
a knowledge of the divine will, a
sense of sin, fear of punishment,
thoughts of being set at liberty,
and some hope of pardon,

3. Those, whom (iod thus
affects by his Spirit through the

• The divines sent fmm Givat Bri-
tain to tlie syn<Ml, were Georj^ Binliop
of Lamlufi; John Davcnant, D. D.
Samuel Ward, D.D. Tliomas Goailus.
D. D. Walter Balcanquallui, B. D.

574

Old Dhimty.

Urn.

medium of the word, he truly
and in good earnest calls and in-
Yites to fkith and conversion.

4. Those) whom God thus in-
fiyenceth, he doth not desert, nor
cease to move onward in the true
way to conyerftion, until they
desert him by their voluntary
neglect, or repulse of this ini-
tial grace.

5. These preceding effects,
produced hi the niiinds of men
by the word and Spirit gf God,
may be and often are, by Uie &ult
of rebellious will, suffocated and
entirely extinguished; so that
Bome, on whose minds, by the
power of God's word and Spirit,
was impressed some knowledge
of divine truth, some grief for
their sins, some desire and ear-
nestness to be set free, are evi^
dently changed to the contrary,
reject and hate the truth, give
themselves up to their lusts, be-
come hardened, and die in them,
without any anxiety.

6. The elect themselves do
never, in these acts preceding
regeneration, so conduct themr
selves, but that, on account of
their neglect and resistance, they
might justly be deserted and
wholly given up of God : but
there is such special mercy of
Cod towards them, that, although
they may for a considerable time
repel or stifle exciting and il!u-
minating grace, God urges them
again and again, nor ceases to in-
fluence them, dntil he has ef-
fectually subjected them to his
grace, and placed them in the
state of regenerate children.

7. As to the non-elect when
they rasist tlie divine grace and
Spirit, in these acts preceding
regeneration, and, through the
corruptness of th«ir own free
vill, extinguish the aame mitial

effects in themaelToa, God| aa fii
Beet fit, justly deserts ' them :
these we pronounce deserted
through their own &ult, remain*
big burdened in the same, and
unconverted.

Concerning' emtmtrmimf a»ii im»

pHe9 the imwudiate tvorJt ^God

regenerating tnan,

I . The minds of the elsct excited

by the aforesaid acts of gracet

and being prepared *\xj a ccKaii^

inward and marveUcnis opentioaf

God regenerates, and aa it were

creates anew, by infusing a

quickening sinritt by fumisMng

all the faculties 6S the soul with

new qualities.

3. To thi9 work of regenera-
tion man holds himself passive,
neither is it in the will of man to
hinder God thus regenerating.

Concerning conroerdon^ ot it der
notet the action (^ma% turning
himself to God by faith and Mavr
ing refienttmce.

Thesis 1. Our ac/i«^ convert
sion follows that above stated,
while God draws forth from the
renewed will the act of believing
and turning, which fwilU being
acted upon by God, itself acts by
turning itself to God, and by be-
lieving, i. e. by drawing forth at
the same time its own vital
act.

2. This divine act does not in?
jure the liberty of the will* but
strengthens it : neither does it
totally extirpate the vicious pow-
er of resisting ; but efficaciously
and sweetly communicates to
man, a firm will to obey.

3. God does not, at all times,
so influence a converted and be*
lieying man to subsequent good
actions, as to take away the will
to resist ; but sometixiies prrnnH

1807.]

T/ie Orphans Anecdotes.

375

l&im to fklly through his own and to obey hit lust in many par*
laiilty from the leading of grace, ticular acts.

THE ORPHANS.

MT ctabe ttt «nii9 Uu did pia,
J«c mi ihe MtUsg ton** but nf

TIptwittuMprt fold cbe vh«
or Kte crifi ckMckacrou tbt ««y.

tW ««y I allnt apedt
Ctac liH aappar to beicoUe
■MTBlMag o'er tfee dnd,

M foaad tbe aacleat file.

Tlnv Bnay «i lamiMe pern grave •hew'd
Wkan «Mt, and pril^ Md tall dM IOC I
Aad SMV ■ iaitcrlw nuum I vlrwM.

Aad — y ■ Ittcrlag

kad wealtli powett'd.

Its

* o^er a yrave vimv
a vkkki thuugh KsitK with grj
TWO rMMd childfCB

Jk piece of bfcad tatveea theni ••j*

Wklch Mkter Mem*d laclia*/ to lake |
Aad fct tliCT look VI to awch a pfey
. Ta VIM. K iMde iM iMart to

My Rttle childiem, let we ki

Wby yoa \m wKh dMn
Asd why yout vaatcfkl, from
l,wkkiiiMaya

thiov

TkeUttlcboy.ta
lepflcd,wkUec

* Lady, we've not
Aadlfw

ockerfckaa^
lo cot«

'»y(

AM will aot cat« whau^ I iay«
MIC I aa tke bmd*t her owma
to-day.'»

1 **(lke
TiU Hcmry eaUvini cat ao

1 get aeaw biead I
like day

My kcart dM MTdU ay boHMi keM I
1 fcte w tkoi«k drprWd of qwcck*

I deal eat vpoa ikrpMC,
Aad pMird a clBy-«ld kaad of each.

«Hk looka tkat tald a late of wo.

With looks tkat i^okea paceftil heart.

The akhrMag hoy did Bcmr draw*
Ai^ thus their tale of wo Impart.

) ay fSather vcat away.
CaikM hy btf mea oVr the seat
hlBi ■■< 1 dM ■! ii^t hat play..^

WkllvMI

»o<

** And thea poor aocher did an cry.
And lookM so chaag'd I caaaot tell |

ghe told ui thst ahe aooa shauM dle^
And bade in love each other welL

*'8btf said that wliea the war is o^»
hrtt jp* ** tui^ht oar fttthn see :

But if we never saw him morr,

That God oor Father then would h^

<■ She klu'd us both, and then she died.
And we BO more a mother have....

Berc many a'dvf we at aad ciied
Together, oa poor mother^ grave.

** But whea our father caoie aot here,
1 thvMght, If we could €ad the sea.

We should he sure to meet him thctc^
Aad oBce again »hould happ)- be.

** We hand la hind went maay a mile,
Aad askM our way of all we met.

And some did sigh, aad some dM smik;.
And we of some did vktuala get.

** But whea we ivach*d the sea, and fooaA
*Twas onegreat water round us sptrad.

We thuught that father suic was druwn'd.
And cry 'd, aad wiahV as both weie dead.

** So we retoni'd to mother's grave.
And only loag with her to he f

For Onudy, whea this bread she gaw.
Said, father died beyuad the I

"TlMV.riace ao paicats have w
Well go and seek for Ood around i

Lady, pcay caa you lell us wkere
That God, oar Father, may be found ff

•* He llret la henma mother said.
And Gmdj nys that flMither's there |

So If she thbiks we waat his aid,
I think, perhapa shell scad him bete.*

I clasp'd the prattlcn to my becast,
Aad said. Come both aad live with

111 clothe ye, fced ye, giva ye rset,
Aad vlU a sacoad nolhar be.

Aad Ood win be year iMhcr sUH t
TwM Be la awrcy seat at

Tn teach yoa to otiey hia win.
Tour depa to galde.

ANECDOTES.

OF GIFFORn.

Tbk late Dr. GifTord, as he
iru one day shewing the British
ifuseum to strangers, was very
much Texed by the profane con-

versation of a young gentleman^
who was present. The Doctor
taking an ancient copy of the
Scptuagint, and shewing it to
Vn9--^*0!" said the genile<»^

876

Anecdotes.

iJm.

isan, " I can read this,"—
" Well,'* said the Doctor, ** read
that passage," poinling to the
thii-d commandment. Here the
gentleman was so struck, that
he immediaieiy desisted from
swearincj.— ** A word, fitly spok-
en, is like apples of gold in pic-
tures of silver." Prov. xxvii. II.
and, ^^ A woi-d spoken in due sea-
son, how good is it 1" Prov. xv.
23.

OF MR. DOOLITTLE.

The Rev. Thomas Doolittle,
M. A. one of the ministers in
England, who were ejected from
their charges in consequence of
the act of uniformity passed in
the i*eign of King Charles II.
was minister of St. Alphage,
London -wall. After he was
obliged for conscience' sake, to
resign that charge, he continued
to exercise his ministry in a
meeting house, first at Bun-
hiil-ficlds, and afterwards in
Monkwell-stix'ct, where he la-
boured with much acceptance
and success to the time of his
death, which happened on the
1st of June, 1 707. He was a se-
rious, animated, and useful
preacher ; and much respected
by, all who knew him. The fol-
lowing very remarkable anecdote
is told concerning him.

One Sunday, after he had fin-
ished the first prayer, on look-
ing round the congregation, he
oijserved a young gentleman just
shut into one of the pews, who
discovered much uneasiness in
that situation, and seemed to
wish to go out again. Mr. Doo-
little, feeling a peculiar desire to
detain him, iiit upon the follow-
ing expedient. Turning to-
wards one of the members of his

church, who sat in tlie gaUeryi
he asked him this question aload,
" Brother, do you repent of your
coming to Christ ?" " No, Sir,"
he replied, ^' I never was happy
till then ; I only repent that I
did not come to him sooner."
The minister then turned to-
wards the opposite gallery, and
addressed himself to an aged
member in the same manner,
" Brother, do you repent that
you came to Christ ?" " No,
Sir," said he, '^ I have known the
Lord from my youth up."

He then looked down upon
the young man, whose attention
was fully engaged, and, fixing
his eyes upon him, said, " Young
man, are you willing to come to
Christ ?" This unexpected ad-
dress from the pulpit, exciting •
the observation of all the peo-
ple, BO affected him, that he sat
down and hid his face. Tbe
person, who sat next him en-
couraged him to rise, and answer
the question. The minister re-
peated it, " Young man, are j/w
willing to come to Christ?"
With a tremulous voice, he re-
plied, " Yes, Sir." " But when.
Sir," added the minister, in a sol-
emn and loud tone. He niikllf
answered, " Now, Sir." " Then
stay," said he, "and hear the'
word of God, which you will find
in 2 Cor. vi. 2." " Behold, nm
is the accepted time ; behold,
nonv is the day of salvation."

By this sermon God touched
his heart. He came into the
vestry after service, dissolved in
tears. That unwillingness to
stay, which he had discovered,
was occasioned by the stricU in-
junction of his father, who
threatened, that if ever he went
to hear the fanatics, as he called
the non-cunfonuibt ministcrs> ht

Dr. Beaitie and /us Son.

377

turn him out of doors.
now beard tbefn^ and un-
conceal the feelings of
d) he was afraid to meet
ler. The minister tat
did wrote an affectionate
I him^ which had so good
stf that both father and
came to hear for them-
The Lord graciously
h them both ; and father,
ither, and son, were to-
received with universal
' the church. Relig^, Man.

BEATTIK AND HIS SON.

much to be desired (ob-
one) that in lessons to
1} matters of fact, and ex-
taken from visible ob-
ihould be made use of.
lae method of instruction
rhaps, never more forci-
more usefully employed,
I the following instance
Seattle's son. The Doc-
aking of his son, thus ob-
He had reached his fifth
year, knew the alphabet,
ild read a little ; but had
I no particular informa-
h respect to the author
eing. In a corner of a
.rden, without informing
ion of the circumstance,
in the mould with my
the three initial letters of
lie, and sowing {garden
in the furrows, cov-
p the seed, and smooth -
ground. Ten days after
t running to me, and with
iment in his countenance,
that his name was grow-
he garden. I laughed at
>rt and seemed inclined
gard it ; but he insisted
. N9.8. AAa

on my going to see what had
happened. ** Yes," said 1 care-
lessly on coming to the spot, *' I
see it is so :" '^ fiut what is
there in this worth notice ; is ic
not mere chance V* and I went
away. He followed me, and
taking hold of my coat, said with
some earnestness, ^^ It could not
be mere chance, for that some-
body must have contrived mat-
ters so as to produce it.'*

" So you think," said I, " that
what appears so regular as the
letters of your name, cannot be
by chance ?" " Yes," said he,
with firmness, " I think so."
'* Look at yourself," I replied,
'^ consider your hands and fin-
gers, your legs and feet, and
other limbs ; are they not regu-
lar in their appearance and use-
ful to you ?" He said they were.
" Came you then hither," said I,
«by chance?" "No," he an-
swered, " tliat cannot be, some-
thing must have made me.
" And who is that something ?
I asked. He said, " I don't
know." I had now gained the
point I aimed at, and saw that
his reason taught him (though
he could not express it) that
what begins to be must have a
cause ; and that what is formed
with regularity, must have an
intelligent cause. I therefore
told him the name of the great
Being, who made him and all
the world, concerning whose
adorable nature, I gave him such
information as I thought he
could in some measure compre-
hend. The lesson affected him
greatly, and he never forgot ei-
ther it, or the circumstance that
introduced it.

jinecdotea of Childrtn and
Young J*fr9ons.

••

»»

878

Mr. MasorCi Sermon,

^3f^ -

Befiietn of Btno ]^uliiication^

JiTc9siuh*9 Throne J a Sermon
Jireached before the Lon4ion
JMiationary Society^ at their
eighth aimnal meetings in T\it»
tenham^court Chafielyon the eve*
^ing of Thursday^ May 13,

. 1802. Hy John M. Masov,
A, ^f, Pa lit or fjf the ji9»ociate
Krfjrmed Church in the city qf
JVcW' York', London. Bi^g;s
and Cottle. 1 802.

This discourse is founded on
the sublime address of the eter*^
lud Father to the Lord Jesus
Christ ; Heb. i. 8, But unto the
SoHj ke saith^ Xf^y throne^ O God^
U forever and ever. In the in-
troduction the author mukes this
observation ; that the apostle is
'* Under no apprehension of betraying^
the unwury into idolHtroiii homage,

Spring* to the Lord Jesus greater
wy than is due unto his name ;"
An observation, which we may
with evident propriety make, re-
specting many inspired writers.

The general plan of discourse
itt to consider Christ^s fiernonal
glory^ which shines forth in the
name, " O God," by which he
is lierc revealed ; and his aof-
ereign rule ; ♦* thy throne is for-
ever and ever."

After noticing an attempt of
those, who controvert the essen-
tial Deity of Christ, to pervert
the phraseology and change the
Sublime meaning of the text, the
pre^hcr, bold in the truth, suys ;

** The crown which flourishes on
Afsiiiah's head is not to be torn away,
nor the anchor of <*ur hope to be
irrefted from us by the rude hand of
lieentiouM criticism."

The following pMiige de-
serves to be quoted entiret both
for the animated eloquence with

which it is composed, and for
abundant evidence in &vour
Christ's divinity, which it
briefly, and with such an impret
sive novelty, exhibits.

** I cannot find, in the lively
a single distnietive iaark of dck;
i«:hich is not applied, witikNit reier^
or timitation, to the only besutlen Son
All thfaiga whatsoevtf the FritiM
hatlb •re hia. Who is thaft ttiysterv
ous Word, that was in the beiim
ninv^ u-ith ^God ? Who '■• the Al *
and Omega, the beginning and
ending, the first and the last, the Al-
mighbr ? Who it he that - knovi
what u in man, becaiise.he searehes
tbc deep and dark recetses of
heart? rp%« ia the Onmipteaeii^
has promised, Wliererer two or *
are gatheretl together In rort
the>e am I in tiie midst m thi
the light of whose conntenanefe h»
the aame moment, the joy of heave

and the salvation of earn? who

mcircled by the Seraphim on hig Tr,
and walks in the midst of the gnld^^v^BB

candlciiticks ? who is in this aasc-^

blv ; in all the assemblies of h» pt
pie ? in every worship|Mng iamil
in ever)' closet of praver ? in evi
holy heart? ir*oiehands hai-e atret-i
ed out the heavens and laid
foundations of the earth ? Who ^
n^plenished them with inhaWta^rrt^
aiul garnished them witli bea«.ah;
having created all things that arc m
byth, visible and invisible, whefBer
they be thrones, or drnnMioos, or
principalities or powers \ By w^fc«»
do all things consist? Who is w
gfivemor among the natioos, ha'^aig
on his vesture and tm his thirfc «
name written, King of kings nndL^«rt
of lords. Whom is it the Fstifcacr't
win that all men should honrnir, «J^"
as thoy honour himself ? Wham ™
he commanded his angebito worsb>p?
Wham to obey ? Before wAom dtf ^
devils tremble ? -W'Ao is qualified to
redeem millions of sinners from tbs
wnth to come, and preserve tb«%
by his grace, to his everlaatine k^
diom r Who ralseth the dead, bsriw
lifbin hUnseU; to qmawwhdHM

jifh Mason*s Sermon,

379

I tbat at hit voice all who are

rrmvea shall come forth— 4nd
lid hell surrender their numer-

forgotten captives ? Who shall

in the balance of jud^pnient,
itinica of angeU and men ?

of the thrones i>f paradise ?
tow eternal lite ? Sliall I sub-
life (U'Ctsion of reason i Shall
^esnon»ie<from heaven ? Shall 1
1 the devils from their chains
MM:? The reaponse from hea-
inda in my ears; reason ap-

and the devils confess— This,
itians^ is none other jthan tlie

God ou« Saviour !
eedp my brethren, the-doctrint

Lord's divinity is not, as a
ore interesting to our faith,
s a principle, it is essential to
le. ' If he were not the ti'uc
le could not be eternal life,
jircased down by guilt and Ian-
r for happiness, I look around
iuverer, snob as uiv conscience
heart and the word of God as-
s I need, instilt not my aguny^
:ting me to a creature— to a
nere man like mvseif I A crea-
i man ! My Redeemer owns
0M. My iminoi-tal spirit is his
. When I come to die, j[
immit it into his hands. My
My infinitely precious soul
ted to a mere man ! become
perty of a mere mani ^ would
iSt entrust my body, to the

angel who bums in the tepi-
re. ^ is only the Fatlier of
hat can have prupefty in spir-
. be their refuge in the hour
lition from the pivsrnt to the
hing world. In slinrt, my
1^ the divinity of jcsus, is, in
cm of grace, the sun to which
Mffts are subordinate* ami all
itilions refer, which bimls

sacred concord; and imparts

their radiance, and lilc, aftd

Take from it this centr-d

y, and the glory is departed.

harmonies are broken. The
• rush to chaos. 'l^\\c light
atioii is extingui&iicd lor-

the author well observes,
w not the Deity of the
mply considered, to which
xt confines our attention ;
. leads us to contemplate

him, as God manifest in the
flesh, and as the Mediator of the
new covenant.

Under the second general
head the author with true Chris-
tian oratory, insists upon the
ntubiiity of Messiah's kingdom^
arising from hin omnipotence^ and
from the Falher*9 covenant ; and
upon his administration^ bearing,
in the highest degree, the charac*
iers of mystery^ toiudom^ and
righteouMHcUn

In his enumeration of the
menntiy which Messiah employs
in the ad^ninistration of his king*
dom, .the author mentions the
goMpfl^ the agency qf the Holy
Ghottf and the resources of the
Jihyncal and moral world. In
treating tlie last particular, he
shows how extenaive his views
are of the sovcreiga dominion of
Christ.

" Supreme in heaven and in eaith«
upholding all things by .tjtie wotd of
his power, the universe is his maga-
zine of means. Nothing which acts
or exists* is exempted fram promotin^^
in its own place, the purposes of his
kingdo;n. Beings rational and irra-
tional ; am mate and inanimate ; the
heavens a^ve, anfl the earth below ;
the obedience of sanctified, and tlie
disobedience of una.anctified, men i
all holy spirits ; aU damned spirits :
in one word, every agency, every ele-
ment, e\'ery atom, are but tlie minis-
ters of his will, sind c<mcur in the
execution of his detiigns. And this
he will demonstrate to the confusion
of his cnemtcs, and the joy of his p(*o«
pie, in that grent ana terrible da}-
when he ah all sit upon the thrtme of
bis giory. and dispense ultimate judg-
ment to flic quirk and tlie dead."

From this exalted station, to
which the preacher has happily
raised us, wc are invited to sur-
vey the firoMjiect9 of Cocts church ;
1. firo9/tect oi/irr9en*ution ; 5. of
incrcate i 3. of trium/ih. On
each of these topics the author
expatiates like one who is filled

S80 Mrs. Warren^ z History of the Rnoluiim. Xy^m^

•

with the langua^ and spirit of revoiuHon. Infen/ierted whk

inspiration. fnografihical^ fioUticait and moT'^

His address to his auditors al obaervation*. In three voU,

■with reference to the object of £y Mr$, Alercy Warren. 8vo.

Missionary Societies must not be Boston. JE). & J. I^riun. 1 806.
-wholly omitted. '^ All scriptural

efforts to evangelize the hea? Ix «i> '^ address*' prefixed to

then," he says, ^^ contribute their the work^ the historian informs

share" to the triumph of the *^ the inhabitants of the United

gospel. States of America*' wbat were

" Bat let us pause ;•» he subjoin^, her inducements tq engage in

V*u •^5"*^'- P"'^*PJl' Jl **»^ "'^^ this undertaking, and the ^dvan^

of that happiness which is reserved I • . ^ j t -lT^

for the human race ; you long for its ^^^ »*^« P<>»8essed for that piUV

arrival ( an<i are eag:er, in your place, pose. She was apprehonsiTC

to help on the gracious work. It is that ^' when every manly ami

well. But are then: no heathen in i^ras occupied, and every trait of

missions, forget their own souls ; nor c^^er in the cabmet or the field,

consider that they thcmsdWes neglect many circumstances might €S-

the great salvation ) Remember, my cape the more busy and active

brethren, that a man maybe active members of society ;" andthcre-i

in measures which shall subserve the ^ j^ determined to cmploT

conversion of others, and yet pensh m *"***="*** \*%i*.^i utww «# t^tu^wj

his own iniquity. That very gospel, ner leisure hours m recordmg

which you desire to send to the Hea- events as they occurred. *^ Con?

then, must be the gospel oiyour salva- nected by nature^ friendship, and

tjon ; it must timi jm from di^kness ^very social tie, with many of the

to hght, from the power of satan un- n ^ , • / j ^T • a

to God ; it must lAake you meet for ^^^ patriots, and n^oat mfiuenr

the inhertunce of the saints, or it tial characters on the continent;

shall fearfully aggravate your con- and ii) the habits of confidential

demnation at last. You pray, thy and epistolary intercourse with

rf"&trnVri"ttKr- r^-'. erleme., employed

BUS in vou, tlie hope of glory ? Be not abroad in the most distinguiabcd

deceived. The name of Christian Stations, and with Others since

will not save you. l^ctter had it been elevated to the highest grades rf

for you not to have kno^n the way of ^^nk and distinction," she « had

righteousness— better to have been ., ^ , . «,^.»«„ ^r :«r

the most idolatrous Pagan^etter. ^^e ^^^^ "^^» <^f informa.

infinitclv ])ctter, not to have been bom, tion.

than to (lie stran)rer» to the pardon of It IS very eTident that the his?

the Redecmep's blowl, and the »anc- tpry before us is the product of

tifyiny virtue of his Spirit." j. ^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ p^j j^j^ ^

It IS with reluctance that we ^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^j ^1 ^,jjj^ ^^_

forbear to transcnbe still larger ^^^^j^^g , ^,4^3 ^^ ^ ^^^ ^^

pornons of this sermon. It ,s ^f j^^^^ ^.^^ ... ^f_

so admirable throughout, that fords a proof of this; yet, JMouU-

t.e hardly know wluch part to jess it is the more peculiar pror-

prefer, or what property most j„^^ ^f masculine strenRth, in

highly to commend. j,,^ „^„^„, ^^y,^ ^f ^^1;,^ ^y^

quence to describe the bloodr
IHstory of the rUe^ firogrcaf and stained field, and relate the story
Urmintuion of the American of slaughtered armies.'.'

1807.] Mrs. Warrcffs Hhtory of the Revolution. 381

Few of the American fair have
hitherto ventured to appear be-
fore the public in the character
of historians ; and consiidering
the timidity natural to the sezi
it is not wonderful if in the pre-
sent instance, '^ the tremblinf^
heart has recoiled at the magni-
tude of the undertaking, and
the hand often shrunk back from
the task ;" or that these ^ histor-
ical tracts" ane '< now with difH-
dcnce submitted to the public,"
mfter the story has been told in
detail by a Gordon^ and sufficient-
ly, though less diffusely, recit-
ed by the more elegant pen of a

Itam^uy.

** The writer," however, " in-
dulges a modest expectation that
they will be perused with kind?
nest and candour ; and this she
daimsy both in consideration of
her sex, the uprightness of her
intentions, and the fervency of
her wishes for the happiness of
all the human race." No claim
can be better fopnded, and we
certainly have not a wish to dis-
pute it ; but, although we are
BOt disposed to '^ criticise with
aeverity," yet our office requires
that we should candidly point out
those things which appear amiss,
as well as bestow the encomiums
vhich are merited.

The work commences with a
chapter of '* introductory ;obser-
vationa ;*' in the progress of it
events ^re detailed, in chronolo-
gical Qrd^r, from the '* memorar
bic era of the stamp act in one
thousand seven hundred and six-
ty-four," to (icn. Washington's
resignation of his commission in
1783 : and it concludes with
'^ supplementary observations on
the *ub9eque7it consetfumcvft**

The Btyle is unavoidably one
fif the fir^t objects which enga-

ges the attention, and is thcroi-
fore introduced as the first sub-
ject of remark. It is very une-
qual ; and althoui^h the reader
is often charmed with clegai)t
expression, and the polished pe-
riod, yet is he frequently dis-
gusted by the heavy sentence,
rendered tedious* and almost un-
intelligible by parentheses. The
following quotations will fur-
nish sufficient specimens of the
style.

Vol. \, p. J -^6. *'Xt car.nnt bcilcnl-
ed that nojiing 19 mnrr- diffictiit tlian
to restrain the provoked mr.Ultudf-,
when once aronscd l>v a sense of
wronfT* from that supincnvss \t)iich
generally ovursi>rcads the common
class of mankind. I|^orant and fierce,
they know not in the lirst ebullitions
of resentment, how to repel with sure-
ty the arm of the npprt-aisor. It is a
work of time, to cstablisli a re^ilar op-
position to long established tyrannv.'*

P. 209. " Natnre revolts' at the
idea when the iionianl is pushed by
despair ; yet preferring death to
thraldom, the Americans were eve-
rywhere decisive in cninicil, and detirr-
minpd in action. There appeared
that kind of ent]iusia»m, which sets
danger at ch:fiance, and impels the
manlv urm to resist, tiil the warm cur-
rent that plays round tlie heart, is
poured out as a libation at the shrine
of freedom."

P. 215. ^* Tliosc who mark the
changres and the pn>grcss <:f events
through all revolutions, will frequent-
ly sec distinctions bestowed v here
there are no commandinf^ talents, and
houours retained, more from the
strong influence of popular enthusi-
asm, than from the guidance of n.-ason,
which OfK^ratcs Uw little on the K^'u-
crality of mankind."

P. 16. " In the cwil monunts of
reflection, lx)th humanity an<l philoso-
phy revolt at the diab(>lir:il clisi)(>sition
that has prevailed in almost rvrrv
country, to perseeut' surh as rither
fn»m education or priiV.iple, from ca-
price or custom, rel'u^e tt» sul)»i(Tibeto
the relij^ious cn cd nf tl:«)s«', wIm, by
various adventitious eirrtinihtsmres,
have acquired a degree of super iurily
or power.'*

-**** S^ W «^"*^wmpe^ « »*^!i, therefore* t»«»3^ I. p.
^ee«rw«^ ^,ghty v expe**** ' -ITwidi the o^**^

_— A\e» to «^«. ntn-ev*"*" In the cattr«"^,prt «*«=•"

''^ -Sent «fleclioi» .^^

.] Mrs. JVarren's History of the Revolution. 383

kfa year Qutb«c inas found'

r does the assertion, that
^yden sufferers '* fixed
«lves at the bottom of the
ichusetts Bay," appear to
rranted by the fact : Boh^
iXid not Plymouth^ is at
Horn of Massachusetts Bay.
:re is reason likewise to
tiend that the reader will

to form an erroneous idea
Constitution of Massachu-
under the first Charter,
; paragraph relative to that
t in pages 11 and 13, in

it 18 said,

i immediate compact \i'ith the
r Great Britain Mas tliought
ury. Thus a Churtei* m as ear-
ted, itipulatini^ on tlie part of
own, that the Massachusetts
have a legislative body within
Mimpofcd of three branches,
nect to no control, except his
ra nceatire, i^ithin a limited
3 any laws formed bv their As-
, that might be t]iuuglit to
\ whh t}ie general interest of
Im of England."

a reference to the first
xt it will be seen, that no
re was reserved to the

the only check was, '* so
1 laws & ordinances be not
ry or repugnant to the laws
Qtes of this our realm of
id/* In the first instance the
nor, deputy Governor, and
ints were appointed by
Dg, but were to be after-
annually chosen (with all
li&cers) by a majority of
:emcn, at a general court,
olden on the last Wednes-
Easter Term.t

•• ••

* Charleroix.

the Chatter in Hutchinson's
OB of Original Papers, p. \%
Haaard't Historical CoHttc-
A. t p. 948.

The following remarks occur
amongst the ^^introductory ob^
servations,*' in vol. i. p. 15.

" In Virginia, Maryland, and some
other Colonies, where the votaries of
the Church of England were the
stronger party, the Dissenters of ev-
er>' description were persecuted u itb
little Icsa rigour, than had been expe-
rienced bjf the Q^ers from th*
Prevbytenans of the Massachusetts.
An act passed in the Assembly of
Virginia, in the early days of her
legislation, making it penal '* fur any
master of a vessel to bring a Quaker
into tlie pro\'ince.**...."The inhabit,
ants were inhibited Irom entertaining
any person of that denomination.
They were imprisoned, banished, and
treated with every mark of severity
short of death."*

And in vol. iii. p. 4, we are in-
formed that

'* Tlie tivo armies finally met in the
Virginian fields, the ^;erm of the new
world, the first firiUsh plantation ia
America : a State dignified fiir [by]
its unifonn adherence to, and its ear/j
mnd Jirm defence of tlie righttqftnan*
kind*'

Even in the ^ early days of
her legislation," Virginia invad-
ed the rights, even the most sa-
cred ^ rights of mankind ;'* yet
is she " dignified for her uni-
form adherence to, and early and
firm defence'' of them ! How
can so glaring an inconsistency
be accounted for ? It is probable
that the author had not been in-
formed, that above a century ago
a law was passed in Virginiay
which declared that '' all negrOf
mulatto, and Indian tiave* within
this dominion shall be held to be
real estate, and shall descend ac-
cording to the manner and cus-
tom of land of inheritance, held
in fee simple ;"t but could she
have forgotten the thousands,
and tens of thousands of bla^

* History of Virginia.

t Laws of ViiviniSp 4th ana. C. iii,

A.D. irof.

384

Retigious Intelligence.

\3<^

evidences) which to this day ex-
ist, to prove that invading the
rights of mankind has been the

customary and general practi^sM
of the inhabiunts of that State ^
( 7b ^e continued.)

Eeligiou0 Intelttgence*

UNITED

SOCIKTY rOR PKOPAOATISC THE
GOSPEL.

{CoitcluJcdfratti p. 333.)

The Uboim and sticccss of the
Rev. Julin Scrj^cant,* missionary a-
monj^ the Muhiikkuiiuk IiuUiuis at
Kow Stockbridgv, ne:Lr Oiicida, with-
in a few yoarb ]iiiist« bu\c much in-
creased. From fifty to one liiin(bx.'d
of tlie Ont'ikhi pafifuns, as llicy are de-
rtumintttc'dy Iium: ocousionudy attend-
rd on his ministrations, and lie has al-
€0 visited and taug-)it them in their
own villa gt:, to their apparent satis-
faction and imprw cment.

In consequence of an invitation from
the Onanda^ Indians, who reside
tliirtv-six nnles westward of New-
Stoc'kbrid};^*, Mr. Sergx'ant made tlicm
a visit in June last, when lie was intro-
duced into their council house, and
addressed by their chief bjieuker, as
follows :

** Father ; wc thank the p;Teat I.okI
above, that wc have all been kept
alive to tliis time. We also in :i par-
ticular muKMcr, tha])k Him, that he
has taken care of y«iu on the way,
which leads to our (i replace. Wc
thank \ ou, lint vou have Iwen faithful
to your prDmise, aud ni*e amic to
make us a%Uit. We ri juice in tliis
pleasant ihiv, when wc can see \our
face. A number of us arc colli t ted,
and ready to hc;»r and learn something
for our j^wid."

Mr. Sergx?ant then addressed them
in a discourse of about fmir hour.-i in
len^h, on subject.«i he thought best

• • • •

• Mr. Sergeant recti veJi hh annual
salary, in uiiet^ual propoitiont^from the

fundt of the society in ScutlanU, for pnj-
fnotirig Christian kno^Udgt^ the tuclety

for propagating the GtJtpel among the
Indians, and other: in North- America,
mnd the corporation of l£ar%ard College,

STATES.

adapted to tlieir capftcitiei and ctf^
cumstanccs, relating to their presevf,
as well as future well-being. Tbey
then, by one of their chiefs, nude
him the following reply ;

*' Father, I speak to you in behilf
of all. We thank >'ou for commuDi-
cating to us the mind of the grett
God. Wc thank the Lord, that be
lias given voti health, that you hire
been enabled to come and visit lUMt
tliis time, and speak to us fjva liii
word.

" Father ; ti-e now thank you in the
name and behalf of all ourclu(ft»
young men, women, and cliildren,for
the good counsel, you have now fpicn
us, i-espccting our good in this life» u
well as the life to come. We will
follow your advice, so far as we en.

" Father; \o\x told us the Lwd
made tlie world, and all thinp that
are therein, in six days, but nstcd m
the seventh ; that he had commamled
all his children, of all nations, to reft
on tliat day, to cease from oil labour,
plav, or iuiv worhllv business ; tbit
they must meet together and w<ir»nip
him. Tliis we see is right ami g-wl,
and we promise you we m ill obse^c
this in the best manner we can.

«* Father ; you have told ui *p
must labour on our lands, and in tlii>
way obtain our bread ; and likewise
provide f^^r our cattle, that they mijfht
increase, that we might have to se'i
to other***, by which means we wipj'^
get e.l HJiing for ourselves and chil*
dren. Father ; this is likewise }!«""
advice, and we will do our best to fw
low this good way.

*• Father ; vou have told us welia'C
but a small piece of land left,* tlan:-

• The Onandaga retervaticn it ahc»i^

four viiies tquare. The numbtr 7

MOuU in thii tribe it one hundred OMdJef'

ty-thrie, vtho live in tuient-one houfh

uhich^ in general, are btU mreukedker

] Society for Prcpqgating the Gospel.

311^

lustkeq) it fiir ounelrcs and
Father ; we^ now let you
are well pleaied with this
all of ut are united in this,
riU hold our land forever ;
rin neither lease nor sell it.
ope our children will alwayi
me.

er ; we have all of us a^jeed
0 fibrsake poisonous liquors ;
re torry to find, that a few
fall away ; but ag^reeably to
ee, we will try our best to
one.**

TO TRX WXSTBXN INDIANS.

■prinj^of 1803, a delegation*
Mahiikkunnuk Indians, un-
pastoral care of Mr. Ssa-
'irited their '« grand fathers,"
mraret, who reside at Wan-
;1nit, or White river, for the

of "renewing the ancient
I of friendship which sub-
•tween their ancestors; of
nding to theih perpetual
:h the United States ; union
n government among them-
f encouraging virtue, and
ndin^ to them civilizatitm.

Christian religion." The
I were well received by their
ftthers," who are numerous,
dered as at the head of all
I around them, and ** unani-
agreed to accept, and take
. DOth hands, on all that was
ndedtnthem." Encouraged
cceis, the delegates agreed.

Tlwir place of ijffort/iit, or
KM, constructed vihoHy ij barky
r wigw am, tv^nty-Jive by for-
dimefuions. Fitrmerly they
mr, €Uid notorious for Jrunketi'

for three or four years past.
Sane embraced the doctrine of
let, they are greatly refonned,
" habit if inteniper,ince^ and
vee of credit to the Bible, as
n/e Of duty. Thev are highly
hy the xi'hite people in their
hood. Their lanUs are excel-

they have yet made but little
in the artauf husbandry and

delegation consicted of Hr^n-
paiiinut, 9achim, John Qiiin-
lon QimuqiuiiighmMt, chiefs,
tthers.

No. 8. B 9 b

at the end of three years, to make
their '* grand fathers'* another visit,
and to carry with them, if poasiUe,
one or more missionaries and school-
masters. Accordingly, through their
«• father," Mr. Sergr«Iant, they have
applied to " the society for propaga-
ting the Gospel," among others, to give
them aid in accomplishing '.heir be-
nevolent design . Their success in these
applications nas not eoualled their
expectations, nor has it oy any meant
been proportioned to the magnitude
and importance of the object. No
pccimiary aid has been given to this
project, in the opinion of many the
most promising of success and useful-
ness of any which has been devised
for many years, except one hundred
dollars^ by the society for propaga-
ting the gospel, toward the support of
a schoolmaster.

Notwithstanding these discourage-
ments, the delegation had determined
to commence their journey the last of
October, under the patronage of Mr.
Sergeant. John Jacobs, one of the
Mahukkunnuk Indians, has been en-
gaged for a year, to reside among the
Dele ware nation, as a schoolmaster ;
who, added to his other nualificationfer
for his ofRce, is an excellent singer,
and intends to instruct in sacred mu-
sic. The following is the substance*
of the instructions given him by Mr.
Sergeant i

•• You are to proceed to the western
country with vour companions, and as
soon as you shall have ascertained the
most suitable place for the purpose,
shall open your school, which shall be
kept at stated hours regularly. You
are to teach the children to read and
write : and, in due time, psalmody.
You will cause them to commit to
memory, some psalms in your own
language, if you find they understand
it.

" On the Sabbath you will refrain
from all labour, and every kind of
worldly business and recreation.
Should you be visited hy any young
people, on this sacred day, rea<l to
them, at your discretion, from the
word of God.

" You will note in a journal, every
thing important, and once in twu
rf>onths, if a convenient opportunity
oflor, transmit to m«* extracts from it,
that I mriy knuv.- your situation aitS
progre «?"».'*

SSe Aumm^lttStmatPnipKit.. > (JUk |

lajr? a.«ll» «eafcriiJ.iiu—; Th III I I «*«'««H|h^pfc
<iki>n,>Mi$>oo>H4"1>K% «r,.<»«ai|t *«« MO»jH>.«» .

— ^ — «^ iiiiMiiii^i*! yirifiiif ««r-*

•nn MmMA ncYmr. -«• t«B M<r becoMe t«BfM»te.llll fni| ;

P Araw)pe4«i>K*,nMiM«tth» tlw atter. it huiMiaij 'MlpoMIl* ;

MoMOnftaRw, («*« oM thatlK Thin prnfrticl sa'ni, li<f tus htdic-
kd ww—kwtiMM ftwn tbe SiMt pelted viiinns, m wtnch he s«t tkee
Spirit, wUdb ta ««» oornHMtdod 4B sfiirits or >ng«b,M-honinkeeoniDU#'
Mike%ncnni10lbedHferenttrihe*tf utionslohhn. SamFtiin<?i indnuW
nr viMont, hf prctendi »o hue wM
devih Syin^, and IiororitiK owr Itiar
" -WTi, Catnaesspi, seckinyWM
nUgfct, biit could firidiiuiK.k*"
the people ynm now onted]'^
tcniiicrstc, snU mdu^tririua ; hcllia
saw tJieiD fly to Boffaloe Cr«ek. ■n'
li^rbt among the whiikj' ct>k>. SuidC'
limei, he layi, he hu leen iiBc,
drunken lndi*n«, elothed in ri|^ uJ
liltli, in "111 worn out canoe*, on bb*
U ■dinanrafrom Aiorc. t^oa^pl^
cTtt^ ihkk Mtd Vlmek, tfidi wAI ^

of anlcM ipirhB: that thejc put not ahiit <r taaif Mbcr artMe of dilb-
awM-thcirwiTcm^,- that th^ca1ti*«lB i^, to thepMpket, thatheBH^P'-
tlirir lamU ; lire induMnoiia lirei t acrUic » com. h rach a c*M> t*
and maintun tlie reli^ooa cDMona^ takaa two handliila of Ubmsea, p*
their anceatan. tlteir end* t* thr fiie on tke kA
To one, ■'hoenvcMed kii doubia liei down and ca*en him«etf ntht
of hii having- aurn commaiiicationa, Uuiket, after he haa ainen be f»

Mm he had not, he repHcd whh Us

nanaliimplkitT,*' lAink Ihavehad freat,- „

•ueh^coimnmncationi Toade to me.* if tfa^ diaobeycd fbe wiailA _

At the mccHni; of conmisrinnen the Creat Spirit, aueh H ioA

wiA the Senecaa, for the piirpnte of drought, &c. Vtit firtaeipal tf tk

r>Brch:.ung a tract of land at the Friends' in)«da« near Aoe IliiiM>

Hack-roclc, thia Imnan was nrrBent, oberfed, that a ndadmafj «kB h»

and nppoMd the lale of their bndi. W vinted tbeM, h»S •pake* n>d^

He related the comniamcaiiini.nhteh Ae rame vaj todHntieBMCti^Tv

he said he had received front the jiidjr'neiHi of God, (mnring <^

Creat Spirit. Some of the comma, wicked, andthattbtrr hadleeani^

nicttiom he cou{d not recollect, and, ed, ai theirprophethaddedaMd,*

a«k-dhisbrotherComp1anter. When pcciallT, vith a rsiawfalile looiki

1, ndir "

it tetp aiw. p^iJljilqinlPr

3 Exercises at Bowdoin Commencement. 387

witk the opinion that jiidg^.
f% coming on the nations, un.
ly reibrm. When he firnt
LA prophet, he viaited the Pre-
tf the United States at the
laftemnient, accompanied by
nter. The pniphet with his
te, gladly embrace every op-
y to encourage whatever, in
evy tenda to promote refbr-

On tlktii ground they advis-
ndiana to listen to the Instruc-
' the missionary to the Ncrv
idgc' Indians. Hence they
md of thinking and saying,
Rtationary, who lately spake
r«at setUements of Indiana,
hm same things, as their pro-
)ne of the Onandagas, when
ehy they did not kavc their
, habits bef(>re, since they
tea urged to it, and saw the
conscouences of such con-
plied, tne}' had no power ; but
le Great Spirit ^rbid such

by their prophet, he gave
iwcr to comply with his re-
time aincc a disagreement

happeneif between the prophet and
most of his adherents, and Complant-
er; in consequence, they have left
Conipiunter, aiKi removed further up
the river, where they are building a
new tOMH. His nephews, who are
sensible, and men of great renown
iu the nation, use their influence in
his favour. He is consulted as the
principal chief of the nation; but
Kc(i Jacket, a cunning and subtil chief
at Buifaloe Cneek, doe^ not believe
in him, but in his public transaction*
he pays him respect, as he is popular
with the nation. He observed to the
Agent for the Six Natif>n8, that when
the prophet made his s})ec'ciics, his
nephews sat contiguous to him on
the riglit and left. On a certain oc-
casion he had taken care to place
some others nest to the prophet, and
he was not able to say any thing. He
is held in great veneration by the peo-
ple. One i>f the most distinguished
of their young men gave it as his o-
pinion, that the prophet would yet be
persecuted and put to death, as the
wicked put to death the Lord Jesos
Christ.

literary JnteHigence,

UNITED STATES.

For the PanoplUt.

COMMBXCEMENT EXSaCISES AT BOWDOXN COLLECS.

toning account of the Com-
nent at Bovj.loin College v^u
fdjor the Panoplittfor Septent'
mt from variant casualtiet it
H received till the close o/* De-
r. We insert it at this latepe-
teea¥9e we wish to bring into
this infant and rising Scttiinary^
d in a nevi and thriving portion
' country, to w/dch it promises
I great blessing.

:« an anthem, accompanied by
yf music, ilic Throne of Grace
Lressed in prayer by the Rev.
ICbxn, President of the Insti-
The exercises of the ^oung
ten, candidates for their first
succeeded as follows :
K eabttotarj oration in Latin,
lOe^fayBfENIAMIH TXTGONB,

in which an honoivable and grateful
tribute was paid to the Legislature of
the State for their liberal grants, and
to those of the Bowdoim family, who
by thrir generous benefactitms have
obtuned the honour of giving their
name to the College, and gained the
reputation of patrons of the sciences.
OtheiP bcne&ctors were respectfully
remembered, and the aiklresses to
the President and Instnictors were
tlie affectionate and amiable expres-
sion of gratitude for^atemal tcr.tler-
ncss and fidelity, and of regret at bid-
ding farewel to tJie interesting scenes
of )'outhful plcasiu*c and improve-
ment ; nor could tlie audience fail to
sympathixe with tlie Orator, when,
unable fully to utter his feelings, ht
exclaimed, ** Cur« lev^ loquuatur i
ingentes silent.**

$88 Exercises at Botodoin Commencement.

[7««.

2d. A ■pirited diuertatian on the in^
fuence ofCommtrec on public manner* j
by Georgs Thorndike, dicitin-
guislied by sentiments of the pui'est
nature, mingled with a glowing zeal
for the simplicity of iincient times,
and the incorrupt integrity of « dayn
<)f yore." And if, in some instances,
this zeal led to severe invective
against the mercenary, avaricious,
and meanly interested trader, it oug^it
not to have been construed, as dero-
gating from the value and respecta-
bility of the fair and honourable mer-
chant, or of a profession which serves
to unite mankind in bunds of mutual
benefits.

3d. The Forentic ditputation on the
iptettion. Whether utility be the founda-
tion <>f moral obligation, by John Da-
vis and Benjamin Txtcomb, was
conducted with acciirate investiga-
tion, and a discriminating attention to'
the theories of UTiters on ethics, and
the insidious distinctions of modem
philosophiBts.

41 h. A dittertatiem on the ute of his-
t<sry\ by Richard Cobb, exhibited a
Tnaturity of mind, and extent of i*cad-
ing and observation, highly honoura-
ble to tlic genius and industr^r' of the
speaker. It contained energetic and
judicious remarks ; Oic style was
perspicuous and appropriate, and the
benefits of historiciil knowledge to ler
gislators and professional men, to
princes, patriots and heroes, were
c{isj)laycd with glowing" eloquence.
The eiilt ig\' on our countrjmen, who
fell before Tripoli, was calculated to
•'rouse even cowards to ciimlate the
actitms of the brave. V

5th. An ingenious and discursive
dist/uitition on the pf^Ktrs of language,
byJoHv O'Brien, evincing a mce
atte»:ii.)n to the subjects connected
with eloquence, and to the influence
of oratory on the human mind and
passions in every age, with an indig-
nation ligainst iiino<-.itors, and cor-
ruptr)rsof our idiom, cliaractcristic of
tlic critical and t^issic scholar.

6lb. An English oration by Joiix
Davis. This composition was mark-
ed with the features of judgment, se-
riousness, and piety. Its subject was
** the Pow ers of Man," and it atibrd-
ed evidence of the tender feelings,
innral perceptions, and studious ap-
pliQation of its author.
7th. A dliquitition on the ^oiar sya'

tenh by Moses Qhinby, leading tbt
mind from a contemplation of tte
wonders of creation to admire tliB
wisdom and power of the Creator.

The science of aitronomy wm
traced can mnore through the stafei
of its progress to the present timei.
The speculations of ancient and ino^
cm saces, and the ingenious theonci
of philosopiiers, from Pythagoras t«
Newton, and from Newtun damtA
Dan^'in, were passed in review bf
tJie orator, and proved his attachment
to mathcuiatic calculation, and phil^
sophic inquiry.

8th. An Englith Oration on the
pn)grcs8 of Jfefinement^ bv Isaac
Foster Coffin, led the enchanted
attention of the audience through tA
thp «tcps of human advancemeit^
*' from passion and debasement* to
Uie hicrhest polish of civilized society^
and, if elegance and urbanity of Mi-
ners, case of elocution, and dignitjof
i^entim^nt are entitled to appbuCt
tliis young gentleman was hig^iWenti^
tied to it. Indeed the whole exhibi*
tion, of which a sketch is beregiieii|
excited lively emotions of pleasure hi
alitcrank-, respectable, and attentife
audience, and f^wn an earnest of tho
future hopes of society from an initi-
tution, fostered by public munificence,
s^nd private benefaction, and goveni-
cd witii paternal fidelity aud profcit
sional skill.

After tliese exercises, the following
excellent Address was made b)' the
President to tJie candidates for theif
first degree.

Gentle}7ien,

Having finished the course of itn-
dies, prescribed by the laws of thii
institution, you arc now to rccdve
its first honours, and soon to enter up:
onjjublic life. I trust j'ou need not
be assured, that the govtrrnors and
patrons of the society, ' and we c^
ciaHy, who have had tlie immcdiite
dii-ectionof your studies, feel deeply
interested in your usefulness and hup*
piness in life. As instruction here
commenced with you ; on you, niorc
than on any succeeding class, will de-
pend the reputation of tliis inftM
seminar)'.

As the broadest, firmest, and ««n»-
cst foundation of your future usefiil-
ncss and refpcct.ability, let me ctf-
Bdstly recommeiyl to you piety to*

Singular Phenomenon.

3S9

od, and a life of Tirtue, found-
evangelical principles. You
ft a very dangerous mistake,
ink it sufficient to maintain a
haracter, formed on worldly
«t and governed by worldly
I am not unwilling that re-
principles and resolutions
e atreng^henedby a regard to
n I but the gospel of our
Redeemer directs our su-
vard to Him, who knows the
«ngs of all our actions. And
lid that you should ever be
to be governed by die prin-
the gospel of Jesus Christ,
eartily embrace the religion
jedecmer, it will furnish you
\ most powerful motives to
tlie thingfs that arc virtuous
^worthy ; and, in a bumble
ice on divine aid, you will W'
Yk holy Job, that your heart
reproach you ko long as you
^ould vou maintain conscien-

of offence towaixls God and
bout which you cannot be
lun the pestilential suciety of
ID are enemies to the rclig-
irist. In the commerce of
d you must sometimes ^foU
company of such, but let
'er be your chosen com pan.
vil communications corrupt
anners. Let your chosen
ms be men of virtue, men
Qod and keep his command-
He that walketh wit!i wise
I be wise, but a compunion
hall be destroyed.
;ver proffssion in life, you
jse, whether law, pliy.sic or
you ouglit never to imagine
^lents, which the Author of
18 given you, or tlie iastruc-
1 have liad in the first clc-
Mcience, will supercede the
of diligence in the proseCu-
-^ur Ktiulies. Inquii'c'^among
J, or among the dead, and
ind no example of great dm-
thout industry.
I wliutever s*;itions tlie prov-
God may call \ou to act your
e parts, let your whole con-
lirccied by un inviolable rc-
;uty, and that delicate sense
: ami propriety, which shuns
irance of evil. In your in-
: with the world, let your
r be marked with candour^

and guided by sincerity and truth.
Avoid every dishonest art to advanco
your interest or reputation, and prob-
ably Ihe world will do justice to your
characters ; but if not, you will have
for your consolation tlie testimony of
your consciences, which is infinitel}'
better than tlie plaudits of millions.

The degree of Bachelor of Art?
was then conferred on the following
young gentlemen, alumgiof Bowdoin
College ; Richard Cobb, Isaac Foster
Coflln, John Davis, John 0*Brien,
Moses (^linby, George Thoradike^
and Benjamin Titcomb.

It was indeed a novel enjoyment to
witness the rehnements of science in
a country not long since reclaimed
from the wilderness, and to view a
literary seminar}', " Cirrha procul et
Permesside lympha,'* promising th(^
benefits and ornaments of erudition t«
the youtli of unborn generations.

Atticus«
Bath, Sept. 1806.

SINGULAR PHENOMENON.

Extract of a letter from Orerton coun-
ty* Teiinettee, dated Nov. 1806, to ont
tfthe JCditor* of the Panofiii^t.
•* I have reserved room to sketch
you a short account of a rare occur,
rence in the world of meteors. It
was witnessed at Knoxville, on tlie
27th of AugUbt last. Our attention
was attracted between 9 and 10 in
the morning, by a number of extraor-
dinary circles about the sun. The
first was a common halo ; though of
colours uncommonly vivid; the sun
in the centre, as usual ; and the aix'a
very dark between the sun and circle,
like the* space between the outer and
inner rainbow. This circle was cross-
ed by another considerably larger;
of a whitish colour ; its 'periphery'
running through the sun and its cen-
tre at or towards the zenith. The
third and fourth were much larger
than the second; paler, resembling a
lunar rainlmw, hut the |)eripheries,
narrower and better defined, not con-
stantly complete ; one projected to-
wards the southwest, and the other
towards the northeast, each encom-
passing the halo, and intersecting tli^
second circle and one another at^ a
point opposite the sun, from which a

390

List o/Nev) Publications.

[ytm.

line drawn to the centre of the sun
^lUd, it was judged, be equally di-
vided by the meridian. The pla<:e of
intersection was bright and tinctured
vhh diilbrent colours. And easterly
and westerly there were fragineiits cif
a largvr circle varying in le*)^h| col-
oured like a rainbow, nnd of sutttcicnt
aize, it is birlicved, if complete, to
have included all the rest, and to have
exten-lcd southerly far below the hor-

^ itt'iif altogether diffeient from a rsin-
Wa in situation and magtiitudc. The
scene varied a little from time to
time ; and probablv was various in
cUjBerent parts of llic country'. It is
said the number of circles seen in
some places was seven. In an hour
or two it had disappeared at Knox-
viUe, btit came on again in the after-
noon, only reversed j the point of in-
tersection of the three circles beings
northeast from the sun, and all ap-
pearances changed accordingly. It
was seen tlirouph a region of country
of several hunored miles in extent,
and how much fartlier I am not in-

- formed. I have waited to see if any
thing similar was noticed in your
part of tile 'Union : but suppose not,
as no mention was made in the pa-
})crB. There had been no rain at
-Kiioxviile for some days preceding ;

and there wot none for Kreral dnf
after, thoujjfh at tlic time the airwai
a litUe hazy, as usual when hakei
appear; but what dis^'ositionoftkc'
vai>our8 couldjiroduce such a wondo^
fill play of refractiim and rellectka^
I do not pretend to determise. Aill
continued so Umg^ I regret that I M
no quadrant to ascertain altitudes ni
angles, tliough there was iiothingn-
markable in a horizontal view of«
thing J, except that the air appeared
rut her darker thaii usual, something
as il docH in a partial eclipse of tbs
mm t vet tlie scene above wiMt
brilliant, llutt my eyes, thougii it*-
iiiarkably stronif, were immedialdf
so over]M>wered,- that I could odf
take sudden glancea of tlie phenome*
non, till I had procured a samked
glass. No one present, though tkcn
were persons who had lived in diAr^
cut parts of America and£uro|ie,hid
ever beheld, as they said, or recol'
Ice ted to have read or heard of the like.

We understand that Mr. Csnii' .

prain. Secretary- of tlie state, and Mr. : <
Merril, are eiig^geil in making swk '

sim-cys of diiTerent paita of Hef > i

IIanii)shire, as may enable theil . j

shortly to publisdi an accurats bv^ ^
of this Stale. -T

List of l^eto PubUcationisr,

OssEavATiONS upon baptiam, de-
lixeifd at Ipswich, south parish, June
}2, 1806. By Jo.^i>h Dana, U. J).
pastor of the church in that place ;
vith a view of introductorv circum-
htanccs and proceedings in tiic said
church, pp. 124. Blunt. Newburyport.

The duty and character of a gos-
pel bislii)p illustrated. A sermon
preached Oct. 3>>, 1803, at the oriii-
nation of the Kev. William B. Wcs-
bon, to the pAntoral office over the
church aiul society in Hardwich. By
Jos. Lec, A. M. pastor of the cluirch
inUo\alhton. Northam|)ton. Wright.

A sernHtn preached at the ordina-
tion of the Rev. Nathan WaMo,
A. B. at Williamslown, Vt. Feb. 26,
1806. By Elijaii Parish, A. M. pas-
tor of the cliiircii in Byfield, Mass*
Hanover, N. H. Mf>24<>s Davis.
f No. 1. of the Monthly Register,

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aid Review newly arranged. This
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The Sa'-rod Minstrel No. 1. Con*
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collection of sacred music, suitaUe
fut religious worship. Sdectcdini

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EK» BT SUBSCRIPTION.
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on and the Sinai Law ; and
petiiated under the more hi-
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1 Austin, A. M. Minister of
in Worcester, M:i«<i>achu.
brcetttcr. l*homas & Stur-

ne of Sermons on the foU
jjects, viz. To little chll-
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youMg ; the yonn^ invited to the oom-
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moral good and evil ; the impiety of
pleading God's promise in exA.Utfe for
neglecting plain duty — (and several
others.) By Jo.seph Lathrop, D. D.
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The vul. is to contain about 400 pages
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James Jackson, and a history of the
Revolution in the State of Georgia."

A part of the Works of the late Dr.
Tap])an, HoUis Pnifessor of Divinity,
in the University of Cambridge, con-
sistin? of a volume of his Sermons,
and his Lectures on Jewish Antiqui-
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i9-i

Ordinution Ouituiuy.

iyan.

10') pajrcs Kvo. on fine paper. Price
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JDrOination.

OriDAiNRO, on the 10th of Dec. to
the pastornl care of the c-hm*cli and
con>;'!vsrati<»n in Frecport, (Mv.) the
llfv. Samukl Veazie, m. a. The
srv.rul prrformaiices on the occasion
wvre as fj)llows j the introdurlor\'

pr:'y«»r f)y the Rev. Mr. Weston, of
Gr.'iy ; .sermon by Rev. Mr. Foster,

of Little Cambridj:^e, fr«»m 1 Tlie>-t
V. 1:?, l.». ; ordaininp" p»*ayrr h> Rev.
Mr. I!rrrirk,'»f Durham, nndcliarg-e
by Rev. Mr. Eat op, of Harpswtll ;
Rev. Mr. Jenks, of Bath, exprv^seJ
the fellowship of the churches, and
Rev. Mr. Millimore, of Falmouth,
concluded with prayer.

In the city of Kew-Bnmsvick,
stall* of New- jersey, Jan. 13, in the
6yt]) \car of his ajff, Col. John Bay-
ard, fi>rmcrly u citi/.i'n of Philadelphia.

At L«v\inpion, Ken, Dec. 14, lion.
J'»hn Br:ic"kc"mid;rr, Attorney Gen.
of tiie United rilatrs.

lu this town, suddeidy, on the f»th
inn. apred 77, Ebene/i-r Stonrr,

Dbituari).

On the monunp^of the IGthinst. br
the fallinii^ of the south wall of the
Columbian Museum (after the build-
ings had been C(.n.srin-.ed by fire) six.
younjc persons, viz. William^ son ol*
Michael Homer, ajfcd 11 ; John, son
of Mr. Philip Condcm, a^d 14 s
Henr}- Fulleilorj. ajjed 20; I-iiac
Peabrnly, aj^od 1.5 ; Joshua Urann,

K»q. \. M. .A. A. S. and treasurer of a^od 17 \ uiid James D. l>e.ils, agcA
.lIarvai*dColle£^. 1^.

TO CORlirSPONDFA'TS.

15. C. D. on the rcsnrr<*r«ion of Chr!««, P! i:,i(f*hf:i on th^ same subject.
Luiher'-? reply to J. C .MiMni»ivs of tl^' life of Sti*i»hon Smith. Esq. J^i^ht)-:
<>n tho influcnce.s of the H"ly Spirit, i:\tt.'! :::vm!'x sketch of David's chur-vier,
JI. on self- acquaintance, Thtophilus ty.\ thv <Ii\inity of Christ, (inserted ift
thi-! number,) with his «*\|H».siiion <»f Heb. vi. 4 t> 7, an- recei'vd.

\V«" :ire paiticulaih oblij»x.d to o'lr ronv sp«i;'-^f nt for his aafi-^f.itions fov tfj*
Pmoplist. The r«M/f of ihe member** from Zel:«nd of the sviiod of D-n-t, or»
Jhe <|»iest:on, **/«v.'^.if inanr.er :Jioui'i cnnJiJyitss i*c prcpurc^i fot tficjaavJ miit'
*.v.'» •.-.-'* is CNcrllvni. .■Old peculiarly sei'«»na!)U' ; us ;irc» also, •*th sr-ntinieritH
iit tl.v British d*:vinv:^ ai the synod of Dort, 'n ."^omf. intere-4tirj.t ;/>intH tif di-
\ JTiity,'' irsserted in llut present nnnibi-r. .^^'e nri; :d\vays g-ratified by the com-
ni'.tnicutions '.»f tl.l.s corrcsponclj-nt.

C/r. r'i- sketch of Dr. \Vi!li:«!n n.>s, v\:.]i prcliminarv f»])-^ervatiiiTis. i.«
tlitWiUfidb received. His dosiii^n l«» .->*'; A I'.s a surcevsi^ju of the lives of s<"»me
^'n-.inc-nt /.v.'':-ci.;7<V?;?/*r divines, und -f tho tnembcr.s of the celebraU-d H'e^f-
t)f!r::fcr ■1':i-jH{:-'.\ ni«t'l< our C'»r«lirii MDr-ro'irition, and v. e liuve no d-T.i'j* liis
er.nr:vi!.lv"iiii'Mi>i uill h^ MjjIiK j^-yut;!*. iii,r •.» our rraJiors, and promotive «'f"
♦Jic* '.;!•! a' • I'jt ct of our V.' -rk.

N. ]\. Si:!»'rrih(r': are Mif"^rm'»d t'l'.t Mr. C.\t r.n Binc'Ham, iKH.ks'IIer.
N«>..14. C'W'i'l.il!, !lo.s*on, v/ill in fuin;-.* :;.•*■■ ;. -j .ii.vit f r iIi.- i*:"'.!.,;-- ;n lli-.^i.m
i«i 1^•^: di ;lr'bMTi:»M of the Panoplist, and rcv-ivinij p.iyrnents :irvi coni!;i».;nicr-na
iv^-! . I'lr tliv v,o.-k.

THE PANOPLIST;

THE CHRISTIAN'S ARMORY.

-J — \ — LU

Vo. 21.] FEBRUARY, 1807. [No. 9. Vol. IL

To the Editor* <f the PtmoplUt»

- BMimo VI of piyinp^ a tribute of reipect to the memory of a good and useful
Iksfi, who eznibitcd through life, an example worthy of imitation ; and
«l tlie request of a retpectable member and officer in the church founded
by Ac Rev. Mr. Moorhead* I take the liberty to enclose the following
l|(OTDies of his life.

j^^^imj youth, I was well acquainted with him, though he was then c(msiderably

^ aAnriiced in years. Froroinformationof some of his aged acquaintances and
^y^ ow^ knowledge, I ha^e collected the foUowinpf account of him. It is

'v'?" lapttfeet, because little is known of the early penodsof his life. His coo-
/tMBSponries have long since deceased, and the lew writings which he left,
were lost in the siege of Boston. Very respectfully }'ours, &c.

k^ D. M.

MEMOIRS OF REV. JOHN MOORHEAD,

iSftlirXSTBR AWD 70VVDXR OF A PRESBYTSRIAV CHURCH IN BOSTOK.

loUT the year 17^, a num- ining, that) as they came from

of Protestanty Presbyterian Ireland, tdey must necessarily be

fr«i|H^^» from the North of Ire- Papists. But the truth was, that

|>. illA came to Boston. They the Protestant sect, to which

Mie from the counties of Lon« those strangers belonged, had suf-

amderrfyDonnegall, Antrim and fered far more dreadfully by the

Soplkm The motives inducing a Papists in Irehind, in plunderings^

.fWinoTaL from tbeir native coun- massacres, and all the horrors of

> -(KJj were the enhanced price of persecution, tl^an the fathers of

^Jf/jint leased lands, ecclesiastical New England ever had, by all the

.IHyi I Miiin. the prospect of the oppressions ot the English hier*

.9Mui«tion of property here ; but archy, conducted by the san-

~*^ *~ that they might enjoy re*- guinary bishop Laud and his as-

and civil liberty, in this sociates.

of freedom. ^They were a They were generally descend-

.flCompapy 4f religious, mond and ants of ancestors, wiio emigrated

IbMbiattious people. They met from Scotland to Ireland, in the

Srith opposition at tbeir landing, reign of king James I. ; and set-

~ j^pd patiently suffered the insults tied in the north part of the Isl-

W the misinformed ra^^/r. Some and, which had been conquered.

,3vtre opposed to tKeir reception and the estates confiscated) by

. itto the town, ignorautly imag- his predecessor Queen Elizabeth.

■^^ol^Xr. No. 9. Cgc

394

„ 1

Menunrs of Rev. John MoirheaA {^Fd.

Hence they were called Scotch
Irish.

On their admittance inta Bos«
ton,* their first care was to pro*
cure a place for the peac^le
worship of Almighty Gody 4ic«
cording to his word. They pur-
.chased a lot of land in Bury
street) cornering on Federal
street, then called Long Lane.
£ither before they left Ireland, or
on their arriTal, they invited Mr.
Moorhead to be their minister,
and he arrived .in Boston, soon
after them.

Mr. Moorhead was bom in
Newton, near Belfast, in the coun-
ty of Down, of pious and respect-
able parents. His father, who
was a farmer, gave him the best
aSdvantages within his power, for
improvement in learning. He
finished his education at one of
the universities in Scotland. He
came to Boston about the twenty-
third year of his age. There
Is no record of his ordination.*
This little colony of Christians,
for some time, carried on the
public worship of God in a bam,
which ^tood on the lot which they
.had purchased. In this humble
temple, with uplifted hearts and

* About the time of the arrival of
Mr. Moorhcad's flock, a considerable
number of fumiliea, with three or four
ministers; also came over from Ire-
land, and fixed down in different parti
of the coimtry. Particularlv, the
Rev. John M'Kinstry, who widi his
people, in 1730. bjg^an the settlement
of EUinp^ton,' Qn Connecticut) then
called Windsor Goshen. The Rev.
"Mr. Abercrombie, who, with a num-
•ber of families, settled in Pelham ;
several at Colcraine, and also in the
J^ortli Society in East Windsor, and
at Brookfield. The Rev. James
Jii'Grcg^ore, with a considerable con-
grej^ation, in 1719, beran tlie settle-
ment of Londonderry, m New-Hamp-
•hire. He was succeeded by Rev.
Matthew Clarke in 1729.

voices, thfy worshipped and hon^
oured Mm, who, for our salvatioDt
condescended tobe bom ina atable.
'As the Gongregatioaiocreaaed,
by migrations from Ireland and
Scotland, they enlarged the place
of worship, by adding two wings .
to the lowly building. The prear
ent commodious and dieccnt edi-*
fice was built Anno 1 744.

The first meeting of the breth-
ren, with their minister, for the
election of Elders, according to
the discipline of the Church of
Scotland, was at the house of
John Little, in Milk Streett July
t4th, 1730. ^

The Elders then chosen, were
John Young, Robert PattootSam- f
uel M'Clure, Richard M'Chirf^.
and Thomas M'Mullentwho we^
solemnly consecrated to that of-
fice.

In doctrine, worship and disci- i
. pline, the church was formed ac-
cording to the model of the Prea- i
' byterian church of ScoUaB||( {
The Elders with the Pastor fop^
ed the session, and constituted a
ecclesiasticaloourtvfor the adju<E-
cation of all matters of goii^m-
ment of the congregation, and
discipline of its members. AH
baptized persons, as well as mem-
bers in communion, were sub-
jected to the watch and discipline
of the session. Candidates for
admission inta the church, were
examined and admitted by them.
Their discipline was strict, > and
conducted with great soletepity
and decorum. The sessioniiiaet
frequently, either at. Mr. Moor^
head's^ or the houses "bf the El-
ders, in rotation. It began with
prayer, by the Minister, and
closed with the same by one
the Elders.

In 1744, the number of El-
ders of his church.

'.*

1807.3 Msmoin df the Ri^. John Moorhead. 393

t#chBe» and the omgregation was
dMded into twelve districts.
The dutf of each Elder was to
^iait and prajr with the sick« with-
in hia bounds ; to counsel ad-
viae* and reprovey when needful ;
and to notify the session of the
dreomatances of the poor, and
^otadn' Jor them some pecuniary

►

^ Once ortwice in the year, Mr.

f Moorhead visited all the fomilies
ef hia congregation, in town and
eountry ; (one of the Elders, in

- iptattont accompanying him,) for
the jmrpoae of religious instruo-

^ tkm^ «>, these occasions, he ad*
k- dreaaM the heads of fionilies
P^vhh freedom and affection, and
' jh^red into their spiritual state.
^ Atechiaed and exhorted the chil-
dren and servants, and concluded
hia vi«t with prayer. In this last
•olenin act, (which he always
p^rlbnned on his knees, at home
k j^ in the houses of his people)
I ^■.oaed earnestly to pray for the
!y, and the spiritual circum- '
of each member, as they
:tively needed,
addition to this labour of
tinily visitations, he also con-
vened) twice in the year, the fam-
iBea^ according to the districts, at
the meeting-house, when he
•CdOTeraed with the heads of famr
iliea, asking them questions, on
acme of the most important doc?
trices of the gospel, agreeably to
the Westminster confession of
^kAi and catechised the chilr
<h€& and youth.
'* He waa anwearied in his en-

- deavours to promote the Edifica-
tion and salvation of his people.
Hia thoughts and plans of be-
nevolence extended also to
their temporal concerns. He
encouraged the industrious, by
Ipch amall pecuniary aids ap

were within his ability to bestow ;
or solicited assistance for them.
Virtuous strangers from North
Britain and Ireland, were sure
to find a friend in him. As a
good Bishop, he was given to
hospitality. As a sample of this
benevolence, allow me to men-
tion, that it was his custom, when
he heard of ministers from the
country, who were strangers in
Boston, at public houses, to go
or send for them, to come to his
hospitable roof.

He was &ithfiil and impartial
in his duty, as a reprover of er-
ror and vice in all U^eir forms.
While he rebuked with sharp*
ness, he shewed an affectionate
concern for the offender, and by
meekness and condescension, la-
boured to reclaim him. With
equal cheerfulness, he visited the
hut or the garret of the poor, and
the parlour of the rich, to do
them good. Some were offend-
ed at the severity of his reproofs,
and withdrew from his society .
to others, where they could find
more indulgence. He was uni-
versally respected by the good,
and feared by those of the oppo-
site character. He appeared less
ambitious of fame, than of faith-
fulness as a minister of Christ.

Mr. Moorhead was a plain,
evangelical and pmctical preach-
er. He paid very little attention
to the ornaments of style, in his
pulpit performances. His dis-
courses appeared to be extempo-
raneous. He expounded the
Scriptures in course in the morn-
ing, and delivered a sermop in
the afternoon. He preached the
law and the gospel, in their spir-
ituality and purity. He insisted
principally on the peculiar doc<*
trines of tlie gospelf-^the deep
depravity of human naturt^— tbo

396

Life of Rev. John SergeaiU.

\Feb.

Divinity of Jesus Christy and the
efficacy of the atonement— the
special agency of the Divine
. Spirit in regeneration ; the ne-
cessity of repentance; of fidth
in Christy and of good works.

He possessed strength of
nindy sprightliness of imagina-
tiony and readiness of expres-
siion ; but appeared indifferent to
the xhoice of the most appro*
|Miate phraseology. His manner
was solemn, affectionate* and
pathetic. " His language and
xnanner were the index of his
mind. He spoke from the heart.
His tears flowed in the earnest«
alarming) or persuasive applica-
tions of his sermons. He was
An ^ Israelite, in whom was no
guile." Such was the success
of his faithful labourtp and the
accession of foreign Protestants,
that in six years, after the found-
ing of the church, the.communi-
cants were about two hundred
and fifty. Four times in the
year, he celebrated the Lord's
supper. They were seasons of
real solemnity. On these occa-
sions Mr. Moorhead commonly
had the assistance of one or two
of his brethren, particularly the
Rev. Mr. M'Grcgore, and after-
wards the Rev. Mr. Chirke of
I>ondonderry, end once, of the
celebrated Mr. Whitefield, when
every heart was moved by his
solemn and enraptured perform-
ances. On these occasions, each
Ddinister served stable in rotation.

At those seasons of fervent
^al in religion, the house
could not contain the multitudes,
ea^er to hear the words of eter-
nal life. The doors and windows
were crowded/with spectators.

The society in general were
ifespectable for good morals, in-
dustry) sobriety, attention to the

duties of finmly religion, and the
government <tnd education of
their children.

At the age of twenty-six, Mr.
Moorhead marri^ Miss Sarah
Parsons, an English lady of a
bright genius and good education.
With her he lived happily, many
years ; and by her had several
children. The only surviving
one, is the widow of the late Cape.
Alexander Wilson of Boston.

He continued the fiuthful pas-
tor of the ciiurch about fbrty-tbur
years, and died at the commence-
ment of the revolutionary war,
and entered we trust intoVver-
lasting rest.

The children of the founder^
of the church, feeling less av
tachment than their &thers, to
the particular forms of Presbyte-
rian church government, and
finding themselves locally distant
from those of the same denomi-
nation, with whom to associate j*^
changed the Presbyterian, for tl»~
Congregational form of goveihr
ment, at the settlement of the
Rev. Dr. Belknap, the successor
of Mr. Moorhead.

May the purity of evangelical
doctrines and manners, be fbrev-^*
er maintained in a church found-
ed by the signal direction and
blessing of Heaven 1

LIFE or REV. JOHN SERGBAITT.
(Continued from page 355.)

BsdibEs contending with the
difikulties, which arose from the
ignorance, the degradation, the
habits of the Indians, Mr. Ser-
geant met with obstructions to
his benevolent designs from an
unexpected quarter. If indig,-
nation ever rises in the breast o^

1«>7.]

lAjt of Mev. John Sergeant.

S97

a good maa, he irill feel indig-
wmt when he reads, that certain
Dutch traders from Hudson's
fiTer, who had supplied the In*
dikna with rum at a very advanc-
ted price) and who took advantage
rf their lolly} when in a state of

.. JiiCoxication> to make a good bar-
gain with them, fearing that
their profit would be diminished
and their ^ craft be in danger,"
nude every attempt to produce
in thdr minds an aversion to the
Christian religion and a suspi-
cion of the design, for which
a minionary was sent amongst
theol. But such conduct, how

I much soever it may excite ab-
boarence, is neither surprising

* jior uncommon. When men
prefer the acquisition of wealth
Id a good conscience, we must

I mppose tliat they will overlook
every consideration of humanity

^ and benevolence ; and how ma-
ty do we now observe, who op-
the progress of the gospel,
not exactly in the manner a-
by the Dutch traders, yet
bf refusing to obey it, by their
pernicious examples, and by cast-
iag contempt upon the righteous?
Mr. Sergeant, however, was so
happy as to convince the Indians
of the design of the traders, and
thus counteracted the insinua-
tions of those, whose gain wa9
their godiinesa,

' In December, agreeably to his
tanmise when he left New Ha-
ven, he returned to the college
to rema^ until commencement
with the class, which had been
committed to his care. Ha took
%ith him two Indian boys, the
sons of the Captain and Lieuten-
ant, and left in his school at Hou-
nlonip Mr. Timothy Wood-
^Vidge of Springfield, who was

V.Wy ienlceable in promoting

the objects of the mission. The
number of scholars had now in-<
creased to twenty-five, and the
opinion which Mr. Sergeant had
formed of the capacity of his
tawney pupils, wiU be seen in
the following extract from a let*
ter address^ to Adam Win-
throp, Esq. Secretary of the
board of Commissioners. ^^ If I
do not judge amiss, the Indian
children excel the generality of
ours in pregnancy of parts and
good humour. I am sure that I
could net have found an English
school any where, that would
have pleased me so much." He
proceeds to say, ^ Capt. Kunka-
piot is an excellent man, and I do
believe has the true spirit of
Christianity in him. He knows
a great daaf, and by the character
all his acquaintance give of him,
his conduct is unexceptionable."
While at New Haven, he was
not unmindful of his Housatonic
friends, but sent them several
letters ; in one of which he tells
them, ^' you are always in my
heart, and I cease not every day
to pray to God for you. We are
all sinners, and deserve to be pun-
ished ; but Christ took upon him-
self the punishment due to us.
They cannot be your friends,
that try to discaaiage you. They
only endeavour to keep you in
ignorance, that they may be un-.
der better advantage to cheat
you. Knowledge is ceilainly
good. It is to the mind what
light is to the eye. You would
think them your greatest ene-
mies, that should endeavour to
put out your eyes ; especially if
you were travelling a difticult
road. This world is like a thick,
and entangled wilderness ; and
why should not you, as well as
other, peoplci enjoy the b^efit of

398

Ltfe of Rev. Jolin Sargecm^

[jRr*.

the light ? Truth is moi'e pre-
cious, than the light of the suq.
Don'i sufTer your enemies to im-
pose upon you."

In January, 1735, deputies
from the several clans, which
constituted the tribe of River In«
dans, met in council at Housa-
tonic, to see whether they would

3»prove the conduct"* of their
ousatonic brethren in consent-
ing to be taught the Christian re-
ligion. On the result of their
deliberation every thing relative
to the mission depended. The
Bev. Mr. Williams and Mr. Hop*
kins of Springfield were there-
fore present. They found near-
ly two hundred Indians assem-
bled> and among them Corlair^
the chief sachem of the whole
nation. Mr. Williams preached
to '^ one of the gravest and most
attentive auditories," that he ever
addressed ; and after repeated
conferences the proceedings at
Housatonic received the approba-
tion of the council. They desir-
ed Mr. Woodbridge to continue
in the school,and expressed a \vish
that Mr. Sergeant would return.
After business was finished, a
" frolic" followed of course.
** Their dancings (says Mr. S.) is
a most laborious exercise. They
dance round a hot fire, till they
are almost ready to faint,
and are wet with sweat ; and
then run out, and stripping
themselves naked, expose their
bodies to the cold air, and roll
in the snow till they are cold,
and then return to their danciujij
again. They repeat this lour or
five times in a night, concluding
with excessive drinkinj];. When
they arc drunk, they often fall
asleep in the open air, perhaps
buried in snow."

In May, Mr. S, made a shor^

visit to the Indians, and in Ju!^
left New Haven intending to pass
tlie remainder of his life at Hou-
Sfitonic. As he found some of
tbe Indians desirous of baptism^
it was necessary that he should
be ordained in order to adminis-
ter that rite. Accordingly he
ivas in August solemnly set
apart to the service of the gos-
pel. The ordination was per- *
' formed at Deerfield, under cir-
cumstances calculated to add re-
spectability to tlie mission. It
took place by the direction of
Gov. Belcher, at a time when he
was in that town, with a Ivge
committee of the Council and
House of Representatives, hold-
ing a treaty with several of the
Indian tribes. The Rev. Mr^
Appleton of Cambridge preach-
ed the sermon, in the pre&ceto
which he observes that *' many
of tlie Indians were grave spec-
tators of the solemnity, and the
Housatonic Indians sat by them-
^elve^ and attended tliroughout
the whole service with great se-
riousness ; and wef e much pleas-
ed to see one, whom they had
such a love for, so solemnly sepa-
rated to the service of their souls."
Very soon after Mr, S. had
returned to the scene of his la-
bours, he ^baptized the captain
and lieutenant with their iami-
lies, first untoldmg to them the
nature of the rite and *' discours-
ing upon all the more important
points of belief and practice in the
Christian religion." " The lieu-
tenant," he says in his= journal,
*' is a clear ^icaded^i^mart many of a
deep reach and pleasant humouri
aiid is one of the best speakers
we hear ; is free in conversation,
and talks excellently well. He
ha^ entirely left off drinking ti^
excess, and declaims against it ^

1607»3. ' L^ of Mev. Jchn Sergeam.

390

•hcwa great compastton towards
the rest of the iDdians, and seems
heartily to lament their misera-
hle condition ; wishes they were
come to the knowledge of the
gospel ; is himself thoroughly
' cooYinced of the truth ; and his
knowledge does not puff, him
up."

Mr. Sergeant's auditory on

the Sabbath gradually incfeased ;

he was heard very attentively -by

'strangers, who happened to be

. present, and such favourable im-

^ pression was made upon their
'mindS) that some of them sent
thejpr children to the school, and
a few &milies were induced to
Tetide permanently with their
Vrethren at Housatonic. In a
few months after his ordination,
he half baptized about forty per-

L BODS, adults and children, and

f tbere was the same number of

scholars in the schooL He was

cheered with mueh greater suc-

• .^Kss, than he could anticipate in

ID short a time. He beheld the

^ l^fpff tdwtUing peaceably with the
mmhj and the Hon eating 9traw
Hke the ox» The interest, which
good men at a disunce took in
Us labours, will be seen in the
ibllowing extracts from letters
addressed to him.

Dr. Colman of Boston says, in
a letter dated Nov. 18, 1735,
"^It is not easy to tell you, hbw
nucb we have rejoiced here in
jfour ordination to the good and
gffeKt work, into which you have
'entered. May the consolations
tf God ^jftesh and enlarge your
' aonl litfhi time to time, in all
your self-denials for tlie SUie of
his name, and of the dear souls,
fer whom you are labouring. I

Eve some account to the excel-
nt Dr« Watts, of London, of the
flrafigc disposition of the Housa-

tonic tribe to receive the gospel,
and of the good Spirit on you to
leave the college and go among
them. He answers me, that he
is always looking out to this
quarter of the world for such ap-
pearances. May Jeeme^ says he*
the head of the church and of na^
tionsj attend your young mitaionr
ary vfith extraordinary asaiafanee^
and Muecesa, Methinka I love
himj u/ion your refiorty for hU
courage and zeal. Let your heart*
dear Sir, be encouraged, and your
hands strengthened by the love
and prayers of men of God at
such a distance from you. They
hear of you, and rejoice and bless,
of whom you neither hear nor
think."

Governor Belcher writes in a
manner, which impresses one
with the belief of his own undis-
sembled piety and regard to the
truth ; *' Set before you the ex-
ample of the great apostle of the
Gentiles for your imitation, that
you may approve yourself a choaen
veaael unto Christ, to bear hia
name to those, that are fieriahing
for lack ofviaion. And may you,
Sir, be honoured of God by being
made an instrument of taking
the scales from their eyes. May
you be wise to win their soulsj
and be able to say to them. In
Chriat Jeau* ha^ I begotten you
through the goefiel. For these
things will 1 bow my knees, and
lift up my heart to Him, with
whom ia the reaidue of the S/iir-
it,"

Rev. Mr. Appleton, of Cam-
bridge, expresses himself thus ;
"Give my hearty respects to
Mr. Woodbridge. I heartily
commend you both to the grace
of God, earnestly praying, that
the great Lord of the harveat^
who has sent you forth| wouhl

' 4

400

Sktek of fmBam Batet, JD. 0. ^FeA.

^ontintie to nrengthen ytmr hdtuh
«nd fncour&ge your hemrt by in^
trea*in% the.firuit fffymtr iabour* g
^ and that these poor, neglectec^
perishing people may be your
/oy for the pretent, and your
aroftni in the day of Ckrisi*» «^-

Some parts of Mr. Sergeant's
•nswer to the Rev. Dr. Colman
may not be unacceptable to the
reader. ^ Next to the blesung
of God on my endearourst the
prayers and good wishes of men
of God yield me the greatest sat-
isfaction. In their favour I seem
to enjoy the pleasure of society
in the deepest solitude. I wish I
were wortivy of tlie love of so ex-
cellent a man as Dr. Watts ,
whom all love and admire. And
if I may be thought in any meas-
ure to deserve the good opinion
of my fellow men^ it is not a lit-
tle owing to the Doctor's inge-
nious writings) which have the
force to charm the mind to the
love of virtue and piety, and to
infuse hii own spirit into his
readers.

" Those who have been bap*
tizedy have behaved very well,
though they have several times
been tempted to exceed the rules
of temperance by the offers of
strong drink, which used to be
their beloved destruction. They
' seemed to be surprised with the
change they find in themselves,
expressing the difference be-
tween their former state and the
present, by infancy and man-
hood, dreaming and being awake,
darkness and light, and the like
metaphors. I pray God, t/ir day
9tar that seems to be arisen m
their hearts^ may shine more and
more to the fierfect day**

(To be oontlnued.)

SKSTCB OV HSV. WILLIAM
BATSS, D. D.

Introductory Remark:
Messrs. Editorsy

If the character of that l>ody
of men, of which the first settlers
of New Ehgland were a part,
were more generally known at
the present day, the cause of
truth might be better secured
against the injurious impressioii
ol epithets, which had their ori-
gio in prejudice and party spirit
During Che reign of the Stewarts,
the high church party, headed by
archbishop Laud, Sheldon, and
other tyrannical prelates, brand-
ed all Protestants, whose con-
sciences resisted their unscrip-
tural impositions, with the iron-
ical epithet of Puritans^ and
PrecUians. Sometimes indeedf
from their attachment to civil
liberty, they were charged with
sedition and rebellion. But their
common appellation was Puri^
tans ; an epithet, intended to de-
note no difference in the doctrinal
articles of their fiuth (for in
these both parties agreed) but
that the Nonconformists or Dis>
senters were a set of weak, nar-
row, ignorant and superstitious
fanatics, who through pride and
obstinacy opposed the govern-
ment and ceremonies of the es-
tablishment, and the subscrip-
tions required by law. The same
epithet is still retained and appli-
ed by some, as a term of oppro-
brious distinction ; but not so
much> to designate Dissenters
from the ceremonies of the
church, as adherents to its i/oc-
trinrs. This application of the
term may be well calculated U^
atigmatize the commonly receiv*

1807.]^ SUttchof fFiUiam Bates, D. D.

401

#d fidtb of the reformed church-
es I but it is such a perversion,
as would have excited the resent-
ment of Laud himself. In de-
nominating those Puritans^ who
refused compliance with theiir
arintrary requisition, EfdacotitUr
iofu had no reference to doctrin-
al articles of faith ; nor the least
siispiciooi that by so doing they
shotki in process of time sub*
ject those articles to the stigma
of being the; creed of weak and

^ ignorant bigots only, uid not of

^ IHen of enlarged and enlightened.
Itfiderstandings. Every dissent*
cr from the worship and ceremo-
wet of the church of England is

' in reality a Puritan in the tech- '
nical sense . of the tenu. No
lioiiest and well informed Dia*
■enter, therefore, can feel him-

I lalf at liberty to apply this op-
probrious term in such a con-
seuon, as to bring the doctrines
of grace into disrepute. Of this
• tSkct indeed there would be no
4liiger, if the character of the
Farhans had not been grossly
misrepresented. To remedy
this evil, in part at least, as well
« to gratify and improve your
acrious and pious readers, be
pimed to insert in your very
vaefol publication a few extracts
from the lives of some Puritan
ministers. With the same vieWy
and as a natural introduction to
the extracts, the following testi- •
aioDy is . piroposed for previous
inacrtion ; being the opinion of
a man dis^guished by erudition

* and stretch of mind, but cer-
tainly not inSuenced by partiali-
ty to. the faVburite doctrines of
the Nonconformists.

Extract /ram the character of^he eject-
ed noMmforfniit nunisterst by Dr,
JoHif Taylor, of Noraich.

** Tljp principles and worship
Vol. II. No. 9. D D ^

of Dissenters are not formed
upon such slight • foundation, as
the unlearned and thoughtless
may imagine. They were thor-
oughly considered, and judicious-
ly reduced to the standard of
Scripture, and the writings of an-
tiquity, by a great number of
men of learnings and integrity, I
mean the Barthpiomew divines^
or the ministers ejected in the
year 1662; nen prepared to
lose all, and to suffer martyrdom
itself, and who actually resigned
their livings (which with most of
them were, under God, all that
they and their &milies had to
subsist upon) rather than sin
against God, and desert the cause
of civil and religious liberty ;
which, together with serious re-
ligion, would, I am persuaded,
have sunk to a very low ebb in
the nation, had it not been for
the bold and noble stand, these
worthies made against imposi-
tion upon conscience, profane-
ness, and arbitrary power. They
had the best education^ England
could afford ; most of them were
excellent echolarsy judicious di*
vincsj pious, fieuthful, and labori-
ous ministers ; of great zeal for
God and religion; undaunted
and courageous in their Master's
work ; keeping close to their
j>eople in the worst times ; dili-
gent in their studies ; solid, af-
iectionate, powerful, lively, a-
wakening preachers ; aiming at
the advancement of real, vital re-
ligion in the hearts and. lives of
men, which, it cannot be denied,
flourished greatly wherever they
could influence. Particularly
they were men of great devotion
and eminent abilities in firayer^
uttered, as God enabled them,
from the abundance of their
heart%«nd affections ; menofdi-

402

Sketch of JFUliam Sates, D. Hk. S^^-

vine eloquence in pleading at the
throne of grace ; raising and
melting the affections of their
hearers, and being happily instru-
mental in transfusing into their
souls the same spirit and heaven-
ly gift. And this was the ground
of all their other qiyKficationir ;
the3r were excellent men, becaose
excellent, 'instant and fervent m
prayer. Such M*cre the fathen^
the first formers of the Di'ssmtrng
interefit. Those who knew them
not, might despise them ; but
/ your forefathers^ wiser and less
prejudiced, esteemed them high-
ly in fove for their works's sake.
.The presence and blessmg of
God appeared in their assem-
blies, and attended their labours.
'^Lrt my aonlforrver b^ vdih the
90uU c»f thc^e men!**

To this may be added the tes-
timony of the great Mr. Locke^
who was weH acquainted with
several of them. Speaking of
the Mt of unifoitnity he says,
" That Bartholomew Day waa
fatal to our church and reHj^on^
by throwng' out a very threat
number of woRxer, lcarned,
PIOUS, and orthodox <//-
vinea^ v\"ho could not come
up to this, and other things in
that act."

SKETCH of WILLIAM BATES, D.D*

Dr. Bates was born in 1625. •
lie was educated in the Univer-
sity of Cambridge, where he took
the degree of B. A. 1647, and of
D. D. 1060. His gleeful mien
and comely person were adapted
to command respect in that pub-
lic station, for which Providence
designed him. His concern lay
not only with mean men ; he was
to stand before kingB, It is well
known in what relation he stood

to onc)* 9A long as wat.co&Teiiieot
for certain 'purposes ;; and how
frequent occasion he had of ap-
pearing (nerer unacccptably) be-
fore anolher.t His grave and
amiable aspect commanded both,
reverence and k>ve. A constant
serenity veigned in bis counte-
nance ; a visible sign of the di-
vine calm in his breast. His
natural endowments weve dlUch
b^^ipnd the common rate. Hia
apprehension was quick and
clear; his reasoning fiiculty
acute and ready ; his judgment
penetfating and solid; his wit
never light or vain, though fa-
cetious and pleasant. His mem-
ory was admirable ; nor was it
impaii^ to the.laat. He deliv-
ered his sermons memorker^
which, as he said) he continued
to do, when in years, partly to
teach somC) who were younger,
to preach without natea. He
was reputed one of the best ora-
tors of %he age. His voice was
charming ;. his language always
elegant ; his style inimitably po-
lite, yet easy, and to himself the
most natural.

His learning was a vast treas-
ure, and his knowledge of books
so extensive, that one of the
brightest ornamentaof the estab-
lishment said, ^^ were he to col-
lect a library, he would as soon
consult Dr. Bates, as any roan he
knew." He was well versed in
the politer parts of. learning,
which rendered his conversatio
highly entertaining tip the mo

* Charles II. to wham he was chap
lain. I ■

1 Kipg William III. To who«
at his accession to the throne, he pre
sentcd the congratulatory address '^
the dlfflentin^ ministers. He t_
presented their address of condolenc
on the death of the Queen.

1807 J. Sketekof mmam Bates, D. D. 403

I jntcnigenl part of mankiDcl, tuwl capacity could bear hU tnost h-

avcied

discourses wiihout great
adTantBgc, or great negligence.
To place religion in a morose
sourness was far from his pracr
ticc. judgmenti and temper.
Bui his mind was most iment on
di^nne things; and his discourse
on other subjects ifas Interwoven
T.'ith religion, and centered in it;
iai and

L his company was much
I by persons of quality. He was
I bonoured with the IHendship of
, the Lord-keeper Bnrf^-irnrn. The
I l^ord Chanceller f'inc/t, and the
' ^earl of J^oiiing/iam had a partic-
I ^Ular reap* cl (<ir him. Arcbbish-
I ,«^ TUloiaon held htqi im high es-
I ,tcein, and nsaiotained an inlima-
, cy with him to the end of his life. cspecialK •••m
1^ If interest would have i«duced essential lo it. ■* i ncier Knew
P •hho lo conformity, he could not any one {say* Mr. Howe) moPc
Ljbare wanted a temptation. He (i-cqiicnt or affectionate in the
vtnight have had any bishopric in admiration of divine gracci upon
[ Abe kingdom, if he would have all occasions, thm he was, as
I deserted his cause. His intcgri-* none had a deeper sense, of the
I ly, modesly, and peaceable tem- imfiutenee and defiravitif of Jiu-
r per are conspicuotis in the close man nature. Into what trana-
I of his farevcl sermon, Aug. 17, ports^f admiration of the love
1662, (the Sabbath preceding the of God have I seen him break

IRcneral ejecimenf of the dissent- forth ; How easy a step did he
trig clergy by the act of unj/brni- make it from ewlh to heaven'
'ity) — " 1 knoT ycu expect me
I to say something as to my non-
[ conformity. I sha'l only say
I thus much ; k is neither lancy,
k &ctJon, nor humour, that makes
, toe not comply ; but merely tb«
, fear of offcddtng God. And if,
I after the best means used for iny
\ lUuminution -, as prayer to God,
I iiiscourse, and study, 1 am not
' able to be satisfied concerning
c lawfulness of what la requir-
ed, it he my unbappiness to be
I error, surely men will huj-e
ion lo be angry with me
D this world, and I Iwpc God
V *U1 pardon me in the next."
I ' His piety was vi;ry conspicu-
ipOA, and his private conversation
L jM) instructive and quickening, in
' reference lo religion and godli-
I kcss, that no man of ordinary

hat flights <jf thought and
affection was he wont to speak c^
the heavenly state I Even like a
man more akin to the ether
world than this."

He was ejected frnm St. Dun-
stan's in the west, London. He
was^nany ycaxs one of the Tues-
day lecturers at Salter's hall,
where he preached to a thronged
assembly. In tbejattcr purt of
life be exercised his ministry st
Hackney with great success.
Jfe died in 1699, aged 74. Mr.
Howe's funeral sennon for him
(founded on John Ki. 16. Lei u*
alto g-Ot and die Kiih him) contains
a most passionate lamentation
over him, in a strength of lan-
guage characteristic of that great
writtr.

Ohtob.

Survey ofCfmreru*.

Belfgiouis Communitationff.

GPKVKT or NEW zkgland to an enlightened conclusion on
CHURCHEi. this Bubjccli it U necessary to
consider, that the perfeclioB
(Continued Irom p. SG^O of the Scrlpiurea coi)5ists in their
being completely adapted to the
Ahotbbk argument against ends, for which they were in-
eimfeniaia of faith will now be tended. Their perfect ion muit
mvesti^ted, not be made to consist in the tit-
Objection II. Cm/etaioni of most degree of any one qtialily,
j(&i/A are ineoruistrni viiik ihf ab- ur in llieir bein^ fitted lo any
aoiultflerfec'irm and tufficiency qf one particular purpose ; but in
the Holy Scrifilarei. Jl U in the the adapledness ol" the whole to
int/Urfd writingK onhj that tiir can «ihe complex design ot revelation.
hf *ure 10 find ihr genuine doc- That complex design is to fur-
trinet t^ C/irinio'iiiy rxprctird ni%h mankind with a urux-rrial
with fiernfiieuily and a Jutl rjr- rule af faith and /iracricr. Such
tent. Ml fi/iraien can be lo virll a design requires fuinet», and
adafitrd lo the nature of divine pertfiiridty. There is ft perfect
Ihrngn, or to we/l ctUcutaird lo fulness in the Scriptures, if they
fireterve the purity q/" rrtigion, reveal all that is neccBsar^ for us
•« iMo»e which the Holy Ghoti haa in the present slate. And as to
9ttn fit to u*e. And, ihrrtfare, their perspicuity, it is stifKcient
ereetUy toMitiiitg <if vorda of to answer all the cavils of infidels,
man'* imadom, are a great diare- if ihcy reveal necessary truths
»pett to thetaeredwri/ingi, and with such plainness, that ptrrseos
on t^ont to the diviiu- Spirit of every capacity may attain the
mMeh intfiired them. ~1t i/ie aume knowledge of lliem, by a dili-
time they *Aow a ftresumfiiuiua gcnl and pious use of ap-
eonfidence in man, at if he could pointed means. The perfectioa
deviae more -firofier exftreaaioiu, of the Scriptures dQes not imply)
than ihote i>f Scripture ; or a* if that divine truth is always ex-
the purity of faith could be better pressed in the most pbvious man-^
maintained by human inveniiont, ner, or that plainer expressioDS
than btf a tleadi/ adherence lo our could not possibly be used ; bat
itifatUbU aiandard. In short, that it is expressed 90 plainly,
eonfetaiona are an evident en- that every devout inquirer may
croachment upon the authority qf understand it, as fiir'as Cod sees
the Bible, and lead men lo neglrel to be necessary. The perspicuvi
' iia holy eontentt, and thua lend 10 ty of Scripture, it must be re<
undermine the faunttation of reli'. menibered, is calculated for diti-
gion. gence, and not for sloth. Though
Th(s objection, which is almost the necessary truths of revels.

the only one that remains to be tion may be easriy understood by

considered, claims for its support the attentive and impartial mim^

the jierfection of Ike Scriplurea. they may be greatly miuppre-

Now ID order that we may come hended by a mind biassed with

Survey of Churcfus.

MiS

prejudicci puffed up «*itli pride,
clouded b^ any evil passion,
made lo ap-
pear that confessidDs of faith, in
their nature and desif;n. are by
no means incompatible nith the
perfection of Scripture, the ob-
jection, stated above, will lose its

Let it, then, be constantly kept

ID tnind, that creeds are to be

considered neither as a substitute

for Scripture, nor supplementary

^ to it, nor as a rule, conformably

U> which Scripture ought to be

ineaBured and understood by the

people, nor in any decree as a

Btaudard of truth and falsehood in

matters of religion. So thai the

|i question before us is preciady

I tiiis ; vihfther creeds mau be

I tiramn tifi in any taordt, bul ihoMc

t ttfStrifiiure, not aa rulen of ftdlhj

I iut a* declaraiionn of our oain nertr

titaentt, and means qf diacovMng

ihe tentimenli afaihers.

In order to show the proprie-
ty and necessity of creeds, fram-
ed and used in this manner, it is
anfficient to prove, that we can-
not make a satisfactory declara-
'' lion of our oyvn sentiments, or a
} clear discovery of the sentiments
of others, so long as We confine
ourselves to the precise words
r tnd expressions of holy writ.
W 3'he reason of this may soon ap-
pear. But whatever Ihe reason,
the fact is plain.
Take a particular tent. Two
^ persons may subscribe it, and yet
contradict one another with res-
pect to the very article which it
'coatains. A Socinian will readi-
ly assent to any passages of
Scripture, which assert the di-
tiniiy of Christ; and :it the same
lime we know that, according to
■ gloss which he puts upon
, tlief represent Christ as

a mere man. Two men may
subscribe certain passages of
Paul's writing*, when from those
very passages they derive differ*
ent and irrcconcileabte dociriDes.
Whence it clearly follows, that,
in the present atute of things, a
person's otvning bis belief of tha.
Scriptures, and RSaenting to par-
ticular passages is not, in itself^
the least proof of the sentiments
he embraces-

This fact is easily accounted
for. It ought to be most thank-
fully ackno«ledge4> ^»t ^^^ ■>*
cred oracles arc adorned with a
noble simplicity, and, considered
in themselves, are free from arr
tifice and ambiguity. They are
an open, plain, and impartial re
presentation of the doctrines con^
tained in then) ; so that, without
any additio|i or explicatioQ, they
may be truti^, though not fierfect-
ly understood by al), who sincere*
ly apply their minds to the dis-
covery of divfne truth. And
whenever we speak of the plain-
ness and penpicuity of Scripture
phrases, we me^n to consider
them, as they lie in the Scrip-
tures, and as liiey'are expresi
sions of God's mind to his crea*
tures. But the words and phra-
ses of Scripture have, by onc^
party or another, been greatly
perverted fi-om their true sense. ■
People ascribe different mean-,
ings to tliem, and whenever they
use Ihem, intend to express dif^
ferent notions. -** Ihey are ated
and unders/ood 6y mantiiid, tliry
are qf an ambiguou* and ind^-lerr
winale tignijication. Hence it is
plain, they are not clear expresT ,
sions of a peiwin's faith, even a«
to the most essential articles ef
Christianity. If churches* fully
persuaded that certain prevailing
ecntimeDts i '

406

Survey of Ckurthes.

irei.

Ihe gos^j were about to judge
of the qualifications of a ministery
|they could obti^n do definite idea
X>f his opinionsf merely from his
assent to scripture phrases. As
circuinstances are^ it is absolute-
ly impos^ble, by the use of
JKripture phrases only t to declare
our ftdth to others. This is not
^charging any imperfection ^pon
the word of God. ¥ux confes-
.^ionsof faith, strictly speaking,
aire nqit designed to give an ac-
count ' of what the Holy Ghost
says concerning any aKicIes of
fiuthy but of what we believe.
And when we would determine,
whether any particular terms are
proper to be lised in creeds ; the
question is, whether they wilj ex<r
' press, with sufficient clearness,
the real belief of those who assent
to them.

As scripture phrases, howe.ver
clear and determinate in them-
selves, have become of an ambig-
uous signification, they are not
suited to the purpose of cohfes-
sions. And to say that no con-
fessions should be composed or
assented to in any language, biut
that of Scripture, is to say, we
must be entirely uncei*tain,
whether those, with whom we
join in church fellowship, and
those whom we elect for minis-
ters, believe the doctrines of our
religion, or not.

It follows from this unreason-
able notion, that we should nev-
er make ap explicit confessiou of
Christ and his ■ gospel before
• men. For how can we give a
testimony to the faith of the gosr
pel in a declining age, or profess
our firm adherence to the truth
by subscribing a proposition,
which they who , reject the doc-
trines we believe, are a< ready to
^ubscribe^ as we are ? What sat«

isfaction can thusix given to any
discerning man concerning our
belief ? By such a subscriptioD
or assent to a scripture .phras^
ve impose upon our thoughtless
neighbours. ' Unless we expkun
oiir meaning, yre do nothing but
conceal our ^ntiments. Indeed
it is the very practice we are op«
posing, to which they resort,
who mean to disguise (heir reli-
gious opinions. They form the
language of ^ripture into a cov-
ert under which they can hide, a
shelter to which they can retreat
from the region of light and
tfuth.

It is in vain to urge^the perspi;
cuity of scripture language, by
which we allow it is perfectly
adapted to be a universal rule of
faith and practice. Whatever
men's speculations gn the sub^
ject may be, it is, I repeat it, a
well l^nown fact, that the use of
scripture phrases does not deter**
mine what a man^s sentiments
are, even on the most important
points in religion « So that the
scheme, which the adversaries of
creeds undertake to found on the
perfection of Scripture, is calcu-
lated to break down all the fences^
which secure the church froil^
danger, and to let in all jnaimer
of errors and coiruptions. If
affords a hiding place tp the moi
pernicious deceiver^. It tendfr-
to confound all religious socie-^
ties, and tp destroy the very be—
ing of church communion, whicl».
is founded on one faith^ one hope^
one bafititim.

It may be said, that creeds are
liable to the same abuse as scrip:
ture phrases ; that others may
understand them in a different
sense from what we do ; and that
dishonest men 'may please them«
selves with subtiltiesi by fliehelp

. «

Survey of Churches.

407

hey fancy they can sub-
tr confessions) while
:t the obvious sense.
ly acknowled{;ed« that

> absolute security a-
oan error and deceit ;
iter all our vigilance
t imposed upon. But

of danger should ex*
■eater caution, and en-

> use those methods
n least liable to mis-
e already know that
phrases are used by
>enons in a different
ome men think the
Mages in favour of a
truth ought to be so

as to mean quite the
If after knowing this,
I consider a person's
to or using those pas-
I satisfactory declara-
&ith, we might justly
id with the weakest
On the contrary, we
lat men of erroneous
generally refuse to
orthodox confessions.
t they cannot so easily
mselves with evasive
(• But if the expres-
in any creed should,
of time, be so applied
ic ambiguous, church-
consistently make al-
md use other expres-
nore determinate sig-
For, while the Holy
are designed for a
tod perpetual rule of
lanners ; confessions
I of a limited nature,
e framed with refer-
particular state of na-
e heresies which pre-
various arts and sub-
' deceivers, to the
hich they use words,
articular cast which

they give to tlicir schemes. By
attending to such things,^ the
enlightened friends of truth may^
* sit every pertod» construct creeds^
which will answer the double
purpose of declaring their own
sentiments^ and of discovering
the sentiments of others.

Theyy who place so much de*
pendence on a mere assent to
scripture phrasest are evidently-
chargeable ¥rith superstition.
WorTu in themselves, are noth-
ing. They are arbitrary signs
of our thoughts, and derive all
their meaning fronT common
usage. The words of Scripture
are no more valuable, or worthy
of regard, than any other words,
if we abstract them from the
sense or doctrine which they are
designed to express. The whole
value of words consists in the
meaning, which the speaker or
writer intends to convey by them.
So far, therefore, as any words
or phrases are without a deter-
minate sense, they are worthless.
He that uses them, without ex-
planation, might as well say noth-
ing. If scripture phrases are
understood by the world in diffei'-
ent senses, and he, who uses
the.m, refuses to inform others
in what sense he uses them, be
mocks those who wish to know
his sentiments. For example.
A man pretends to satisfy us^
concerning his faith by assenting
to a passage where Christ is
called GOD ; though he chooses
not to tell us, whether by the
word GOD he means the su-
preme, self-existent Being, or a
metaphorical deity, as the Socin-
ians consider it. In such a caset
he does not give us the least
knowledg;e' of his belief, sikl
might at well use a Chineab
word, as the name of Cod. To

1. .^

40S

Survey -of Ghurches.

con^der, therefore^ such a use
of scripture phrases^ as a suffi-
cient declaration of a man's faith,
is so far from consulting the glo-
ry of inspiration, that it is turn*
•ing its words into so many charms
and i^mulets ; and it might as
reasonably be affirmed, that a few
scripture words, written on pa-
per, will cure a man of diseases,
as to affirm that they will make
known a person's sentiments,
wH^n the meaning he sd^es to
them is disguised.

The ancient Pharisees destroy-
ed the spirit of the law, while
they pretended the strictest re-
gard to its letter. They ac-
knowledged every part of the
itioral and ceremonial law, while
Christ charged xY\em with mak-
ing it void. They were willing
to subscribe any passages ih the
prophets, which related to the
Messiah. Bat that did not de-
nominate them believers, so long
as they understood those passa-
ges in a wrong sense, and refused
to apply them to Jesus of Naza-
reth. Those lm<fn, therefore,
who would receive a person's as-
sent to the letter or phrases of
Scripture, without any explana-
tion, as a Sufficient test of his or-
th^oxy,build their scheme up-
on the maxims of the scribes,
and, to say nothing worse, intro-
duce into the Christian church
the old Jewish pharisaism.

The only perceivable way to
avoid these absurdities is to as-
sert, that they who adhere to
scripture phrases are far from
designing to use them in an un-
certain sense ; that, while they
choose to express the doctrines
of tbe gospel in the words of the
Holy Ghost, they are willing, if
desired, to explain whas they be-
fieve to-be the meaning of those

words. But if ^ they vil 4i
they yield the point in 4
To subscribe a passage uSA
ture taken in such a pal^
sense, is the same as subaci
the expressions by which fl
plain its sense, or the sw
making those expressions I
of our creed.

In reality, we are reqw
receive the truthsj rathef.
the mere vforda of Scriptuffif
is the mind of Christ, or th
triiif he taught* and nol>
combinations of letters, tb
serve the name of the Chi
revelation. Consequentlyt l
those doctHnes are taugh
received in their purity, in
ever terms they are expf^
there the Bible is honouR
the standard of faith. ^
those doctrines are denuedi
tenaciously soever aopi
phrases are held, tliere th«
is rejected, and another.!
feith set up in iu stead*

But^ there are. other c
quencea worthy of notici
suiting from the scheme of
who maintain, that non<
scripture phrases are to b<
in declarations of faith.

According to their sd
there could be no expound!
Scripture. * The advanU^
the best commentaries an
best preaching would be
and tlve whole course of ;
and private instruction "^
consist merely in readiOj
Bible. How effectually
would contravene the grci
sign of the gospel ministr;
how fatal it would be to the
of religion is, doubt4ess, \
dent to our opponents,
ourselves.

If a man publishes a boo
taining what he

nBvii^

SSmtv^. ^ Churthet^

409

iMk tti AHich M to ^uhHfibe
tiMM ^trlncft. Whtt^ver »
g^4[(pel liitnfetei- speaks concern-
il^^\iKgfa>ft, he may consisttentif

ftiith in the doctrines of reyela-
tion; For, in ri^d propriety, it is
the Bible in the original tongues
only, which consists of the
words made use of by the Holy
He should sitrely be ^ Ghost. Those, properly, are

the words of revelation. No

'#lidy Id ^ve the most solemn
titonself 4o every thing.

wttlch he pilblicly detiveiji, as

thte will ^f God, to (he people.

GtBtk iUKf MAon bfc grivet), why a

l^rbacfaier shouM refuse to sub-

mettbt his tiwn serAcMi, or any

^litartM corftftiKfed i« it ? Ought

lie not td^mahttain as great sin-

^Wfty iaH eautiQis IB inviolable

a tfMcnl to the tfuth, and as close

«ti whcHtice th revelation in the

^ttl^ty as ahy Whefe else ? There

K is tilHi^ tacred obligations to

MM /M 4he fidtl^id word a^ hit

itih ^en tcughii efnd tb instruct

1M p^M>pi^ in sound doctrine.

tft hQght tb spHik because he

Iftlfc'^t. When he preachei

Hft^ thing fVohi the pulpit, by thit

IHMi Whft^h he uses) h6 c<mfr9«ei

mfidthy iM^d virtually ^bscribes

i 4ttteA drawh up hi those Very

ttt^iw. So thai the reas6iif

. I^ich ttrifl trbhfine Creeds to th^

ti^ebiM phrases of Scriptikre, will

feSttSM ' sefMion^ to them also.

Afid If l;>reachihg tnust be re*

ig^gtlM to strfptur^ phrases,

^Jhf im every kind of religious

^PJuUiinal^ication ? According to

thtt ilbtfonv We mt!st t^evet speak

0f write any thing on divine sub-

fe6fB9 ticc6ttt in the very word*

W ihsj^li^tioh, lest we should be

Sfed tifpoti to sttbscHbe the ^en-*
lientB, whith we express
' Tfftd schetni of our opponents
kta k very unfavourable aspect
on A tfAhsI^otis of the Bible,
HM seeiiM tt> malte it Impracti^
jMble 9di such as are unaoquaint^
M Widi the Hebrew and Gre^
||fefj|ttQ(e4, e^ef to declare their

Vol. IL No. 9. £ B e

English ^ords or phrases can
pretend to the" authority of
scripture expressions, unless
they are a just interpretation of
the Hebrew and Greek,' and cor-
respond in sense with the origi-
n^l. If a sly deceiver, resolved
at any tate to support his favour-
ite scheme, should translate a
passage of the Greek Testament
Into such English phrases, as
did ^ot express the sense of the
original, but contained the very
error, which the Spirit of God
meant to condemn ; it would be
absui*d to call those English
phrases scrifiture words^ or td
consider a man, who assented to
them, as assenting to the word^
of the Holy Ghost.

Whenever we subscribe a text
as it stands in our common ver-
sion, designin^hereby to de-
clare our faith in scripture
>Vords, We virtually declare that
Wfe think the true meaning of
the original expressed in ou>
translation, which, as far as thii
subject is concerned, is tanta^
mount to subsc4[*ibing those con-
fessions of faith) Which, in ouf
opinion, cohtain the true doc-
trines of inspiration. Could we
free the words of our latiguag*
from all ambiguity, and alwayi
use them in a determinate sense ;
the chief controversy would be,
in what way the original text
ahouid be translated. In that
case, confe^ions of faith might
be so framed, that the principal
thing imported by our subscrib-
ing them would be> that v6

410

Survey of Churches.

IFek.

believe such and such texts ought
to be 80 rendered, and that the
interpretation given by the op-
posite sklc is erroneous. Now
would not confessions of this
kind be liable to all the objec-
tions, which are made against
thos'i in common use ? If then
we regulate ourftelves wholly ac-
cording to the opinion of those,
who oppose confessions, we nev-
er can declare our faith, except
in the Hebrew and Xireek lan-
guages, in which the very phrases
used by the inspired writers are
found.

Once more. If none bnt
scripture expressions are to be
used, it will be impossible * for
us ta declare our &ith in the
deare&t and most legitimate
acrifiture conaequcncc^^ or in
those truths, which, though not
explicitly asserted in the Scrip-
tures, arc plainly inferrible from
them. In this way some truths
of our religion, which are by all
acknowledged to be of great im-
portance, must be entirely set
aside, or if t>elitved, must by no
means be professed.

These are some of the conse-
quences of the scheme espoused
by the adversaries of creeds. In-
to such absurdities must they in-
evitably fall, so long as they re-
gard words more than things ;
%o long as they venerate and
honour the phrases of Scripture
more than the truths contained
in them, and look upon empty
sounds, instead uf the purity of
faith, as a distinguishing mark
of Christianity.

Only one more objection
against the use of confessions
will be noticed.

Objection III. Whatever may
be urged in favour of creeds^ they
have in fact been the occauon of

numberifB dUwrdert in the CkHa^
Han world. They have fometUtd
dixuaion and 9lrife^ by which the
church haa been rent, while Chrit'^
tian love and piety have been iM
in the contest. They hirve betm
framed to entangle eanteieneej akii
to Mtifle the truth. They have of*
ten been made engine* qf arnbi*
tion, avarice^ and cruelty. They
have firomoted a blindj maHgnoMt
zealy and led to the fierteU amd
moat bloody fieraecuiiona. And in
general they are very firejudiciai
to CMatian love anc^ candour.

In reply, it may be obsenredr
that the principal evils mention*
ed in this objeftioD took place^
when creeds were anned with
the sword, with blood and tor-
ture. But what have these evils
to do with that authority of
creeds^ which is perfectly coo*
sistent with the most extended
nghts of rational cteatureS) and
is founded on the analienaUe
and essential privileges of all so-
cieties ? Is the abuse of a thing
to be made an argument against
it ? The wisest institntions, the
best privileges^ and the most
valuable possessions are liable to
abuse ; and when abusedy becontle
occasions, of great mischiefs
This is the case with the noble
fiiculty of reason ; with the priv*-
ilegcs of human society, and
wicJi the sublimest truths of rev-
elation. Even the grace of the
Lord Jesus- is often turned into
licentiousness. , Shall we tbea
urgf the abuse of creeds^ as aa
arguq^nt against them I The
uncharitable heats and conten-
tions, and other mischiefs, which
are mentioned in the objection*
are pot to be ascribed to the na-
ture and tendency of creeds, but
to the unsanctified passions of
mankind. £rom this aottroet

1807.]

Survey of Churches.

not from conreiBions of failh, are
derived all the slorms which
lia\c broken the peace of the
church, all the persecutions,
wbtch have wasted the saints,
Mid all the fires, which have de-
• soared the world. If the hearts
ctf men were sanctified ; if, un-
der the guidance of God's Holy
Spirit, they would practise the
_ noble virtucB of the Christian re-
I, KgioH ^ we should aoon see an
I end of division and strife, and
j rejoice in the prosperity and
[ "peace of Zion. But if the pas-
Mons of men continue unaanctifi-
«d, it is in vain to expect that
I any other raetHods «ill sectirc
|i -^he welfare eithefr of civil or re-
ligiou* society. Will setting
! aside coitfessions. and removing
Ihc restraints, which religion
lays upon mankind, terminate
Ibe reign of sin, and procure
' quiet and happiness? Have we
not seen those, who trample on
r creed*, and even those, who

I spurn all the restraints of relig-
ion, as fond of their own notions,
jU iraperipus, and as uncliorita-
ble, as the most earnest pro-
I inoter» of oiihodoxy ? Human
depravity ia ever active ; and if
\ it should cease to be occupied
\ with retigioi
L iroiild show itscii in e
ft">y.

~ The objection befc
J ■© weight, unless it c.
[ ed that the principles, which we
[ bsTC endeavoured to vindicate
I with respect lo confessions, are
I inconsistent with the amiable
\ virtues of .Christianity. But

rvhat pretence ia there for such
an (^legation ? Arc not niodeia-
1 lion and meekness compatible
I irith unshaken firrnncss I \% not
the warmest zeal k>r the faiih of
the goipol consistent with mod-

e other

n be pi'o

411

e?ty, humility, and (ok ? May
we not feel and manifest all the
excellencies of benevdlencei for-
bearance and candour, while we
refuse to choose a mW for our
minister, or to admit him to
church communion, until he
gives OS some evidence, that he
is a disciple of Jesus, end ha*'
embraced the faith once deliver-
ed to the saints \ Thus, howev-
er great the evils, which have
at any time been occasioned by
creeds, there is evldt^tty noth-
ing in their nature and proper
tendency, which does pot har-
monize with the most enlarged
affection of Christians, as well as
with the most precious interests
of the church.

But there are many good ef-
fects of confessions, which, thc^-
overlookcd by our opponents,
afford a strong argument in
their favour. These effects have
been considered in a former
number of this Survkv. I shall
only add the words of a !ato
writer in the Religious Monitor.
" Not lo speak dF their effects in
primitive times; it ttbs by con-
fessions, that the principles of
the reformation were spread ;
that the scheme was brought to a
consistency; and that) under the
divine bleesing, the fervid hero-
ism was produced^ which inspir-
ed our fathers to braTc opposi^-
tion, and defy danger." How
important it is to secure the
blessings which were gained by
the reformation 1 The hero, who
has detiverad his country, or the
patriot, who has introduced salu-
tary laws or institutions, esteems
the effects of his prowess or wis*
dom in proportion to their stabil.
iiy and permanence. It is so in
religion. How evidently proper,
therefore, it is, that CbristiaR

41S The D^cQlogtt. IFA

clilircheft should adopt certaio th»we»|)OQ» of iiiitelhWiA pMH

internal regulutioos for the pur* 9100 and acience Uaolji 9» odKi

pose of maintaining, in purity^ ed> but with %bo moro aoooe^iM

the faith which thoy profesa^ and weapoRft* which ChoMtiaoi ^uA

of transmitting it to iuture ages, and kxve supply. Porhftps thcrt

We have now exhibit;:d what ia no moasuro nioro impffiirtMit

we judged of chief consequence at the present dajr^ tlia» M^

on this subject. We have en- airowed and ste«dl3» tfttioroVGO el

deavoured to point out tlie utili- all orthodox inijBii$^r% anA

ty and importance of cofifest.iw^ churches to thai aohooHS; of lo^

^ faith; bo explaio the princi- ^on, which vkoa «0 oflbeft aM

pies on which they rest ; to re« knowledged by our godiir ibi*

move the doubts of the honest> thers, and Imus. tai <UKtKiiWi»

but misinformed ; and to answer been generaUf eqabcacoit Ifi

the objections. a«4d expose the Protestant ckurdMUk TImi

misrepresentations of adversa- scheiao imteiided ia Aftt CWIMMI*

Ties. ed in the A5seiQlW.)('s catiwhiw^

It is hoped^ that a dutf consid-* or ift the WcAnkiAter ocmtei

oration of what has been written sioo of £uthb A gcaoril wifal^

will rouse the attention aad aeal on that basi^ wouHL iiiCDi|emv«(«

of these, who love the glotry of biy stsengthen tto whm tft

Zion^ and lead them to unite in Christ among us, vhite- H MipuUk

every measure, which the inters throw coofuAioa tod tonov iuMi

eat of Christianity renders need- tlie camp o^ the enoioj^.. AnA ^

Jul. Churches of New £ng« witvKithslandiiig mtry difffnHqfy^

land, be entreated not to over- auf:h a union. vnUI tftkc 11I111CO9.

look the alarming signs of the i* be aa eamesdy devrtd:

times. Neglect not the only sought by faithful nwLoiatora

means, of your safety. Let not churches^ as. it is, deproGatcAhgpB

those, who eJMill the God of others. PAiffOi

your ftilhers, and seek ' youi;
good, ever have reason to mourn

tht dtttarture of your glory, in ^^^ DECALOGUE,

this most eventnu penod, when
the spirit of innovation and rev-» eighth goKMicA,NDM«iiT.

olution is. spreading such deso- "Thou shall not steal.'*

lations and miseries over the

earth, and forebodes such drcad<< Goa> has been^ pleased: to^ ftfr-r

ful evils to the Christian cause, ni&h this woi*ld with whateier io

let your fears be seasonably, necessary, for the accomfftodlh

awakened, and let a prudent tion of mankind,. The ciglUbtPi

foresight provide means of sccu-« the conveniences of life onig^

rity. Hold £uLbt what, you have nates in the ^iftof God; Tho

received, and let no man take grant to Adam, and tojiia ppstsri*

your crown. If confessions oif ty at the creation was confiiMA

£uth, wisely used, have such a to their existing noceaailieak

beneficiaL influence, cod side i* how Previously to the daya of Noati>

great the evil of holding them there was no peroNsaioD tot.eal

in contempt. Contend earnest- animal food, ^f ho right whif^li

ly for the gospei faith ; not with mankind hai^eilbeG to

)

7%^ Heealegue.

» oiAe Crtalor.

A in .gfMtnd fov th«ir

NT* aUovAcl W» n»k^ th«
[ihitvgliiaUegift. Tbey»

^ ill had re^aock to d^maqd
pil advantage from thaur
ty and latmur. Hence
gm of p^rivale pfopertx-
ipoitfttioft qC thi& aidvan*.
awnragea cultivatioi^ of
^p^, ivbkb n«i« vaiuJd
tkie» vere Ihcy note to re-
MMdiate beoofit. A,na<»
badiAnaf ctoaistiDg of tvo
» luindredy will take uf> a
land, vkich, with proper
mmvx^ would marntain aai
MHMaadB. Private prop-
» pfeaexyrca tbe produce
WPlh^ Weve all in com-
uit would not be likely to
t perftxlioii, }*rain would
Alt nor flocks and herds
». their full gixiwth. Be*
ittt contests would arise^
nveniencos would be loat.
property allows men to
different occupations,
iQbrd tbe civiUaed ao ma-
iMtages over the aavage
*he poorest in countries,
aach has what he calls hia
rm better accommodated,
adiBg peraoos in those
say where idiosl things are
M>iu Since such advan-
4ae from private appro*
t^ no doubt it is pleasing
pireat Proprietor, who^ in
tnt he made to mankind)
ir advantage in view,
iiatever I call my own, I
)i secured by the eighth
Ddment. It restrains the
BOt^ It curbs the. pliuidec-
likfia cognizance o£ ever|»

spccUa oil io»9i9«ikiQii» l^ol lot
the woi?kiBanbie aHptrficial in Im
worki nor Mb^ trader dvervahift
hi& cemn^odity, l^et n^t itNt
b4yef si^y^ it k nought, i)or Ikq
seUer b« decekiul iA his- w($ig.Kiai.
^^ Let ao 91^ go beyond m^ 4t^
fraud k»a brother in aj^y matter ^
because the Lord is tho avenger
of 9^ sucbk. L«at him who atole*
steal no more » but rathe? let
him loboiUfy YFOJtking with Uui
hands the tbkiff which i% iood^
that he may have to giv^ to hm.
that n<eedf th.''

Improper dedi^cUoiMi h^¥0
been drown from, thojdiiatory of
the primitive Chris^iaoa. Th^
^^ospel does not wre^t jriv^t^
prc^erty ipon\ thf hand of tbo
possessor^ Tho apoatlQ Pater
disclaim^ the thoughu '^ WbiljO
thy poaaeasioa i^^^iainod)'' a^.
he to 4v>ABiaa> '^ y^% it oot thiM
awn ^ And after it waa soldi?
was it not in thine own poiwor^^
Tbe dispoaalof their poeaeasioiM^
was left entirely to tlie dtscreibioii^ '
of individuals. The oSering
must be frqe> that it xoi^h^ b^
acceptable. The gospel teaches
us the blessedness of giving to
others. In proportion as wq im«
bibe its spirit, we shall be nberal.
But the gospel intermeddles not
with civii governments kleoMes
them as they ape« Taking poa^'
session o£ the hearti k fixe%
there benevolent and energetic
principles- liow men would mU
if they were all reiiL Christiana^
is evident from the inatancea re«
corded ia Scripture. Far from
infringing the propertyoC others^
they wouhl esteem it their chieT
joy to be able, in any degree} to^
be aiding to their fiellow crear
tures, by their sympathy, their-
personal servkeai aiid.th«ir pai^ *
aiessionai .

414 On the It^uence of the JBely SfArk. {Fdu

The eighth command ferbidt
every act of fraud or imposition^-
fik well as taking privately or by
jR^rce what belongs to another.
The punishment annexed by the
Jewish law to this crime was
restitution with a fine. If the
pffender could not advance the
fine adjudged by law, he might
be sold and his family, until their
labour should amount to what
the law demanded. The unjust
are ranked in Scripture with the
most abandoned characters.
They shall not inherit the king-
dom of heaven.

The Weight of this command
lias not been generally felt. It
has been openly violated by na-
tions, as well as individuals.
Nimrod, the founder of the Assy-
rian empire, led the way. Suc-
cessful warriors have irode ; t^
his footsteps. • History dignifi^
their names as great, and blazons
^eir deeds with admiration. But
their true cliaracter is that of
public plunderers, whose deeds
are infamous, and whose names
are accursed. Philologos.

ON THE INFLUENCE OF
HOLY SPIRIT.

THE

It seems to have been the opin-
ion of all ages, that the Being,
who is styled, in Scripture, the
God ^f the spiriu ofalljleshy has
easy access to the human mind,
and great influence over its de*
terminations. If a man be de-
liberating, whether to engage in
any particular enterprise or not ;
it is generally thought, that,
without diminishing the free
agency of that person, God may.
have great influence over his
conclusion, that he may lead him
to such a view of the subject^

that his mini wHl indlne tUf'

way, rather than that. AlmottC
all prayer is offered on this s«p^
position, that our mhidt ate ci^
pable of diviiie influence. W«
pray that God would direct us 19
safe and prudent measures 19
our common uudertakuip ; thai
he would keep us from emn^
and lead us into the truth as to
religion ; that he would lead ut
to a right use of his providences }
that he would establith us in the
tru^, and sanctify our hearts^
Now these requests, wbich are
' the most common among meny
who pray at ally do certainly im^
ply k belief, that God can openita
on our minds ; for unless thbba
supposed, how can he direct us
to the choice of suitable mess?
uries ? How can he preserve us
from fatal wanderings, estalrfisli
us in the truth, or sanctify ouB
' hearts ? .

Were we to discard all bdicf^
in the reality of divine influence
on the mind, the reason and
ground of prayer would be weak*
ened, and the subjects of it great*-*
ly diminished.

It is certainly a very reasonar
ble opinion, that Deity, who ia^
himself a Spirit, has influence oa-
the spirits which he has made.
One man has great influence
over another. A man of deae
discernment, great information,^
and much acquaintance with the
ways of the world, will suddenly
produce great changes in the
opinions, views, and pursuits of
his neighbour. How difierently
will a subject appear to the latter»
after having conversed with tho-
other. And how totally changed
will be his determinations and ac-
tions with regard to it. Now, if
such effects arise from the influ^.
ence of man with man; bov

y} (hiht Lffiuence of the Hofy Spirii.

41S

fintter efiecU will result
flie influence which God
in man. If we can alarm
■other by exhibiting dan-
JGumol God alarm the sin-
'^cmTincing him of his dan-
i£.we are sometimes able/
ions means and long im-
utff to aker the determin-
•nd change the course of
itighboursy as to earthly
»; cannot God* by some
oae innumerable means,
are always at his corn-
alter our determinations,
lange our course as to heav-
hii^ ? If we can comfort
onfirm one another; can-
iid give consolatipn and es-
iment to' the Christian's

i even if thd doctrine of di-
ifliiences were less intelli-
Ittni it»is, we could not for
"cason reject it, as it is
r and strongly asserted,
ft the Old and New TesU-
. We say in the Old Tes-
t» because, although the
f itaelf, does not contain so
grace, as is implied in
communicating aid and
0 sinners, in their endeav-
ifter holy obedience ; yet
AS. never, even in this re-
Icft himself without a wit-
but conferred on the Jews,
mere favour, that influence
Holy Spiiit, of which the
ide no mention. Petitions
vine influence, acknowl-
mt of dependence on it, and
tea of the outpouring of
^rit, are very profusely
red among the Psalms and
i^ies. Teach me to do thy
lith the Psalmist, for thou
> Qod, Thy Sfiirit is good ;
f into the land (if upright^
Atrtiy it U meet to ke said

unto Oody that whu^h I eee not^
teach thou me, ^The Psalmist
uses the language of a child un-
der a humble sense of his need of
parental instruction. Shevf me
thy wayMy O Lardy teach me thy
paths. Lead me in thy truth and
teach %ie ; for thou art the Ood qf
my eatvation ; on thee vnU I vmi
all the day. Good and ufiright t#
the Lord ; therefore mil he teach
einnere in the ixmy, Solomon>
when he came to the throne of
Israel, impressed with the im-
portanee of the action to which
he was called, sought direction and
strength from above. Giveithere-
forcy to thy servant an understand"
ing heart yto judge this fieofiUy that I
may discertf between good and had.
The way of man is not in him*
se(fy and ttM not in man that
walkethy to direct his steps. The
prophet Isaiah speaks of gospel
days, as a season, when the )S^r-
it of God shall bcy in unusual
measures, fioured out from on
high. In allusion to gospel
times, God speaks thus by the
mouth of Joel ; It shall come to
paasy that I vnll pour out my
Spirit upon all fleshy and your
sons and your daughters shall
prophecyy your old men shali
dream dreamsy and your young
men shall see visionsy and also on
the servants and handmaids in
those days I will pour out my
Spirit, This prophecy was ful-
filled, according to St. Peter, at
the feast of Pentecost, when so
many were converted, and the
converts received miraculous
powers. Acts ii. Now, although
it is evident, both from the pro-
phecy, and the fulfilment,, that
miraculous powers, such as
speaking in diflerent languages^
were to^ be one consequence
of the eutpouring of God's

418

Ohthe tnfhencttftht JSify ^nria. {P^.

Bpirh ; f et n6 person cski rea-
Kmablf doubt, 'that secret divine
tommunicaticms to the hearts
6f these worsMppers, who
then etnbraced the g^spdt were
tiketrise foretold ; nor can anjr
6ne doxibt, thai ih this ^nse,
likewise, the prophecy was fill-
illted.

The New Testament, as might
have been expected (Votn the na-
ture of the Christian dispensa-
tion, i^ more clear and copious
on this subject. Christ express-
ly asserts, that no person Ban en-
ter the kingdom ot heaven, un-
less he experience a divine
birth by the agency of Cod's
Spirit. Exct'fit a man be born of
^attr and the 3fiirity 'he tannot
kee the kingdom qf Ood. And
the genera! progress of a Chris-
tian, as well as particular parts of
a Christian carriage, is attributed
to divine grace. Persevering
believers are said to be kefit by
the fiottfer of God through fidth to
salvation. Christians are said to
b^ Ird by the S/iirit. It is by the
Spirit that they mortify the deeds
tfthe body.

In opposition to this; it has by
some been objected, that by the
Spirit is meant nothing more,
than the word, which was given
by the inspiration of the Spirit.
Persons are said to be born of
the Spirit, they tell us, when the
word of God has su6h influence
Upon them, as to lead them to a
holy life, although no divine
communications are mtirle to the'
tnind. To this it is replied, that
Paul docs indeed say to the
Corinthians, / have begotten you
through the gos/iel ; and the
church is said to be cleansed and
Monett/ted by the word : but neith-
er of these expressipns excludes
the agency of the Spirit. It is

not doubtedy thii{ Svliib U'flCRjk
are necessarjr to be kotr#ii| be^
ibre wesball seekaftef ftd^MtiUH
and that the word is a mbit pow&
erful ihtftramen^ of conVersloi
and bdhiess ; tat y«t it l» wt
eflicacioas cf hself. AbA it %
exceedingly el^defit, from the
general tenor of the New Testt^
mcnt, as wnl at from psrliculit
passages, that vplntutl ccaa*
xtmnications ar^ necessary td tt^
compai^y the wcftdf in order ti
its producing the fruits of righ-
teousness. The cfaiMreii of
God are sidd to frr chosen ikrwug^
sanctijitation fftke Sfdrit^tthd^K^
lief (f the truth. In this ptadl
th<: sanctification of the SfMt 11
tnentioAred in distinttion ftwt,
the word ; and therefore it is ittl^
possible, that both should tutfst
the same thing.

In the eigMi chipter of tte
epistle to the RMnns, die ittat*
ter is placed beyohd all renona*
ble doubt. If any #ords M
capable of proving a doctrin^
that of divine- operatitm upon ttl6
human mind is there proved.
Being led by the Spirit, and
having the Spirit dwelling in u%
IS there stated to be indispensa-
ble to our religious security.
Ye are not ih the ftrsh^ but in At
Sfiirtt ; if so be\ that the Sfdrit cf
God dtoelt in you, Mrh^ if onf
man have not the Spirit t^Chrhf^
he is none tf Ms, As tmrnp al
are led try thi Sprrit^ they arr tht
sons ofGod,^ If tht Sfiirit SfMm
that r((j^ed uft Jesus ftnm tht
deady dtfell in yon ; ht^ that ttdsH
ufi Christ fi-om the dead^ shall aS^
^nivkm yoar mortal bodieq bfg ktk
SfiiHty tfidt d^cUfth in you. ffyt
live after tb& flelh^ ye shdA ttU g .
but if through the SfMt ye S>
mortify tht detds of the hody^ ft
shall livt. Unless tbe llbceiillt

] Oni/ie In/hence of the Bofy Spirii.

tik

DC ilifltieiices b^ here
these strong dedanUoni
kirve little or no import,
t here said, that they, who
rtsCs, hare the Spirit of
and that they, who are the
God, are led by this Spir-
^ directed and influenced
oly life ; and that those,
He in Christian obedience,
y aid from above. It is
\ the Spirit; that they
' the deeds of the body.
in^M, righteou9n€99y and
re said to be fndtu of the
(Eph. V. 9.) and so are
rif, peachy long •ufferingy
^, faith^ meeknessy and
mccy (Gal.v. 22, 23.)
know not the way of the
nor ought we to attempt
tiess in describing the
V in which its effects are
edw God uses yarious
lents, and frequently ac-
ihes the same purpose by
it means. At one time
I the mind to serious con-
jon of some weighty and
1^ subject^ and presents
tbject to the view, in a
d striking light. He fix-
attention of sinners on
iyfiside rations, which most
tjr demonstrate their dan-
lid the certain ruin, to
they are approaching,
icts the humble soul, the
afnd the contrite heart, to
eclarations of mercy, con-
rn the covenant of grace ;
ther communicates, or
ds consolation, as his
and goodness dictate.
> directing the Christian's
>d may, by an impercept-
)ulse, preserve him from
and overbearing tempta-
or, when temptations are
edf tnay invigorate and

.No. 9. rjrf

establish his good resoludon^
by bringing to his mind some
striking passages of. Scriptare»
or some alarming ideas of God's
presence, or of the world to
come. He may excite him to «
religious ac^rity by representing
to him the danger of sloth in the
business of salvation ; or may
urge him to sobriety by repre*
senting to him the great solem*
nity of the work, in which he is
engaged.

Though the indwelling of the
Spirit, or to be led by the Spirit,
is peculiar to the children of
God ; yet there is reason to be«
lieve that all men under the gos-
pel receive something of dirine
communications. The ancient
Jews did aiwayt resist the Hol^
Ghost ; but they could not have
resisted the Holy Ghost, unless
he had been sent to them. Of
sinners it may, in general, be
said, as of the ancient Jews, that'
they will not submit to the sug*--
gestions and influence of divine
grace ; they oppose and grieve
the Spirit of God. Whereas the
humble and contrite soul yields
to the grace of Christ, becomes ,
obedient to divine emotions, is.
led by the Spirit, and through the
Spirit mortifies the deeds of the
body.

As God has a perfect know]-
edge of all means, circumstan-
ces, events and combinations of
events ; it seems reasonable to
suppose, what is in fact the case, .
that he makes use of various
means in producing the fruits
of holiness in the human heart.
Sometimes loss of worldly sub-
stance, severe disappointments}
imminent danger, alarming sick-
ness, the examples, or the pri-
vate admonitions of good men» '
considotaitioiioE their triumpten-A /

Cfei fAr Infltume of the Holy Spirit. [^Feb.

lis

(Ieaih,'or of the despairing deatk
of the ungodly, and the reading
of pious books, are used by Codi
as means of conviction) serious
Viquiry, and holiness. But th«
public mimslpation of the word,
as it is the great instmntent of
God's own appointnicntj must
be viewed as that, by which he
usually, though aot invariably,
operates. That knowledge in-
deed of the blessed gospel of
Christ, which we obtain by read-
ing, by private and puUic in-
striKtion, is, in a certain degree,
instrumental itti everf conver-
sion) and in pEontoting the piety
ef every good man ; far It is un-
der the impression of evangelical
truths, that our minds are excit-
ed) alarmed, renewed, and led oa
to holy obedience.

The Strength ef religious im-
pressions, and the outHard evi-
dence of the change, produced
by them, are no{ less various,
than the meanS) by which these
impressions are made. Some
persons are exceedingly distress'
ed, and violently agitated un-
der The fearful apprthensiona of
divine wrath ; and there have
lihen some very extraordinary
and sudden changes in the
tempers, pursuits, and lives of
men. There have been instances
of men, whose lives had^^en
wholly given up to dissipation
and sinful pleasure, suddenly ar-
rested in their dangerous career,
and exhibiting, ever after, the
fruits of htJincss in a well order-
• ed life. For, although there are
many marvellous accounts of
tbis nature, which, upon close ex-
amination, come to nothing ; yet
there are others, supported on
such clear and weighty evidence,
that it is difficult to see, how any
Ckjidid and reaaonttUe nun caa

possibly deny them. Yet hr
the more common and ordinary
way of the Spirit's working it
less perceptible. The viind blam-
ttk Vi'hert it tiatctk ; and ye hear
the touTui thereof, bul cannot leit
wheac/: it comelh, and ishillirr it
goeih. Oiir blessed Saviour has
said, ao it tne tUiffiom yAeavn,
a* if a man thould coat seed mn
ikt ground, and thouid *ietp, and
rite. Toght and day,, and the teed
»/iouid tfiring and grovt uji, he
ktmmeth not how ; firtt the hlait,
then the ear, ^fitr that the JiiS
com in the ear. To the opinioa
of Dr. fVattt on the subject of
regeneration and divine influ-
ences we do most cordially k-
cede. " In the primitive d»yj
of Christianity," saitfa he, "and
in the age of miracles, the Holy
Ghost aKended the preachenof
the gospel, with his. estraordin-
ry gifts of healing, of tongue*, ^
prophecy, as well aa with At
graces of cooviction, sanctiGo*
tion, and comfort ; and the sud-
denness, and the glory of the
change that was wrought on Mi-
ners, carried with it an iUustrioui
and uncontested proof of the
presence and power of God, tni
his Spirit. Nor has some &iDt
resemblance of such glorious
grace been altogether wanting in
later ages. There have beensome
most remarkable instances of
great sinners, converted at once
by the gospel of Christ, and tbc
demonstration of the Spnit

" BU in his more usual ud
ordinary communications (ft
grace, he works so gently ap(B
our nature, and in so sweet and
connatural a manner, as not to
distinguish his agency, in a sen-
sible manner, from the motioni
of our own souls ; for he never
disturbs our rational pQwcn»iwr

Jfyery.....Originai Letters.

. vMence on oitr natural
I. yet, when wi are
, when wc are j-e-
when sin is mortified ;
nure tells us, the. Spirit
bu done it. When our
e prepared ibr heaveoj
»iTupt nature sanctiBed,
d to the things, that are
I in heaven for usi we
i!ed by the word of God,
floly Spirit has lieen the
erator, and has wrought
nge in.ua. '^

Leigjitom.
I «<induded next mogih.)

• lb Editert cftlie PaHofilit.

! Kth No. of the Pano-
178, among the rules for
ig, it is said, " Discover
I jof your plan than needs

Ton will greatly oblige
wr constant readers, hy

th* particular object of
:Ftion. If by " plap" be
tyttetn of doctrines, it is
:d to be important that
cwididly disclosed. But ■
!iat term be meant, the
IT points proposed to be
ed in a discourse, it is
»d the preacher mutt
ite tliem explicitly, if he
ijope to gain the attention
eorcrs.

xplanation is the more
f solicited by your in-

as be lately heard a
r observe, at the com-
lem of his discourse, that
aid discover no more of
n than was necessary.

419

course might have been deriTc4
from the remark in the l*ano-
plist, it is the more necessary
that the subject should be placed
in a lucid <point of view, lest oth-
ers should follow the example,
and an ambiguous mode of
pre.aching.bc introduced. '

Presuming that the idea
tcaJing the plan of dis-

The follamv

"riglTiai Lt
.jfkeK if an agad Clergjma» tOjt
joung Student in Dninity. Thty
contain inttructiaH loo Katnabit to fg
loti, and tK doait not MiU'l St fdT-
tinilarij acttpiahtr md ntefatio that
<lait ojaur readtrt, oAa trt trtOainf
upjarthtgotptlminutry. . ^,.;j
Edits**-. ^

extract «0. i-

MY DEAR aiRt

Youa solicitude for my health,
is among other arguments to
^walcen me lo live to greater pur-
pose. Go on then, and add your
prayers for this loo. A gracious
Providence has restored me in a
measure, so that I return to my
poor labours ; and have attended
m the week past the ordination
ofMr. — at— . It was consoling
-to find that ell ordinations are
not BO fsmbarrassed, as that was at
— . But ifthe disagreeables attend-
ing that, or if any thing else, shall
awaken i» to examine over ^aln
our prepu^tions for this sacred
work, it may be no disadvantage
in the end, though for the time
it may fill us with anxiety.

O that I could contribute any
thing to your assistance, on the
subject you mention. The ques-
tion of " internal call" (which,^
suppose, ought to intend being
authorised io'offcr to preach the
gospel) seems to be reduced by
our Lord to a narrow qompass,
where natural and literary en-
dowments, fud a desirit fo thi^

420 ^ualificatim of Candidates for tht:Mimsiry. '- [JFek*

irork, are not wanting. '< LoTeat
thou me ?** then " feed my
aheep," and " my lambs."

Love, we are sensible, is more
than a conriction of what we owe
to such a Master; and more
than any common solicitude
about it. There is an attach-
ment of the soul to Him and his
interests, which will carry us
spontaneously .to his work, and
tender it pleasant, with all the
'•elf-denials which it requires.

If we Iseem to have that attach-
meht, it is not improper to ex^
«m}nc) whether it be a new senti^
fnent, or affection, plainly dis-
tinguishable from sdl that we
realized in those times when we
know, tbat we were not Christ-
tians indeed : and Whether it be
clearly attended with a propor-
^onable mourning over those
times, proportionable abhorrence
of moral evil, and love to holi-
ness in all hs forms : for such
seems to be the nature of true
affection to Him, in whom all
moral excellence is concentred.

It is of capital importance to
examine with great care, wheth-
er the existing affection grounds
itself on the identical character
of the divine Saviour, which the
gospel delineates ; and embracesi,
without reserve, every part of
it.

It is of consequence likewise
to examine*lhe fiower of this afr
fection j and whether it does in
fact conform the reigning tem-
per, intentions, habits, conversar
tion, to the spirit and views of
our great Master. There will
be no perfection here ; but gen-
uine love to Christ will form a
reigning character, and give, on
the whole, a new and distinguish,-
ing complexion to one's spirit
and hfe.

Variations will her^ and there
be found-'-yes often— 4)ttt they
will be as clearly mourned and
condemned on reflection ; ao4
with earnest supplications, and
new resolutions, for getting thq
better of the indwelling evil.

God be gracious to you, my
friend ; resolve all your doubts,
and prepare you to be eniinently
useful. I am, &c.

(To be continued.)

At the Sjnod <f Hart, hoiden in |61^
the member* Jrom Zealand came ta
the foUovoing remit an tkU queuiong

IN WHAT MAHNJ&a SHOULD CANf
DIDATES BE PREPARSO FO^
THE SACRED IflNISTRT ^

(Translated for the PanopUst.)

In ord^r that churches roaj
pever be destitute of suitable pas*
tors, the illustrious states are to
be requested, that in every prov<»
ince, where such custoni does not
already prevail, there be a cer-
tain number of young men, tq be
educated for that ^cred emjJoy?
ment, at public expense. TAose
also, who are more wealthy, are
to be advised to maintain at
schools those of their children^
whom they shairfind suitable for
such employ, and take care that
they be there instructed j that
there be public seminaries, from
which persons may be taken to
discharge the duty of pastors a^
Qften, as shall be necessary.

For this purpose there shouU
be selected from common school
such young men, as are descend?
ed from reputable parents, that
no disgrace accrue to the minis-
try on account of their dishonour?
able descent ; tbat they be such,
as have strength of body as well

J ^aiificdtioH of Candidates for the Ministry i '481

riiad) adequate to the per-

ce of so great and arduous

; that they be tho6e» who,

mon schools^ have g^ven

mdence of genius and

%9 as affords just reason

e that, when they shall

rrived at maturity, they

: Hiseful ministers in the

; in fine» that/ they be

in whom may be seen

ijpidication^ of piety» probi-

modesty.

ng been thus selected,
igbt up in this pursuit by
>arents ; as soon as they
lave finished their educar
I common schools, they
be sent to academies, in
it would be useful, nay^
^cessary, that there should
inct colleges, appropriate
fouth of the various provr
Hrhere they may studiousr
toy their time under the
gorernors and overseers,
Me advice their studies
1 'directed, and who may
he to them a particular
I HI their stgdiies, that they
not in uncertainty, and,
ddesire of learning somer
>f every thing, learn noth-
iQrou<?;hly ; and finally,
lay take the care of their
id morals. For too much
;nce in academies has, to
proved the cause of their
tipn.

i required of those, who
:reafter to preside over
es, that they both join
Ives to some church, and
profession of the religion,
hey are hereafter to teach
rs ; that they studiously
c opportunities of hearing
rs, be partakers with the
of the Lord's supper, be
to church^ discipline) and

peculiarly under the inspection
of pastors.

To obtain a thorough knowl*
edge of philosophy and the ian^
guages, but particularly of theolo*
gy, requires, not one or two
years, but the entire space of five
or six. But as those, who dare
to seek promotion to the office
of pastorsj before they have spent
scarcely two years in an academy,
display great rashness ; so tho^e,
who spend almost their whole
time in academies, and are too
late in commencing the sacred
service, are not to be commended*

Wherefore, to obviate each of
th^se evils, it would be advisea-^
ble to prescribe a certain timci
withif) which they should be
obliged tO/ finish a course of
study, and at the close of which
the church might enjoy their la-
bours. That churches, patron4»
and parents may be acquainted
with their proficiency, it is prO"-
per, that they render to them as
account of their studies each year.

Having finished this course of
study in some academy, it would
be useful for them to visit foreign
academies and churches, and to
remain in the more celebrated
places, until they should have
examined and thoroughly tearn*
ed, whatever might there be
worthy of their attention, that
thus they might return to their
friends, furnished with en&am-
pies foreign as well as domestic.

On their return home, they
are to exhibit to the church and
people, among whom they are
about to reside, recommend&f
tions from pastors of churches,
and governors, or professors of
academies, or from the leading
men of the faculty, waiting a
regular call to the pastoral office^

And as no one^ alter theae tea*

4^ S^udifitatim of Candidates f(>r the Muik^* J^^-

fimonics shall hare been exhibit-
ed, ought to be admitted without
a previous examination, prepap-
atory to the exercise of public
«peaking ; so likewise it is ne-
cessary, that other exercise be
added, whereby they may be ren-
dered more fit for the fakhRil dis**
.chargie of this sacred office.

Nor would it be unprofitable,
that candidates for the ministry
should sometimes read the sacred
Scriptures publicly in churches.
In this manner they would be-
come known -to the church, and
walk more immediately under
their inspection. Let the whole
church have evidence of their
Tnorals, piety and probity. Fi-
nally, let them condOct them-
selves with such prudence, as to
do nothing, which may be incon-
sistent with the calling, for
which they are preparing ; and
thus let those, who are hereafter
to preside over all, be known and
approved by all. By thus readr
ing in public they likewise be-
come accustomed to the presr
ence of an assen^^lv, and obtain
a certain freedom of speech.
Their voice likewise and elocu-
tion will be thereby so formed,
that they will come better prer
pared for speaking fiubUclyy
which we think ought also to be
allowed them after a more accu-
rate examination, provided the
consent of the society be previr
ou^ly obtained.

In the next place it will be
proper, that they be frequently
with pastors ; that theV confer
with them on various cases of
conscience ; that they accom-
pany them, when tbey visit the
sick, and console the ^fRictcd ;
that they learn from them, how
such are to be treated ; how the
afflicted are tp be comforted )

and in Ine, xrbttt kitidof pr^rers
would be suitable Jbr the varioufe
occasions, which occur io the dis-
charge of pastoral visiis. • For,
although they ought to come
from schools, accustomed to
speak before churches ; yet to
reduce their knowledge to prao*
tice, ''is what is necessary for
them to Jear^ from pastors.

As those, who are called to^
the ntioistpy, are sometime to
be placed over the government of
the church, ahd the government
of churches is not accurately
learned in schools ; it would be
profitable, if those, in the more
celebrated cities, were permitted;
under certain limited conditions
however, to be present at pres-
byteries, and also at the meetings
of deacons, some months previp
ons to their call to the pastoral
office, that they might therein
learn, in what manner church
government ought to be esti^
lisbed ; whslt method ought to
be used in asking questions and
collecting votes ; in what man-
ner chilrch discipUne should be
maintained, and what, in various
cases, would be proper to be
done. Also what provision ought
to be made for the poor, and ever
ry thing of a similar nature^
which is better learned from exr
perience than precept. In all
these things they will find great
advantage, whenever they shaU
be called to the pastoral office.

Lastly, although in examina"
tions, previous to their-advance-
ment, regard has hitherto bee©**
had only to their doctrine, thatiSf
whether they were orthodox,*'
which we confess to be of the
first importance ; yet it ought
to be considered, whether it
would not be expedient, thatt
practical examinatiot:should}i^c-

%2 On Thnparizmg in Matters ofB^igian. 42$

ae^estabK^hed, ag^eat^y to
I they should be examined,
ier they were strict in main*
^ tha€ conversation, which
leth godliness, and whether
mere proper persons for
lig Christian morality, and
Qi^ the manners of noen t»
kind of virtue; for the man
i ought to be thoroughly in-

structed in ey^^ry good work ; not
that only, which pertains to doc-
trine and reproof, but also to cor-
rection and instruction in right-
eousness* To this end it were
to be wished^, that the jninds of
youth in colleges and academies^
should be made acquainted witlv
practical theology,.and instructed
in various cases of conscience* •

^zlztiiom^

ITTBCTS or TEMPORIZING
MATTERS OF RELIGION,
AMPLIFIED IN TttE CON-
IT OF ERASMUS.

Continued from p. 372.)

\ have in this year, 1521, a
kable letter of Erasmus,
ised to his friend Pace, dean
. PaulV "I see, now,"
Erasmus, "that the Ger-
(the German Lutherans)
lolved, at all adventures, to
e me in the affair of Lu-
wliether I will or not. In
!iey have acted foolishly,
rre taken the surest meth-
ilienate me from them and
party. Wherein could I
isisted Luther, if I had de-
myself 4br him and shared
ager along with him I On-
i &r, that instead of one
•TO would have perished.
Dt conceive what he means
ting with such a spirit :
ing I know too well, that
k brought a great odium
he lovers of literature. It
s that he hath given us
I wholesome doctrine, and
a good counsel ; and I
le had not defeated the ef-
\ them by his intolerable

faults. But if he hadvfriUen eve^
ry thing in the most unexcefttioh*
able manner^ I had no incUnation
to die f of the sake of truth, £ve^
ry^man hath not the courage re*
quiaite to make a martyr ; and I
am afraidy that if I v>ere fiut^ to the
trials I should imitate St. Peter**
It was proper to give these ex-
traordinary words at length, be-
cause, though he hath elsewhere
dropped some expressions a-,
mounting nearly to the same
thing, yet perhaps he hath na
where so frankly opened hijs
mind, and so ingenuously owned
his timidity. The apprehension
of losing his revenues, the reputa-
tion which he still enjoyed in the
Court of Rome, and which he was
loth to give up entirely, and possi-
bly the fear of being excommuni-
cated and proscribed, and perhaps
poisoned or assassinated, might
work together upon him, and re-
strain him from speaking freely
concerning the controversies
then agitated. However, to do
him justice, he still maintained
the truth, though cautiously and
obliquely. Although he fre-
quently censured Luther, yet he
heartily wished that he might
car r ' ^-^^^^^ and extort from

434 On Temporizing in Matters of Region. [JFi-A

hid enemies some reforniadoti
both of doctrines and manners;
but, as he could not imag^ine that
Luther would succeed, he chose
tb adhere outwardly to the strong-*
er party. " I follow," says he,
'^the decisions of the pope and the
emperor, when they are righj,
which is acting religiously ; I
. submit to them when they are
wrong, which is acting prudent-
ly ; and I think that it \% kwfut
for good men to behave them-
selves thus, when there is na
hope of obtaining any more."

" Le Clerc often censures
Erasmus for his lukewarmness,
timidity and unfairness, in the
matter of the reformation, and I,
as a translator, have adopted these
censures, only softening them a
little here and there : for I am, in
the main, of the same opinion
with Le Clcrc as to this point.
As Protestants, we are certainly
much obliged to*" Erasmus ; yet
we are more obliged to the au-
thors of the Reformation ; to
Luther, Melanchthon, Zuingli-
us, Oecolampadius, Cranmer,
Bucer, &c.

•' Erasmus shews at large, that
whatsoever pains he had taken
to keep upon good terms with
the divines of Louvain, it, had
been impossible to gain their
friendship ; and that some of
them had cruelly deceived him,
particularly Joannes Atensis, who
was one of the most able and con-
siderable persons amongst them.
Then he makes a transition to
Luther, and censures his violent
proceedings ; as if Luther could
have brought the Christian world
to measures of reformation, in
spite of the Romish court, with-
out plain dealing and animated
expressions I He declares his
hatred of discord to be such, that

he disliked even t#tith itself^ If
it was seditious. But Lather^
who was of another humour^
would have replied, such vat hH
hatred for falsehood and oppres-
sion of' Qonscience, that h€^
thought it better to suffer perse^
cution, if it arose, and to brenii
loose from such a tyranny at all
adventures, than to stoop down,
and live and die under it, and
hear a thousand Ii<es vented and
obtruded under the venerable
name of Christian doctrines.
They who are bold and resolute '
will approve these maxims of,
Luther, and they who are cau-
tious and dispirited will close in
with those of Erasmus. It must
be acknowledged, that in this Lu-
ther acted rather more like an
apostle, or a primitive Christie,
than Erasmus. If the first
Christians had been afraid of
raising disturbances, they would
have chosen to comply with the'
Sanhedrim, and to live at peace'
with their countrymen, rather
than to draw upon themselves*
so much hatred. Some of the
great, says Erasmus, meaning
the king of Denmark, are of an
opinion, to which I cannot as-
sent, that the malady is too in-
veterate to be cured by gentle
methods, and that the whole bo-
dy must be violently shaken, be-
fore it can recover its health.
If it be true, I had rather others
should administer this strong
physic than myself/ Very well:
but then we ought to respect .j.^
and commend, and not to cen- '.
sure those, who have the cou--^
rage and the constancy to do
what wc dare not practise/*

(7^0 be continued.)

Oii Liberality in Religion.

^^Urnure we extend the
l^tge qf the following very
le and ju9t ^aentimentMj

multitude ; and to whom, if we
cannot yield our confidence^ we
may jjot deny our respect. The
influence of fashion is so subtle
iare clothed in a style of and so imperious ; the levity of
0iHm energy and elo- social intercourse is so adverse

to reflection ; dissent from the
circling opinion is, for the most
part, so ungraciously received ;
a fling, whether in jest or earn-
est, is so convenient a substitute
for* fact ; and a popular epi-
thet, without expense either of
thought or knowledge, is so ex-
peditious a mode of determining
controveraies, which otherwise
would be of stiff debate, that the
judgment is surprised through
the imagination ; and the mind
is hurried into its decisions with-
out firmness to resist, or leisure
to pause. He who has access to
that sort of company, which
wears the reputation of intelli-
gence, and does not recollect to
have seen this course of things,
has made a bad use of his eyes
or his memory. How roughly
individuals, communities, and ev-
en truth itself is often handled
by such summary sentences, ev-
ery writer on logic or ethics ac-
counts it his duty to slv>w. The
design of this paper is not so
much to dwell on the general
evil of the practice, as, on the
one side, to repel an opprobri-
um, and, on the other, to sift a
claim, which it has been employ-
ed to sanction.

From the present state of so-
ciety, we look back on the intol-
erance of former ages with a
surprise, which does honour to
humanity : but at the same time,
ly, Pref. to his " Principle* of it is to be feared, with a loftiness
nd Political Philosophy V The ^f sclf-complacency, which pro-
claims that the retrospect ad-
ministers as' much food to our
vanity, as to our bei)#vol€nce«.

IIBMALITT IN RELIGION.

he Christian's Magazine.*)

iiTKR of celebrity $ has
ml where ^^ men are with-
int fundamental and sci-
principles to resort to,
e liable to have their un-
$ngs played upon by cant
^.and unmeaning terms,
dh' every party in every
^possess a vocabulary.
pear astonished when we
{ multitude led away by
; but we should remem-
I if sounds work miracles,
fays upon ignorance. The
Ht of names is in exact
ion to the want of knowl-

; is the truth of these re-
which gives a point to
^verity, it would be some
tion, were they applicable
multitude only. But the
i&le, though in a less de-
. discernible in men, who

t to be ranked with the

• ■ • •

I is a new periodical work,
d in the city of New York,
f. Its Editor is the Rev. Dr.
of that city, whose distin-
talents will doubtless com*
Itensive patronage for his
hich, judging from this first
rank among the most re-
e in the United Stales.

lOtaUon must not be constru
a recommendation of his
fiis merits, as a teacher of
we shall'disciiss hereafter.

VoL il, ' Gog

4S6

On LlberaViiy in Religion.

{Feb.

The pendulam of fashion vibrat-
ing in morals, as in drcas, from
an extreme point [o its oppusiie ;
we are now required lo open the
bosom of charity to every class
6f rtligiouB tenets, if wc tiope to
be enrcrfled among liberal Cliris-
tians, or to escatie the pains and
penaltiet decreed against bi^ota.
As revolutions seldom liuppen in
but one thing at a time, \.l\\i, ex-
change of feeling appears to
bave been accompanied with an
exchange of principle; and lo
have included a large portion of
the crerd of our fathers in the
same proscription with their
■temness of temper. So that
what bisbopButlcr said of Chris-
tianity, may truly be said of or-
thodoxy :-^" It is come— to be
taken for granted, by many ptr-
eons, tliat orthodoxy is not so
much as a subject of in<jiiiry ;
but that it is now, at length, dis-
covered to be fictitious. And
accordingly they treat it as if, in
the pre&ent age, this were an
agreed 'point among all people
of discernment ; and nothing re-
mained but to set it up as a
principal subject of mirth and
ridicule, as it were by way of re -
prisals, for its having so long
interrupted the pleasures of the
world."* Or if dislike to princi-
ples once held sacred by the
most enlightened and excellent
of mankind, has not gone all this
length, it baa, at least, thrown
them into the rubbish of obsolete
prejudices. Zeal for their puri-
ty and propagation is supplanted
by a sort of community of per-
suasions ; in which every one is
not only privileged to assert hii
own right, while he lives in peace
with his neighbours, but to de-
mand their aid in repulsing an
■ Butler's Analogy, Adyertiiement.

invader. Whoever shall date to
condemn the opinions of onC| is
the enemy of all the rest : he
must be shunned as an intruder
into the sanctuary of conscience i
as a stronger to religious civility
and liberal reiinement, and un-
worthy of any rank but that which
philosophical Chrisiiaiiiiy has
assigned to the bigot.

All this looks grand and mag-
nanimous ; and, no doubt, has
ita effect i especially upon youth-
ful, undisciplined, and timid
minds. But if it have more of
show than of reality ; if it be as
intolerant in its own way as aay
thing which it calls bigotry ; and
if, under the pretext of oblations
to charity, it sacrifice the truth
of God and the eternal intcresK
uf men upon the altar of practical
infidelity ; we cannot turn away
from it with too open disgusl,
norhold it in too deep abhorrence.

One of the things which
first strike a critical observer, is
the indefiniteneas of the ideas
attached to the terms " liberal"
and " bigoted." It is easy to
couple them with a man or ■
principle ; and to extol or decry
accordingly ; and few arc so
loud in their panegyric or abuse,
as those who do both by signal.
But still, what ■'* your liberality \
Is it measured by any standard,
or confined within any limits f
If not, for aught 1 can see, it is
an attempt to abolish all intellect
tual and moral distinctions. If
it is measured and limited— by
what rule I By the Word of God ? i
Then you are bound to ascertain ^
its sense, and to oppose ever;
opinion which contradicts it ; or
else you must contradict your-
self: for a rule which you do
not apply, is no rule at aJl.^ — By
your own good pleasure) or JWir

i7.] On Liberality itf Se^gtM, ■ 427

conviction oT right ? Then yoii not fbt its own uke, but as it is
assume the office of dictator a9' contrqited by truth : mi tecond-
much as any man to whom jou fyt thM the character- of your
impute that arrogance ; and if liberality must be fixed by the
you intend to " pluck the mote, relative value of those points
out of his eye," you must btgin which it surrenders under the
with taking "the beam out of title of ".minor differencci,"
your own."— By your particular Until this be settled, you can
associates ? Every sect undet; have no permission to glory in
heaven does the same. The being liberal ; and to bestow
Arminian calls the Cilvinist a contenptuous appellations upon
bi^t ; the Socinitin applies the thoae who will not go in your
epithet to the advocate of tlic train: for you may take credit
atonement, and chaunts forth his to yourself for that which shall
own liberality ; the deist pities torn out to be a crime,
the slavish being who believes in Our next inquiry, then, rc-
revelationj andthc athcistsmilrs spects these "minor diflerenc-
at the " prejudices" of the dt- e^" A soft sound with dreaded
ist." — Or aie you liberal because tense ! For, unless the writer
you think and speak well of gTievoasly err, the characteristic
those who think and speak well of the liberality now in vogue, is
of you ? So did tlie publicans, to csk lothing more than a
and so do tiiousands with whom gtntrat profession of Christiani-
you would not wish to be sus- ty { and to refer all its niodifica>
peeled of any connexion. If tions to the head of "minor
your " liberality takes a middle -diflrerencea ;" which, in the af-
path between the coiiiracCedness f^r of Christian and ministerial
of some men, and the licentious- fellowship, should make no dif-
ness of others, so that while you ference at all. If, therefore, one
cherish the primary interests of of these liberal Christians shall
religion, you overlook ihe minor explain away the whole &ith of
differences among its professors, the church of God concerning
and embrace them as brothers ths new birth— if another shall
upon the broad ground of tlie teach the dogma of universal
common Christianity," you are salvation for men, and, if he
indeed more definite, hut not less please, for devils too~if a third
embarrassed. For it is impossi- shall give up the plenary inspira-
blc not to perceive, Jirti, that tion of the scriptures— if a fourth
your very medium implies a shall argue against a particular
boundary which you may not providence-^f a fifth shall deny
pass; and consequently, that the Influences, or dispute the be-
your liberality is commendable, ing, of the Holy iipirit— if a
.... sixth shall abjure the aacrifice

'ia^lp,r,firr,-^g». "he "»* "^city of our Lord Jesus

! prejiidi.

ioic! ilie Chiist: all this. Instead of di-

BtheiBif of pu-ia, concerning- David finishing confidence, or corn-
Hume, when he lieeiiBted to shoot the munion, IS to be a matter of com-
g«lf of Bih«l.m He Eppcsr*. how. p^^igg. £very one retains his
ever, lohave trot ndof liia "prtjudi- t""" " . , ' . j- .•
eev shortly «fler his acquaini-nce own views Without conti-ad.ction.
witii tboce philoBoplicTB '. TfM gtnenc tern ** Cbnstian"

Hint to Preachers.',..Shorl Sentences.

iFeh.

belpngB alike to alt : and he who
refuses to recognize their.Chris-
tiaoity, must be branded as a

{To be continued.)

HERIOVS BINT TO PREACHERS.

It is not always the go*/iel that
is delivered from the pulpit. A
man may preach very sensibly
concerning the divine per fee-;
tionS) and the authority of God's
government and laws. He may
set forth the general cAligations
to duty aiid obedience. He may
inculcate the amiableness of virr
tue in general, or of particular
virtuefl) and may represent ma-
ny worthy examples for men's
encouragement and excitement.
He may earnestly call on men to
repent of their sins, and tore-
form the disposition of their
hearts and their course of life.
He may inculcate this with all
the advantages of earnestness
and action that would entitle him
to the character of the complete
orator. The composition may
be very skilful, the language el-
egant and pathetic, and the
preacher may be so greatly ap^
plauded, that if may sometimes
be said, He fialh tii* reward. Not
only may the ears of the hearer^
be tickle<l, but their minds may
be very agreeably entertained
-with sentiments that are in
themselves just, and witli many
a good thought. Yet, in all this,
there may he nothing by which
a soul may be relieved and re-
freshed that labours ^nd is heavy
laden ; nothing by which a seri-
ous soul may be directcdto the
proper sources of sanctification.
A discourse may have in it much

truth that is consistent with tbi
gospel, and presupposed by it,
and yet have nothing in it of the
gospel, properly so called. Of
such a discourse, with all its ad-
vantage of sentiments and cx-
presiion, it may be said, as ibe
apostle saye of tht law, that it is
vteab through tliejieih. The corr
ruptiun of nature, in which sin
hath dominion, is too strong for
philosophy, logic, and rhetoric )
too strong for refined specula-
tion) strong argument, and the
gre&lest oratory. Mite. Mag.

SHORT SKirrxMCBt.
A CONSTANT seeking i^tei
heRvet)]y wisdom, is no bad vfi:
dcnce of leaving already «Uudc4
it.

Tobeliere vc ba^e iminartil
souls, while we shew do coocen
about their etemil wetfiu^t i< t|
display our folly in the higfacat
degree.

When a believer's trials
come by the band of man, a hard
struggle may likely ensue, bCf
fpre he attain to a forgiving spirit.

To manifest n real concern (m
the good of a person's soul and
body, in return for an injury re-
ceived, is a clear evidence of a
Christian spirit.

To be laying up for the body
at the expense of the soul, is a
piece of very unpcofitable bu-
siness.

Multitudes appear to live at
ease in Sion, although they kooV
that a wo is denounced iu Scrips
ture against them.

A conviction of gospel truth,
joined to a disregard of it in the
same person, gives a dreadful ev<
ideuce of that person's s^t^v

I JSevitiiu.%^.Mr5, Warren^ s History.

42^

||P Xk. SPEPARD.

k^ebrated Mr, Shepard,
^sathrbed, being visited
^ of his younger breth-
iSat ministry) observed to
•.Your work is great> and
f' great seripusness/'With
t^ to himself, he said, that
dying of his sermons very
i^ cost him tears ; that
^e preached his sermons
^8, he derived profit from
liiviself ; and that he al-
rent to the pulpit, as if he
immediately after to give
\ account tp his Divine

^vgustine's mother.
i following anecdote of
a^ the mother of St. Au-
^ when considered in con-
t with his after conversion,
r great encouragement to
parents tp pray for their

% thus related by Angus-

tnnsell^ in the 3d book of

nlessions.

fcmember that she (my

t Monica) entreated a cerr

tajn bishop to undertake to rear
son me out of my errors. He
was a person not backward to at-
tempt this, where he found a do?
cile subject. But your son, sai4
he, is too much elated at presr
ent, and carried away with the
pleasing novelty of his error, to
regard any arguments, as appears
by the pleasure he takes in puz-r
zling many ignorant persons
with his captious questions. Let
him alone ; only .continue pray-r
ing to the Lord for htm ; he will
in the course of his study discov*
er his error. I myself, pervert-
ed by my mother, was once a
Manichee, and read almost all
their bopks ; and yet at length
^as convinced of my error, With-
out the help of any disputant.
^11 this satisfied not my anxious
parent ; with floods of tears she
persisted in her request, when
at )ast he, a little out of temper,
on account of her importunity,
said, " Be gone, good woman ;
it is not possible that a child of
such tears should perish." She
has often told me since, that this
answer impressed her mind as
a voice from heaven.*'

jiaetiteto of j0etD publicationitf.

W0TrcrC9 History qf th^
imcrican Revolution,

Concluded from p. 384.)

5 History of the events
; the revolution is both in-
ng and entertaining, and
5' read with pleasure by
who can be satisfied with-
tering into the minutix of

cruelty and carnage \ and the
devout mind will be gratified by
the author's repeated acknowl-
edgments of the superintending
providence of God, and its fre-
quent interpositions in our favour.
But she seems to have occasionaln
ly forgotten that she was writing
the history of the American R€x>
olution^ and has introduced oarra-

43Q

tivM) (and those rather copious)
of transacdonB, which liad no
coonexion with it. The condu-

■ lions of the 22d and 2rth cliap-
t^r.B are of this kind.

in vol, 3, p. 93, we havfi an in-
stance of filial pict}', such as \b
seldom met witit, and perhaps
the only one of the kind, which
has ever occurred in the JLInited
Stateti. On tbe death of Henry
Laurens, Eaq. " his only surviv-
ing son closed his eyes. His
fond affection for his futher led

' bim to deviate from the usual
customs of his countrymen in
the manner of interring their
friends. He reared an altar, on
'which he burned the body of thu
patriarch, and carefully gathered
the ashes froia the hearth, de<
pouted them in a silver urn, and
placed them in his bed-chamber,
with reverence and veneration)
where they remained to the day
of hisdeath. This circumstance
is mentioned, as a peculiar in-
stance of filial affection, and at
once a mark, of respect diie to
the memory of both the patriot
and the parent."

This representation differs so
widely from the impression made
upon our minds at the time of
llie event, that we have been led
to a review of the publications of
that day, lo see what was then
said on this subject ; and in the
New-York Magazine for Janua-
ry, 1793, p. 64, we find " The
following extract of a letter dated
Charleston, (S. C.) Dec. 34, is
copied from the Norwich Week-
ly Register, of Jan. U.

" A few days since departed
this life, Henry Laurens, Esq.
about seventy years of age, and
his corpse was burnt the third
day after his decease. This was
done by bis son, %t the request

Mrs, Jfarren's History.

IFcB.

of his father ; who made tbb
reserve in bis will, " that unless
his son complied with his re-
quest, he should be cut short
of any of bis estate." which
was wonh about 6U,0001. ster-
ling. The ashes remaining trom
the body were taken up, and put
into a silver urn for that purpose.
The reason that Mr. Laureni
gave for this singular desire was,
" that his body was too good to
he eaten by worms." We pre-
tend nut to decide which sute-
nicnt is the more correct, but
leave it to tbe reader lo form his

The work before us is " The
Ilislory of the Rise, Progress
and Termination of the Ameri-
can Revolution ;" having reach-
ed (he lertmaaliah, we mig;h't be
expected to stop ; but " more
iati words" remain i ntaety-Dine
pages of supplementary obser-
vations on events " qfter the ter-'
minadoa" are yet before us ; tO
which the following paragraph is
an introduction.

" The nuTa.tion of tlie revohitiooi.-
ry war between Great-Britiin and her
former colonies, brought down to it*
termiiiKtiun, leaves the mind tx Irii-
lire for n^ore general obsemtion* oa
the tiiitequenl toiuequaicei, without
confining- it to time «nd plsce."

Amongst the " subsequent
consequences" are , enumerjted
" the insurrection in Massa-
chusetts ; a general convention
of the States ; the adoption of a
new constitution j the choice of
Gen. Washington as President;
the treaty with Great Britain,
negotiated by Mr. Jay ; and Gen.
Washington's second retreat
from public life." Beside these,
" banks ; the funding system ;
the Cincinnati ; tbe federal city;
the ditlribuicon of officet ; the
French Rev»latio&i scepticisnir

Mr$» Warreri*4 ffistopy.

4St

i|pftaiM:c of delegating stiit-
H^ for the administration
N^rnment ; the clergy ; the
1^ ^ man ; and the equal
l' of mankind, have not
ftrgotten. ^ General ob-
dms" conclude the whole.
^ course of the work a
number of characters are
1 3 in this the author has
^ered much &cility, but we
0| sufficiently informed to
ie to pronounce upon her
ley. We think a freedom
id in some instances which
airmail would not, perhaps,
^lought, prudent. After-
^ remarks upon the charac-
oid conduct of Gen. Wash-
l| and Mr. Adams, the read-
informed that

jbe operations and the conse-
Btjof the civil administration of
it President of the United SUtes,
l|l|iUi|iding the many excellent
\$^ of his heart, and the virtues
^adorq^d his Ufe, have since
rWwed at such opposite points,
terther strictures on his charac-
id conduct shall be left to future
ians, after time has mollified the
\p» and prejudices of the present
ition." Vol. III. p. 389. "The
pftration of his immediate sue-
r we shall also leave." p. 391.
tie laborious statesmen, whowith
f and precision defined the rights
D, anid supported the freedom of
country ; witliout whose efforts
ica never would have had an
, are many of tliem neglected or
kten." p. 418.

le historian has evidently
d at being impartial ; but as
justly observes, " complete
tUon is not to be attributed
turn ; undue prejudices and
alities often imperceptibly
p into the best of hearts."
naturally feel for our friends,
it is not impossible that the
wing complaints extracted
I ** a letter to the author,"
\tm by a ^^ very judicious

gentleman, during the adminis-
tration of Gen. Washington,'*
may haTc excited her sympathy,
and upon some occasions influ-
enced her pen.

".The President of the United
States held the hearts of all America
in his hand from the moment of his
elevation to the command of her ar-
mies, to his honourable retirement to
private life, and from his dig^oified re-
treat to his inauguration at New York.
Placed in the executive chair by the
united voice of all parties, it was exo
pected the chief magistrate, whom flat-
tery endows with all perfection, and to
whom justice attiibutes many excel-
lent q^ualities, would have felt himself
above the partialities that usually
hang about the human heart ; and that
divesting himself of the little prejudi-
ces that obtrude, and frequently sully
th^ greatest characters, he would
have been of no party in his appoint-
ments, and that real merit, whether
federal or ami-federal^ would have

been equally noticed Many of

the people begin to inquire* whether
all the late energetic exertions were
designed only to subserve the inter-
ests of a certain party, and to furnish
salaries, sinecures, and extravagant
compensations for the favourites of
the army and the sycophants of pow-
er, to the exclusion of all who had not
adopted the creed of passive obedi-
ence."

Our author's remark respect-
ing the clergy is, that they
<^ should keep within their own
line, which directs them to en-
force the moral obligations of so-
ciety, and to inculcate the doc-
trines of peace, brotherly kind-
ness, and the forgiveness of inju-
ries, taught < by the example of
their divine Master, nor should
they leave the appropriate duties
of their profession to descant ou
political principles or charac-
ters." The remark is certiainly
just ; and if any of the gentle-
men referred to have l^t " the
afifirofiriate duties qf their /irofes^
•ion to descant on political prin-
ciples or charactera/' they de-

43a

Mr. £lys Sermon.

[Feb.

Mrre, Mid aught to. receive cen-
■ure ; but, at the s.ime ilm;^, it
muU be observed, tlmt tlic cler-
gy possess rightsi libcitie.Si prlv'
ilcgea, and property, in com-
mon with their fellow-citizens,
and have an equal right to judge
to whoae core they may he
best committed, and [o t^xprcss
their opinioa, as to tha suttable-
DCM of persons prajtosed : it is
their duly to do sti ; for their
profession, as clergyinen, does
nut exempt them from their du-
tlea as men ; and indeed it is ea-
sy to conceive that cases may oc-
cur, in which even their duty, as
tlergt/merif would require their
descanting) and descanting free-
ly tOi upon both political and
religious principles and charac-
ters. The advice, however, is
good i and might wiih great
propriety have been extendett to
other cluses of the cummunity,
for we all have our ** appropriate
duties :" according to the apos-
tle Paul. (Tit. ii. 3> even " aged
women" have a sphere of useful-
ness ; and in his hrsi t'pisiU' lo
Timothy, [chap. ii. 11, 13) he
paints out a part of the duty of
women generally.

Upon the whole ; although
we cannot bestow unqualiRed
commendation on the woik be-
fore us, nor agree with the author
in every sentiment it contains,
we have no liesitation in acknowl-
edging that we have derived con-
aiderablc pleasure, and, we hope,
Bome profit, from a careful pe'ru-
Wlofil.

-rf Sermon delivered by Eera
SxiLfes Ely, 071 (*f ^r« Aiii-
hath qfier Ma Ordinalion. Hart-
ford, Lincoln t^Gleason. 180fi,
Tma sermon- » fbusded on

I Cor. ii. 2, For I delerKtiaed not
la krtom any thing among you, lavt
Jraua Chriai, and Idm crucified.

The introduction, though on
the whole, striking and appro-
priate, is yet in some instances
exceptionable.

The writer's obscrvatiotis, re-
specting his early " resolution
to be a minister of the everlast-
ing gospel ;" and the time of his
admtssiontotheCbrbtianchurch,
and a few other remarks of ■
similar nature, though doubtlest*
highly interesting to hiinscir,
would have better become anoili.
er pen. Too much concerning
" ourselves" is, on no occasion,
either " proper" or " necessary."

After treating of the peculiar
honour and happiness of those,

th); salvation of men ; the writer

adds;

"The r

, who by the energy of
[lie nviy aiiiril, turns a sini>er from
(lie pith of dcMruction into tire niy
which lekdeth unto evcrlastiDg- liTi;,
■hall cover a multitude of sins. Bill
Alciander, having subdued wlial nM
thi-n siipposfd the aarld, sat donii
and wept, because then wu no odicc
world in which be might dis[4ay bii
military prowe»i.'*

The latt clause of the sen-
tence, to say nothing of its tntc
ness, is not happily introduced.
It neither illustrates nor enforc-
es the ^r«. Had he said " the
man who turns a sinner from the
path of destruction" &c. "shall
shine as the brightness of the
firmament," tfae contrast would
have been proper. As it stands
there is no contrast. Aeain,

"In the fulness of God's time, iti*
my humble hope, lliat I n as in x seliM
prepared br the washing of re^nen-
tioii, which opened my blind eye*,
conquered the obdurwy of my heart,
and gave new motives, views; aflcc-
tlons, and moral kabiu to the wmiI.'
ILibits are acquired, nyt givai.

'ii

M^pous IntdRgenee.

4^3

writer then proceeds to
^dize bis subject. He first
lUers what is implied in
ig known a crucified Sa-
"^i andy secondly, what
I lire necessary to enable a
1 minister to accomplish
bject of 9uch a determina-

tecA a determination ?" No
idnation has been mention-
nough the sense is easily
liiiedy the construction is in-
pt* The first head is treat-
the following judicious and
il manner.

[^ messenger of God, who
make known nothing among
Wlfi/tf sare Jesus Christ and
"Mified, must devote himself to
H^ of the gospel^ and preach
ilimy ; administer all the ordi-
iflf Christ, and imitate, so far
iff. able, the perfect example of
fine Teacher.*'

•^remarks respecting the
Ince of biblical literature,
t('the first subdivision, are
iitid weighty.

^Jbllowing is a pithy sen-
»',' -

9l feo man preach either Paul,
mi Cephas, or, what is more
■Uy the case, hinueift but the
r God, whose authority is su-
,: whose doctrines [are] pure
eilect, whose life presents a
la example of heaven-bom mo-

il a digression from the
«ed method to exhort
tians and others, under the

third Subdivision, ^ to profess
the religion of Jesus, and cele-
brate his death, resurrection, as-
cension, and fbture judgment.'*
Under the same section of dis-
course the following paragraph
is selected, as a specimen of the
writers neat and comprehensive
style. ,

'<He [a Christian minister^ mmt
be indefatigable in his exeitions to
promote the best interests of man-
kind, patient under trials, persevering
in his undertaking, firm in his pur-
pose, gentle in his manner, meek in
tlie instruction of opposers, a zealous
assertor of the truth, holy in disposi-
tion, undefiled in his Ufe, given to hos-
pitality, wise as a serpent, harmless
as a dove ; in short, Christ has left ^
us an example, that we should follow
his steps.**

The paragraph immediately
following is no less deserving of
commendation on account of its
peculiar justness land energy.
It is too long for quotation. With
pleasure the reader is referred
to thd discourse.

The extracts from Cowper^
though pertinent, are too long
for the occasion. A few lines^
judiciously selected, would have
been more impressive.

On the whole, the discourse is
serious and appropriate, and we
confidently hope will be introduc-
tory to a fiuthful and conscien-
tious discharge of ministerial
duties.

miiiiow 31ntenigence<

UNITED
fi^a Letter from the Preeident
f4e ** Evangelical Societ/** in
mmtf Dee. 26, 1806.

footing my subscription, I
Oie amoimt gl578,70.— It will

V. • • • •

•^ an account of thie Society^
I. Vol. II. HHh

STATES,
be difficult for yoo» who are accus-
tomed to a fulness of the means of
<^ing fiTPod, fidly to conceive of the
benevolent Joy and gratitude, whicli

flowed in the countenance of every
Tother present, on being made ac-
quainted wUh this ui)exD«cted boun-
ty of the C^ea i^id «C tlM Clpitib,

*)*

Extract from a Letter.

[Feb.

muiouil)' coofurred by the huid of
liberal iirangera. The ^Trustee!
(fould not forbcmr eipreB»ing, byvote,
their fively lenie of gratitude to M
the recent benefactors of the Sodet}'.
C«rticularlj h«ve they requested me
to write to the Editors of the Pkno-
ftlist, iiul aome other nntlemen, dis-
tinguished on our iiiT)«criptioii list,
by their liberal patronage, and to

Cient tbem the most grateful ac-
wledKDienu of. the Trusteea in
Iwhalf ol the Society.
. " Will jou please, Sir, to present,
afTectionately, the thanks of the Tnw.
tees tn the Editors of the Panoptist,
tftA aiiurc theoi of our sincere wish-
ca, that their CkrUimn Armory luay
be more abundantly ^trcnj^icncU atiil
hrighteiiEd, by all the pious and char-
itable uses to which it 19 applied.
And that the liberal sum of glOO,
which they have recently bcst<>A'cd
from the profits of their work, may,
in -future years, be returned a Ihoiti-
•and fold, in tlie lihasjn^ of many,
who have been reaJy to pciith.

"The Ttxulecs have resolwid to
Kcommcnd ta The Society to put the
greater |>art of the monies lately col-
liioted into a pennantntfiaui .• accord-
ingly, the Trelsurer, "by tlieir ad-
vice, has already loaned glOOO for
the present year. H"by anyofthnse
unforeseen proi-idences, which we
bave been recently experiencmg, it
shouia please the Great Head of the
Church to rai« into our TreasiirTi
about as much more, as we hate al-
feady received, our wishes would
■eem . to be almost consummated.
We should then have a fund sufficient,
with the annual tax of the Society, to
support several young men constant-
ly, in the uninterrupted pursuit of
their studies.

" At the late meeting of the board
they took under their patronage, two
hopefullyven' pious, promising youth,
with whom they were generally weH
acquainted. They hadbeen forsOme
time wailing the hand of Providence,
' without property makinif some

>utb in the differ.

of educalion, besides Mr, Burge, who
graduated last summer."

N. B. We expect ahortly from the
Trustees, a particular account of the
MMtitntian^ procodinp and cbarU

ive »liaU with pleasuro communicate
to our readers. We fervently wiih
tliis Society may prove a thrifty
nursery, whence many of the vacant
churches in our numerous new set-
tlements, may be supplied with pi-
ous, faithful and successful pastors.

To the Edit.

■.ojthr.

The following exlradt from a laitr
^•'illtn by a worthy miniiter in (it
Diilria o/" Maine, to a meTnbtr o/"
the Ita»ipihir< JIIiMioaarf Sodelj,
are tvbmilttd ta your diifnual.
** While your Missinnary Socicl.v
were pursuing their benign design of
sending the ^spel to the destitute,
^atis, 1 entertained a secret but pleat-
ing- rX|ieclation, that God would hlcu
you at home, and return your hreail
"caatupottie Waters" with a thou-
sand fuld increase. And beTon ever
Iwai « ell aivare, save by anticipation,
the thing is accomplished; and your
ryc» have seen, and your heart rejoie-
ed at the accomplishment ihereof-
God ia indeed a rewarder of thcae
who lay out themselves and their in-
terest for him. Blessed be his name
forever and ever. He is God, (he
bithfulGod. Cbarge your dear chil-
dren, and j^ur dear flock, to eipicss
their gratitude to God in deep hu-
mility, and humble, persevering walk-
ing with Godwin all hii commands and
atdinances.

"The blessed God, with respect
to yonr local situatioa, and the viclni-

£, seems to have acted over u^tin
e -scene of Gideon's fleece, which
was filled with the dew of heaven,
when the ground round about it was
dry. Pray, pray miehtilv and perse-
veringty, that heavenly inBuence may
graciously be continued to yon and
the places around you. If God with-
draw from you suddenly (aa he justly
may) after such a sunshine of hi*
Spirit and grace now witb you, the
darkness «iU, no doubt, be iDon sen-
sibly felt, by discerning people, than
ever heretofore. The calamity will
reach to tlie heart and soul. May
God by continuing your present gnal
mercy, prevent such bitter calamity:
and may the word of the Lotd nmd
Mt^vm 7<ni to all annutd you, ■»! in

1807.] Intelligence resptcoi^ Missions. .

tmrf plac* yoiir faith to God-ward be
^>reaa abroul.

" Humble, ^niUy people, 90 far as J
fcnow, and I have made particular
inquiry, receive vout missionaries
with Dpeo arms, lioiuea, ears, ai|d
bcMli. And 1 think their latinur has
jkH been in vain in ibe Lord. E:(ccpt
aach as are some way influenced frrjii
party, I br)icve real friends of Christ
jod tnie religion, every where,in these
parts, are highly pleased, and dianfc-
^i to God fur his mercy; and I0 you
&r your care about their snuls, and
nurlibarality in sending understand-
ing, faithful missionaries among them,
A your own ejipense. 1 regret there
>n: GO fev contributions maite to j nur
•ociety and missionaries among' the
'^Kenda of reli^on in these parts. £ut
when we consider how long the
pound of Maine has been uncultiva-
1mA, we shall not be diseouragcd, bc-
OSUie it does not as yet yield Fruit
pqual to * WBtcrcd garden, or fmitftd
jBeld, which the Lorahatli uhundantly
iAMsed. I pray you not to cease ymu-
j^Dus care about poor Maine. Yuq
vQl re«p in due season if y'ou faint not.
Vmit undertaking ^ such, that if you
Htteriy fail of desired success, yet
jonr reward is sure. The Master
will be Bccountable for all your cost
and labour of love to hi* glorious nani«
RDd kingdom. What need I say
IBore!"

Wilh pleanirr me rxtend tht limaleil^e
Iff the Juttnaing inttmting and vtrJ-A
(tooHMut, vihich we copy from thr
Attemhlfa Magazme.

QIIESTIONS
put by Dr. Ashbel Green, cl^nii'mBn

■ ef the standing commillec of mis-
rioni, appointed by tin- general ti.
Mmbly of the Tresbylerian church

' In the United Slates of. America,
in 1803 : answered, by commission
of the elders' conference of the uni.
ly of brethren, ;tiid in the name of
the Brotlircn'i Society for the fur-
therance of the gospel among the
heathen, in London, by C. I. La-
trobe.

• ■ Qiieitian. — How long has your sn-
ipeiy existed 1

Aniwer. — The cliurrh of the Unit.
■A Brethren, or Uaitiu Fratnun, tiaa
niMcd eter lince the year 1453,

when a company of truly pioug ppr- ■
sons, rejecting the eornipt dorlrinea
and practices of the church of Rnrno,
fiirmed themselves into a cnngrega-
fion or church at Liliz, In Bobeinia,
first caHinp themselves, Kratres Le.
|:is Christi, and afterwards, hplng
joined by others, in the same view,
Unitaa Fratrum.

Q; What were the carrajmstancei
tlinkd toit!

A. The enmity and percccittion of
the Papisis, and the ardent wish of
the brethren, to serve the Lord and
promote his cause according to the
dictates |af thoir cnnaciencei, and
by B dose adherence to the princi-
ples laid down in the word of God.

(i What sre your leadliigreligiolu

A. The Bible is ttie only source
.from whence Ihf.cbuiih of the breth-
ren derive their doctrines. They
Dutintain accordingly, that man is a
lost and undone creature, fallen from
God, and a slave to sin by nature, and
that there is no other name given,
by which he can be saved, hut the
They are therefore
know oottiing among
, nn* him cnicifed.
respect, in essentials,
those who asiribe our wbok
salvation to God's free grace nnd
love, but never enter into dispotci
about contropBrtEd pointa, and in the
words of the Scriptures, " brstech nit
men to he reconciled le God ."'

Q, What obstacles or difficulfies
have you had to aonnount !

A. The history of the church of
the brethren exhih'ita a aeries of those
difficidties and Iribulatinns, experi-
enced both hy tlic chttrc.h and bv in-
dividuals, which our blcaaed Saviotir
foretold wouldbe thjilolofhisfollow-
eM. They have repeatedly auflered
tl)e most di'cadful persecutions, and
tile enmijy of the P.ipists was peculi-
arly directed oninsl them, llolh in
ancient and toodem times, they hnve
been hated, reviled, and abused for
Christ's sake.

Q, Have any opposed yotl by writ-
ings, or by goTcmmcnt interest '.

A- Petiiaps no church has been
more sliamcfully miireprcscnied and
calnmniatcd by writipgs and false rc-
jiortt. In ancienllimcB, gotemmenli
— popisli cuuiitrieg h«»e persecuted

of les

" determined tr

men but yrnt

They differ '

the Incthron with tlic n

It bittn oj

43S

Intelligence respecting Missions.

^moiity; but with regard to Proteit-
Ult ipremments, uiougti enemies
Live irequentlj' ibuscd their influence
with government, both in Germany
and other parts of Europt, and even
in England and America, to injiire the
brethren, they have not succeeded ;
•nd no oppoEition Yiaji been made, but
rather much good'H'iU shown by the
fflerent govemmema, under which
the settlements of the brethren exist.

q_ What are your funds !

A. Chiefly the voluntary contribu-
tions of the members of the church-
Each settlement in Christian countries
cadeavoDn to support itself i the
missions depend entirely upon volunta-
ry donations and siibscriplions.

(^. What is the number of your

•11 these s<
tcdai

>rity.

[fefi.

ider a delcga-
do you (^ve

A. In 1805, about 1 70 brethren and
sisters were employed in tlic diflfcrcnt
iliiasiona of the brethren.

Q. Are they men of education or

A. They are not, in general, chos-
en from among men ot^letters, who,
by their liabiu, are not so well fitted
for the arduoua service of our mis-
sions. This is proved by experience.
There are tliere&re but few of that
description among them. Persons,
brought up to some trade, well versed
in the Scriptures, and above all, hav-
ing the graee of God in tlicir hearts,
and fervent zeal for tlic salvnlicm of
their fellow.men, but tempered with
true humility of spirit, are found to be
the most successful missionaries.

For the better manaeament of the
afTairs of the brethren's missions, a
commiittt is appointed bv the gcner.
al synods, (being a divisiBn of a con-
ference or board of bishops and eld-
ers, chosen by the synods for the gen-
eral superintendency of the church,
and called the elders' conference of
the Unity) which, in conjunction with
the whole board, directs all missiona-
t these are very
^a have been formed
in aid of the said committee. Such
are, the brethren's society for the
fui therance of the gospel among the
* heathen, in London i the society for
_l" the propagation of the gospel, eslab-
Ij shed at Zeist, in Holland j another
■t Bethlehem, in Pennsylvania, and a
fourth at Salem.^in N.Carolina.* But

* Vitjlet. Jfr. iMl^el, <^ Bakfe-

Q. Whatir

A, The brethren educate oone of
their people for the express purpose
of being employed as missionaries, aa
they behevethatthat peculiar call must
be from Cod himself, and that be is not
any human aequiremen

;d, and found to be of a
genuine kind, and he has been ap-
pointed to that service, be is adman-
ishcd to make the Bible his chief
study, to pray that the Spirit of truth
would explain, and lead him into all
the Iruih, that from Uie expeti«me«
of his own heart, he may testify of tha
love of God, and invite lost men ts
come to Christ for salvation.

(j. What are the places to which
you have already sent missions, and
what otlwr places do you contemplala
for them '.

A. To (rreenland, Liidiradiir, the
back settlements of Pennsylvania, N.
Carolina ; to the West India iilatids
—St. Thomas. St. Croix, St. Jan,
Barbadoes, St. Kilts, Antigua, Jamai-
ca, Tobago, (just now suspended;)
Paramaribo in S. America: to the
Free Negroes, and Arawack Indians
oil the Corentyn -. to the HotU-ntots at
the Cafie of Good-Hope, and to the
Calmucks in Russian Asia near As-
trachan. It may be easily conceived
that to supply so many establishments
with missionaries in succession, is aa
much as ao small adiurch can dD,.a*
upwards of twenty vacancies, at an
average, occur in a year. New mis-
sions therefore are not just now in
contemplation, though many offer*
are conlinually made to the brethren
for that purpose.

Q: Whst has been your suceei*
hitherto >.

A. The brethren have laboured

Ami, infarmt tke tamininn, that tht
Jeltovuhip at Salem, If. Carolina, ii
not a dittintl locietj, but Mongt to iht
incorporaled totitty for tlir firofiagaiicm
rrf' the gtuptl among the htathea, ntai-
liilied at BttlUelietn, Korthampttm
county, Penntylvaaia. &au it apftart
that they have but three locietiet -• oW
al London ,■ one at Zdil, in Moilaadi
andaniAktr atSahltlutn, ia Nyimtriem,

Lett&fmn Calcutta.

437

MM IUCC6889 III diff6f6llt phi*

; different times . The roost
Ivdssions of the brethren
Mtent, in Greenland, St.
^' Croix^ St. Jan, Antigua,

mA amonr the Hottentots
Akwf. *

Mt ttrejrour hopes and pros-
tfieliiture?

Ittfe good hopes, that God
Ikerto, continue to bless and

lyf the brethren, though a
ttobrcongreg^on, as instru-
oia hand, for the promotion
ae. Past experience fliUy
die most unbounded confi-

the Lord's help, and the
%f exercise of faith, even

laesent, little fhiit is seen.
a advice can you give us ?
fbo wish for advice of such,

long experience, have be-
fome deg^ree, acouainted

•■liject, you will find the
'liie brethren always willing
I lesuh of their experience
Mt sincerely wishing, that
«Miy still more abundantly

crown your labours, and the

ycu may adopt for the con-
Tthe heathen, with success.
ft to manv points, upon which
Vf be asked and given, that
sxceed the bounds of a letter
qwn them all. Only a few
are submitted to your con-

the greatest consequence,
melves are intent upon do-
locver we do in the name of
I solely with a view to His
d not suffer ourselves to be
J our own spirit or prejudi-

will answer the prayers of
Its, if they are desirous to
direction in all things.

choice of missionaries we
be very cautious, and well to

the nlotives and character
ididates.

ink it a great mistake, after
nntment, ii hen t^ey are held
)lic notice and admiration,
:h praise is bestowed upon
rotedness to the Lord, &c.
g them to the congregation
t and confessors, before they
I entered upon their labours.
IT advise them to be sent out
veommended to the fervent
if the congremtion, which is
most agr^aUe to their own

feelings, if they are hiunble fbDowert
of Clmst.

We give them every needfbl in-
struction for the preservation of their
health, as w^ as we are able to pro-
cure it.

As we wish, above all things, that
brotherly k>ve be maintained among
fellow4ux>urers, we therefore do not
advise to place two men of difl^rent
religious opinions and habits, howev-
er worthy in other respects, under
one yoke.

When converts from among the hea-
then are established in grace, we' would
advise not immediately to use them as
assistants in teaching, but to act
herein with caution, and a reference
to the general weakness of their,
minds, and consequent aptness to
grow conceited.

We also disapprove of bringing
converts to £urope under any pre-
tence whatever, and think it would-
lead them into danger of harm to their
own souls.

Missionaries are no longer useful,
than as they are with their whole heart
in their caUing, and we advise to em-
ploy or retain none, but such as de-
light in their work.

We ad^e, that where more are
employed, one of approved c^iaracter
and experience be appointed^r«f nut-
tionaryt to superintend the work, and
that each prefer the other in love,
and be wilting to follow.

Nothing more need be added, for
all who seek counsel, help and sup-
port from God our Saviour himself,
will be led through his grace into tlie
right way, and the best mode of pltfnt-
ing and watering. It is He alone wiio
giveth the increase, to whom be all
the g^ory. Amen.

Cna. Ign. Latrobe,
Secretary of the United Brethren
in England.
London, Nov. 28th, 1805.

Extract of a letter from a retpectable
Gentleman at Calcutta^ dated Aug,
r, 1806.

*< The missionaries in this countr}*,
concerning whom you inquired, are
in general, respectable men. Their
head, Mr. Carey, is a wonderful man.
As an oriental scholar, I mean in the
knowledge of languages, he leaves
the celebrated Sir Wuliam Jones be-
hind him. He is profesaor df tlie
Sanacrity the holy umguage of the

To Correspondents.

440 ,

reiii*rkil>l]p£scrimiiutingi blest with
K miitd uncomnMcly firm, and ndom-
ed with the pr»ce« of Clirislianity;
•he wu kdminibl; qualiiifd for that
apliere to which Provideiicc had caJI-
cd her hj mirria^, »nil diacliarped
the dutiei of it with ringuliir fidelity
■nd Kceptsnce. Anxious for the
character and usefjlnets of hi;r hui-
bind, M » miniiter of the gosfK^l, she
Miumed the whole burden of (liimes-
tic aflain, which she conducted with

Eat prudence and ecoiwimy ; and by
a«>iduoua attentions to tlie [leople
of his charn, contribiiteil 10 gain
him that hi^ standing in their ancc.
lioni which hcio desetieill) holds.
In her deportment she witi dl^ified,
condescending and comphiceiit ; equnl-
ty aecepttible lo erery class of tliat
numerDUi and reipeclabk' reli^ous
tocicty to which she vas related.
The poor loved her for her afl'abilitv;
the rich courted her onaccounlof tfie
peculiar charm* of her (conversation.
Her attentions in compaity were so
kind and unwearied, that idl jiresent
received » share ; and her manners
were so admirable and copliiatin^,
that fcwiett her society wiihciut being'
ready to unite in her praise. Persons
«f every description, in tlial lurge cir-
cle of acquaintance mwhidishe mov-
ed, were delighted with this excel-
lent woman, who could, with such fa-
cility, accommodate her conversation
to their various tastes.

The sickness, which terminated tlie
life of this invaluable woman, was
long and painful. Alternately exci-
ting hope, and awakening fear, as to
its issue, it was calculated to iiy her
faith and patience. Her pains, often
aeverc, she bore with Christian sub-
inisiiinn sn<\ fortitude. During her
last confitioment, her views of herself
were very humble and abasing ; but

[/•<*.

idT &ith in

of Jesu,
Christ, and by ■ cnnsnUng confidence
of having that love to God which is
the sure product and ccrt^n evidence
of genuine ftith. At a titne when
her raUlives and friends were flatter-
ing.them selves with hopes irf" her re-
covery, in an unexpected moment,
she, very suddenly, expired. — But
they sorrow, not as those who hare no
hope. Undiir the greatness of their
loss, they are consoled by an humble
confidence that she fell adeep in Jr.
BUS, and that her spirit, in the m>n-
sions of bleasediiess, waits in jojful
hope, for the resurrection of the biidy
to imniortal life. Attcmbiyi Mag.

At Bamatable, on the I8th inst.
the Kcv. Oaees Sn&w, pastoroftbe
first church of Christ in that plue,
the duties of which important situs-
tion he discharged during the tfatt
of forty -six years, with the utmost de-
gree of Christian plea.iure, fortitude
and zeal. His life was marked with
the whole train of Christian virtues j
it was his comfort and delight to ad-
ministeb the balm of divine coaiola-
tion to the afflicled spirits i ever
present in the liour of distress, and
ready at the call of sorrow, he was
the messenger of hope to the despair-
ing, of consolation to the aonwfU,
aiid of heavenly light to those, vlw
walked !n darkness. — As his life was
one continued scene of piety and de-
votion, so his death was cum and se-
rene. It was not the itruc^te of dia-
solving nature, but the calm repose
of peace i and secure that the Mas-
tar he had served in life, would not
desert him in death, he expired vith
a smile of pleasure on his counte-
nance, after a pilgrimage of TO years.

At Cambridge, Mrs. Mabt, wilii
of Kev. HrnsTWABB, D.D.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A Chrittian of the ancitnt tchool, is entitled to our wkrmest thanks for hti
two eScellcnt and seasonable letters on the doctrine of the atonement tt
Christ, Seldom have we seen this fumlsmental doctrine of our religion ei-
plained and defended in a more clear and forcible maimer.

ir. Ml tht affinilj ieRuem llit lafguagit of Europe and Atia, is learned, io-
renious, and evinces deep research into anci^t and modem languages. t(
shall enncli the Miicellaneout department in our next number.

We have not yet received from our ealeemed correspondent 2. his prqn-
iaed sketch of the life of Rev. WiUiam Cooper. Oar liio, '" '

pandents al

loupiu

luested to forward their

J. C* ThougtiU <A Gal. i£. 19, 20, an received ud ea file. '

iny in the Bwatk.

THEPANOPtlST;

[E CHRISTIANAS ARMORY.

MARCH, 1807. [No. 10. Vof.II^

^tca OF REV. THOMAS MJVNTON, D. D.

^f^TOfi was burjD }p
\_A^Ss iie was plac«d

fiwde ^uch proficieacf,
■:ordaiDed, at the age gf
jihe excellent Bishc^
>i;.jt{iKik particular no-
^ ^ iikely to prove an
^!f peraon. He him-
p^er, ten years after-
fl^^tctl bia entrance on
^ |S0 early, as a ra^
T^e tiroes were then
ud he was confined in
\t^ k ^ivas besieged hf

.jforces. After being
,flf)«etde(l, be was chos<
yton in DroonMre to

Tireekly lecture ; and

rqspected. On com-
vfan he was soon no-

frequently eroployed.
Attlenient was at Stoke-
I ,in 1643. Here he

seven years, and was
igcd not only in preach-
a pther atTairs in the
e second of the acr-
iPc the sqns of the cler-
>jr him. He delivered
^re the Parliameni, in
discovered great pru-
■Jicularly in that preach-
^^ad borne his testi-
wi)it the dt^th of the
^0. 10. Iii

king. This, however, gave
great oflcnce, and some in the
house talked of sending lUm to
the lower, when his fmnds ad-
vised liim to withdraw; but he
never lllnched, and the heat
. abated.

Mr. Sedgwick of Covent Gar-
den, London^ being disabled for
his work, several persons were
proposed to succeed him, but he
would not resign, till Dr. Man-
ion was mentioned, and then he
readily yielded. He was pre-
sented lo this living by the Duke
of Bedford, who esteemed him
highly to his dying day. In this
siluation he had a grand and nu-
mei ous audience i among whom
frequently was the excellent
Archbishop Usher, who used to
say, " he was a voluminous
preacher ;" not that he was te-
dious for length, but because he
reduced the substance of vol-
umes of divinity into a narrow-
compass. Dr. Manlon had a
great respect for Mr. Loye, who
was httheaded in 165) for assist-
ing the royal fikmily, and attend-
ed him on the scaffold. The
government, finding that the
Dr. intended to preach hjs fune-
ral sermon, expi:eaaed dispU^S'
,urc, aod the ,ti4)Ui|era thiy^tjcyd

Sketch of Jin. Br. Mamon, D, I>. \_Marc&.

any sordid ends of kis nim, bot
for the benefit of others, roj-al-
tsts not excepted. Accordingly
he applied lor the life of Dr.
//evil, who was condemned for
u plot against the government;
and. had ii not been fur the pe-
culiar aggravations of guilt in
the case, the protector deckral
he would have yielded tu the
Dr.'s intercesHion.

In 1 660 he was very iostni-
mintal, with many other Pres-
byterian divines, ia the restori'
lion of Charles II. He was one,
who wailed on the king at Brb-
DA, and was afterword swem
one of his chaplains. He nu
also appointed one of the com-
missioners at tlie Saroy confer-
ence, being the first to receive
the commission from the Bishop
of London, who wrote hint a
most respectful letter on the oc-
casion. In the interval betweeii
the restoratian and the fatal Bar-
tholomew day he met no moles-
tation, being' well respected in
his parish. Me was also greatly
esteemed by persons of the first
(Jiiality at court- Sir^o^n Bor-
der used to tell liim, that the
king had a singular respect fo
him. Lord chancellor Ht/de vas
highly obliging to hinti and
gave him free access to him< od
all occasions : which he improv-
ed, not for himself, hut for the
service of others. Bat after the
Dr. refused to conform in 1663,
so fickle is the favour of the
great, that he fell under hi*.
lordship's displeasure, who u-
cused him to the king of soma
treasonable expressions in a ser-
mon. On which his majesty
sent for him, witii an order to
bring his sermon. On reading
the passage referred to, the king
aaked hiioi whether, upoa bit

442

tb shoot btm. But he was un-
daunted, and preached at Mr.
Lavf't church, in St. Lawrence
Jury, to a numerous congrega-
tion, though without pulpit,
eloth, or cudiion. Though he
was far from courting the favour
of that government, they pro-
fessed to rslcem him ; and
Cromwell sent for him to White-
hall on the morning of his in-
stallment, telling him, not before
&e came, thm it was to pmy on
t-he occasion ; and when he beg-
ged to be excused, urging the
shortness of the no.tice, he said,
that such a man as he, could not
be at a loss to perform the ser-
vice ; and put him into his sUidy
half an hotir to premeditate.
The protector made him one of
his chaplains. He w;is also ap-
pointV;d one of the committee
for tr)-ing ministers ; and he
seldom absented himself fronk
that troublesome service, as he
was heard to say, that he might
do all in his power to pre-
sent matters from running into
extremes. One instance of his
kindness i» worth recording. A
clergyman of respectable aspect,
somewhat in years, appeared be-
fore the commissioners, when
Dr. Min/on called for a chair;
at which some were dis[deased.
This minister, after the restora-
tion, was preferred to a bishopric
in Ireland ; and. he retained so
alTectionate a remembrance of
Dp. Manion, that he charged
Bishop Worih, when he went to
. London, to visit the Dr. and tell
him, that, if he was molested in
his preaching in England, he
should have liberty to preach in
any part of his diocese in Ire-
land undisturbed. His interest
vith the protector, which was
Tery great, he never applied to

.^ SkttM qf Rek.7homa$ Matitm, D. D^ 4ki

that was nil he said ; and
asolema assurance that it
6^ replied, ^^ Doctor, I am
iAj and fou may be as-
bf my favour ; but look
traelf, or Hyde will be too
fer you.-**

(EJT his ejectment he usual-
0hed to his own church,
\ he heard his successor,
*fiirtck, till he was obliged
ist. Aftet'this he preach-
Lonfs day evenings in his
ibuse, and on Wednesday
in^ ; for winch Jtis^ce
'proceeded against him.
n the indulgence, given i^
'expired, and the Dr. was

fended, after his sermon
Lord's day, many persons
ilinctioB attended him ; so
\e met civil treatment ;
yhen a prisoner in the
•&ouse, the keeper, though
^ severe, granted him eye**
ihr^nience.

^r his release, when the
Mice was renewed, he
li^ in a large room in
;i1fiart-yard ; but there he
,t length disturbed. A band
llbie came on Lord's day
ling to seize him ; but, hav-
d&iely notice, he escaped
ftry. The place was lined
^d the minister, who
fbcd for him, 20/. When
tttulgence was confirmed in
, the merchants set up a
re at Pinncr^a Hally which
>{>ened by Dr. Manton.
hen his health began to de-
j he could not be persuaded
to desist from his delight-
(Di^k of preaching; but he
mgth consented to spend
time with Lord Wharton
i^obum. Finding however
Ittle benefit, he soon retum-
M'^ve -notice of his inten-

tion t«r administer the Lord's
supper ; but did not live to per-
form that service. The dti^r be-
fore he was confined to his b^d,
he was in his study, of which he
took a solemn leave, blessing
God for the many pleasant and
useful hours he had 3pent there,
arid expressing his joyful hope
of a state of clearer knowledge
and higher enjoyments. At
night he prayed with his family,
under great indisposhion, and
reconvmended himself to God's
wise disposal -, desiring that, " if
he had no farther wprk for him
to do, he would take him to him-
self." When he went to bed, he
WMs seized with a iethargy, to the
great loss andgrief of his friends,
as it dejprived him of all capacity
for conversing with them. He
died l«th Oct. JjSrr, in the 5rth
jear of his age.
■ Dr. Manton was a man of
gfreat learning, judgment, ihteg^
rity and moderation. He had a
fine collection of books : and his
delight was in his study. He
had carefully read the fathers
add schoolmen, and well digested
the commentators on Scripture*
He was^so well read in ancient
and modem history, which ren-
dered his conversation entertain-
ing and • instructive. He dis*
coursed with young gentlemen
who had travelled, so as to sur-
prise them with his superior
knowledge of things abroad. He
took great pains with his ser-
mons, and sometimes transcrib-
ed them more than once. If a
good thought came into his
mind in the night, he would light
his candle, and sometimes write
an hour. His delivery was nat-
ural and free, clear and eloquent,
quick and powerfuly and always
suited to the simplicity wqA iM*

U4, Sketch^fRm. Thomas Fmcm, ^Jh '\_i^trtk,-

Dk subject of Ihs last public disi

jesty of dmoe truth. His earn*
cstitess waiBuch,as might soften
the most obdurate spirits. " I
am Bol speaking," sayaDr.aadr*,''
" of one whose talent was only
in voice, who laboured in the
pulpit, as if the end of [H-eaching
were the exercise of the body.
This man of God was inflamed
with holy zeal ; and spoke, as
one who had within him a livinjt
faith of divine truths. The sound
of words only strikes the ear,
but the mind reasons with the
mind, and the heart speak; to the
heart." He abounded in the
work of the I<ord, preaching
with unparalleled assidtiity and
frequency ; yet always superior
to others, and equal to himself,
In the dedine of life he would
not leave bis beloved work, ih^
vigour of bis mind supporting
the weakness of his body. As a
Cbristiani- bis life was answera-
ble to his doctrine. His con^
tempt of the world secured bim
from being wrought on by those
motives, which tempt sordid
spirits from duty. His charity
was eniiaent in procuring sup-
plies for others, when in mean
circumstances himself. But he
had great experience of God's
fatherly provision, to which his
filial confidence was correspond-
cnt- His conversation in his
family was holy and exemplary,
every day instructing tiiein in
their duty from the Scriptures.
His humility was great. He was
deeply affected by a sense of Iiia
fraihies and unwortliiness. A
little before his death be said to
Dr. Batca, " It is infinitely ter.
rible to appear before God the
Judge of all, without the protecr
tion of the blood of aprinkting."
This alone relieved him, and
BUjgported his hopes i nhich was

Dr. HarrU, in (he memoir* i^
his life, mentions the following
anecdote of him. " Being to
preach before tiie Lord Mayor
and court of Aldermen at St.,
Paul's, the Doctor chose a suh.
jecl, in which he bad an oppor-
tunity of displaying his judg-
ment and learning. He was
hi-ard with admiration and api
plause by the more intclligenl
part of the audience. But, as be
was returning from dinner with
the Lord Mayor, a. poor man,
following him, pulled him by
the sleeve of his gown, and askei
him, if he were the gcntlemaoi
that preached before the Lord
Mayor. He replied, he was,
' Sir,' says he, ' I came with
hopes of getting some good to
my soul ; but I was greatly din
appointed, for I could not tmder-.
stand a great deal of what you
said ; you were quite above me,'
The Doctor replied with tears,
' Friend, if I did not give you a,
sermon, you have given »<

SKETCH or RKV. THOMAS Villi

Thomas and Mithamel fin^
cent were sons of the worthy
and reverend Mr. John Fincent ,*
of whom it was observed, that h»
was BO harassed for his noncon-i
formity, that, though he had
many children, not two of then
were born in the same county,
This Mr. Tftomaa Vincent, the
elder son, was born ^t Htrtfurd
in 1634, and educated at Oxi
roRD. He succeeded the Her.
Mr. Cue, as rector of St. M^af

^ Sketch of JRtn. Thames Fimfnty M. A.

f^ from which he was
fdU He was a woithy, hum-
lianently pious man, of so<-
ijiaciplesy and of great zeal
^igence. He had the
t?^ the New Testament
ii&lms by heart. He took
psins (as he often said)
•'^knowing but they, who
ifrom him his pulpit,
tin time demand his Bible
pven Wood says, " He
Nr»ys held in great esteem
I piety by those of his pcr-
kn.'* ' But his eminence
i^eAiIness were not ac-^
li^ec} by a particular par^-
!jfi but by all sober persons,
pf^re acquainted with him.
ip one of the few minis*
r|to had the zeal and cour*
4 continue in the city
1^1 the fury of the plague
9$ ; and he pursued his
^al work in that needful,
^igerous season, with all
nee and intrepidity, both in
r> and private. He had
hit some time employed in
n% Mr. Doolittle at Uling-^

giving young persons an
mical education ; for which
p he was thought well qual^

Upon the progress of the
iiper in the city, he ac-
ted his good friend and
sue with his design to
mt' employment, and to
8 himself chiefly to the
ion pf the sick, and the in*
ion of the healthy, in that
jf pressing necessity. Mr.
'i/^ endeavoured to dissuade
Vf representing the danger
kust run ; told him, he
bt he had no call to it, be-
hen otherwise employed \
bat it was rather advisable
lOuld reserve himself for
^ service to th^ rising age^

in that dtiation, wherein he was
then so usefully fixed Mr.
Vincent not b^ing satisfied tb de-r
sist, tliey agreed to request the
advice of their brethren in and
about the city, upon the case.
When Mr. JDooUnle had repre*
sented his reasons at large, Mr.
Vincent acquainted bis brethren^
that he had very seriously con*
sidered the matter, before he
had come to a resolution. He
had carefully examined the stale
of his own sout, and could look
death iiv the face with comfort.
He thought it was absolutery
necessary, that such vast num*
bers of dying peopfe should have
some spiritual assistance. He
could have no prospect of useful*
ness in the exercise of his min-
istry, through his whots life,
like that which non^ offered it-
self. He had often committed
the case ^nd himself to God ia
prayer, and upon the whole had
solemnly devoted himself to the
service of God and souls upon
this occasion ; and therefore
hoped none of them would en^
deavour to weaken his hands in
this work. When the ministers
present had heard him out« they
unanimously declared their sat*
isfaction and joy ; that they ap*
prehended the matter was of
God, and concurred in their
prayers for his protection and
success. HereupK>n he went out
to his work with the greatest
firmness apd assiduity. He con*
stantly preached every Lord*%
day through the whole visitation
in some parish church. His
subjects were the most moving
and important, and his manage^
ment of them the most pathetic
and searching. The awfulnes^
of the judgment, then every
where obvidus, gi^V^ a pecuHa^

I^fe ofRn. ^ohn SergeatU, ' {JfiirfA^

446

«dgc to the preacher and his aw-
ditors. It \¥as a general itujiii-
ry through [he preceding week,
■where Mr. Vincent was to preach
on the Sabbath. Multitudes fol-
lowed him wherever he went' ;
and several were awakened by
every sermon. Hi; visited ail,
that sent for liinii without fear;
and did the best he could for
them in their extremity ; espc-
icially to save their souls from
Oeath. And it pleased God to
tafcc particular care of him ; fur,
though the whyle number, reck-
oned to die of the plague in
London this year, was 63,596,
and seven persons died of it in
the family, where he lived, he
continued in perfect health all
the time. lie was afterward
useful) by his unwearied labours,
to a numerous congregation, till
the year 1678, when he died at
Jlorton,

Orton,

LIFE OF BGT.

K SEftOEANT.

(Concluded rroro p>ge 400.)

It has already been mention-
ed, that the Housatonic Indians
lived on two tracts of land, sev-
eral miles distant from each oth-
er. In order to remove the in^
conveniences occasioned by this
circumstance, the General Court,
Bt the request of.Gov. Belcher,
purchased of the Indians in 1736
all the land, which they owned
at Shatekook, and in return
granted them a township six
miles square, including VVnahk-
tukook, or the great meadow.
This township is now called
Siockbridge. Mr. Sergeant and
Mr. Woodbridgewcracach made
proprietors' of one sixtieth part,

and four English iamilies, care*
fully selected, were lo be admit-
ed for the jiurpose of assisting
in civilizing tbc Indians, and that
the solitary servants qf the Lord
might he filmished with tapte
cheering society.

I'reviously, however, to the
ronjunction of the two compar
nies in their new town, they went
into the wonds Cor a number of
weeks to make sugar from the
sap of the maplf ; and Mr. Sert
geani, unwilling they should rer
main so long a time without in-
Bfruclion, accompanied them.
He prayed with them morning
and evening in their own lan.-
guage, and preached on the salt
hath. In the day he taught th«
children to read, and at night the
adults colleclcd that they might
learn of him to sing. While he
was in the woods the snoir wai
about a foot and a half deep, A
deer-skin, spread upon some
spruce boughs, with two or three
blankets, formed his bed, and
water from the " running brook''
vaa his only drink.

We here sec the man of trop
benevalmce. We behold an obi
ject, which casts contempt on al}
earthly dignity, and eclipses thf
glory derived from genius, IcarOi
ing, or conquest.

Mr. Sergeant hqd opponunity
particularly to observe the maoi
ners of the Indians. He found
them kind to one another and
very hospitable to at rangers,
The women and children were
bashful 1 the latter exhibited nq
kind of respect to their parents,
Compliments were unknown,
When a stranger visited them,
he entered the hut or wigwanf
as tlioiigh it was bis own, and
said nothing until somethiDK win
given him to eat. ■■■ -.-^^

l^e ^An^ John Sergta^^,

:ir fau)gu^[e in this mpect
mrtaMci that it fiimi^ed
to dcs^^nate rctati«aB,
«, not designated in olher
Cjn. Thus, for instance,
cbildrei) of the uric pa-
ito tidcT brother* are de-
Ued, by aU l/tr yoiimger
en of the fiimilj, JVeloi-
',_ and the eider tUter*,
it, white the younger chil-
U>e called by the eldtr,
tmu*. Here then we have
expressive of three reh-
1n which children of the
aisily stand to each other.
ra the Indians were settled
: Tillage at Stockbridge in
Mr. Sei^^eant^was enabled
met them in a more regu-
mner. He had become
cqaainted with their lan-
I and translated into it

I prayers and Dr. Watts'
ktechiso) for the use of
litrtn. He conversed fre-
f with his own people and
.rangers who visited them,
deavoured ta impress their
with the truth and excel-
if the Christian religion.

request of some Indians
It Kaunaumeek, a place
i)i nules to the N. W. from
tonic, he visited them and
ed in the Indian language.

II opened a way for the es-
ment of a mission among
I few years afterwards by
aloua and excellent Mr.
rL

a this time to that of his
in 1749, Mr. Sergeant
led his faithful labours aa
ionary atHogsatonic ; but
ws were not confined to
wll tribe, with which he
anected. He was eamesl-
(wu that the blessings of
ipcl nisbt be exteiKled to

the larger tribes, who were still
in darkness. To this end he
was particularly careful lo culti-
vate the friendship of strangers i
he preached to a number of In-
dians on aii Island id Hudson's
river, and even visited the Shaw-
ano(»,who lived 320 miles distant
on the Susquchannah.

Although Mr. Sergeant coufd
not complain of a total want of
success at Stockbridge, yet hta
exertions were not prospered in
the degree that he wished. The
mannc*. in which the Indians
lived, presented an almost insu-
perable difficulty. Except when
employed in hunting, the men
were generally idlr, and idleness
led the way to dninkmneit, ile-
siclca this their language was so
imperfect and barbarous, that it
was impossible by means of it
to communicule fully the impor-
tant truths of the gospel. In
order to surmount [hcac difficul-
ties Mr. S. was convinced, that '
it was absolutely necessary to
civilize them, and to persuade
them to exchange their own for
the English language and habits.
For this purpose it was that he
wished aeveral white &iniltes to
be placed :imong them, and the
more completely to accomplish
this object he formed the plan
of a Hhool for the education q/*
Indian cMdren in a manner,
which should effect a thorough
change in their habits of thinking;
and acting. He proposed that a
number of children and youth,
from ten to twenty years of age,
and among them some from oth*
er tribes, should be placed under
the care of two mastert, one to
have the oversight of them it<
the hours of lubour,and the other
in the hours of study ; that their
Upw titaaU be n divMfd b«-

44S

Life of Res. yohn Sergeant.

{MarcL

tveeti study and labour that none
be lost ID idleness; that 200 acres
of land should !>e devoted to their
use, which Ihey should cultivate ;
that tKej should be accustomed
to restraint and obedience ; lliat
girls as well as boys should be
received into the school, and lliat
they should be taught the duties
oFdoincstic life ; and ai the same
time that the principles of vir-
tue and piety should be instilled
into their minds in a way, that
should be likely to make the
most lasting impression."

This was the plan for a school
formed by Mr. Sergeant, and
which by great exertion he was
. enabled in part to carry into exe-
cution just before his death.

It would perhaps be useless to
enter into a detail of evenis,
which had relation to this mis-
sion at )]ousatonic, but there arc
two inquiries that will naturally
be made ; first, by what means
was Mr. Sergeant supported, and
from what sources did he derive
funds for defraying the unavoida-
ble expenses to which he was
subject, and secondly, what suc-
cess rewarded his labours ?

He received an annual salary
of 120 or ! 30 dollars from the
CoiBmimioncra for Indian affair*
at Boston, which however was
Tery incompetent for his own
Tomfortable Subsistence and that
of Ws family. The Genera!
'Court, besides building a school-
house, and house for public
worship, made him a small grant,
and for what was still wanting he
was dependent on the generous
donations of individuals. Among
these it is pleasing to recollect
the munificence of Mr. Isaac
Mollis, of London, who in the
course of four or five years
contributed upwards of two hiui-

dred pounds sterling for educat-
ing a number of the Indian boys.
Mr. Samuel Holdcn of London,
and Madam Holden were djp
liberal benefuctors of the missign.
To these may be added tho
names of Dr. Watts, Dr. Ays-
cough, and Capt. Coram of Lon-
don, and Got. Belcher and Dr.
Coleman of Boston. It is par-
ticularly the last mentioned gen-
tleman, whose name deserves to
be held in remembrance. He
was the early friend of the mis-
sion and unwearied in his exer-
tions to promote its iniercst.
Through him the bounty from
England was communicated to
Housatonic. He rejoiced in the
hope of promoting the salvation
of the heathen, and it was but
four days before his death that
" with a sick and faint breast aod
n trembling hand" he wrote to
Mr. Sergeant to make known to
him a new instance of the liber-
ality of Mr. HolliB. At the
close of this letter we find the
following affecting Ijenedictic*,
" My son, the Lord be with tbee ;
and prosper thou - irheti I sm
dead."

As to the avrreM, wh ieh attend-
ed (he benevolent labonrs of Me.
Sergeant, it was such as must have
administered to his heart t^e
purest satisfaction. Whoo te
.■went to Housatonic in iru,4lie
whole number of Indians 4i«iBg
there did not Hnoont to fifty ;
when he died in 1749 tl>e iiw&-
ber was increased to 318 ; of
these 129 had been baptizod, and
43 were communicants, 18 mates
and 24 females. About ?0 -ot^-
ers had been baptized who were
not living. When it is recoHeot-
ed that Mr. S. was-cauticHiB aS'to
the admission of members >ii)to
hit cburoh, thatJie-cwyfuVf «c-

Si]

"Life of Rev. John Servant.

ied thbie who offered thcm-
il^perhaps withobt pretump*
'we m^ indulge the hope,

ttost whom he received
'feal ChriatianS) truly petii-

UkI believing. If however
Mt the means of bringing
4^ beatben to the knowl-
'^^ the gospel, this event
I41I heaven with joy.
b«, wires both of the Captain
itciiUDant died, expressing to
thvir hope of aalvationi and
1^ evidence that their hope
Nt groundless ; and several
My while Mr. S. was living,
ft-their eyes in peace, and
i expectation of eternal liie.
i length the time arrived
^ himself was to be sunl-
it into the world of spirits:
I ficknesB he was frequently
1^ by the Indians, snd he
^ery opportunity to enforce
^ them the instructions
kfcc had given them, charge
litkt to live agreeably to the
jil'M they would meet him
jMa' puce. -So great was
pfltetion for him, that they
ibled of their own accord, to
bWe their Father in heav-
£7... :„ of his

life,
n be was asked, whether
lihjre excited any terror, he
ikf ** Death is no surprise
!» : My acquaintance with
lleatnl world, to which

B'l am .DOW hasteoing,.
the mercy of God in
HfM not now to commence.
ATust bim, in whom I have
p|R^ and Tong ago placed my
■iting dependence upon."
rf^greminded that his work
WtUdonr, " I can call my-
'-feS answered, " a moat an-
Hfc|cwrv«n(, and say. Cod
miiW M mt^ tinmtr." .
11 No. 10. K K k

449

At last,, in July, 1749, after
commending his departing spirit
to the blessed Redeemer, he died
in peace, and has entei-ed, it is
believed, into that rest, which re<
maineth fur the people of God.

Mr." Sergeant has left an ex-
ample, which in maiiy respects
is worthy of imiution. He was
frequent in the duty 6f secret
prayer. Morning and evening
he worshipped God in his lami-
ly, reading at the same time a
portion of the sacred Scriptures,
and making such observations
upon it as be thought would be
useful. He preached four sei^
mona every Lord's day, two to
the English, and two to the In-
dians, and in the summer season
usually spent an hour with the
latter after the common services,
instrucbtig and warning and ex-
horting them iq the most famil-
iar manner. Besides this, during
the week he kept his eye upon
them, and continually endeav-
oured to promote the objects o£
his miasioo. He was very care-
ful in thq improvement of his
time. He translated into the In-
dian langua)^ thosi; puns of the
Old Testumtiit, which contain
an 'account of the creation, of
the fall of our first parents, of
the callinji of Abraham, of the
dealings of God with the patri-
ai-chs and children of Israel, and
those which relate to the coming
of Christ, and the whole of ih«
New Testament, excepting the
Revclatian. This waa a work,
which cost him much labour, and
the reading of it to the Indians, as
their language abounded in gut--,
turala, was extremely fetiguing.

Mr. Sergeant was just, kind
and benevolent ; compassionate
to the atHicied, liberal to [ht;
poor, friendly tg his encfuiea.

450 On the Influence of the Holy Spirit. {^Marcht

and anxious to save the sinner
from death . He was careful not
to speak evil of any one. No en-
vious or unkind word fell from
his lips, and no resentment was
excited by the injuries he re-
ceived His cheerfulness did
not degenerate into merriment,
nop his seriousness into melan-
choly ; but he seemed always to
hare the quiet possession of
iiimself.

Such is the representation,
which is given us of the Rev.
Mr. Sergeant. Many traits
might be added to this portrait,
but those who wish for morefmi-
nute accounts are referred to the
pamphlet already mentioned. .

The reader, who with a be-
nevolent joy has seen the gospel
conveyed to the Indians at Hou-
satonic, will naturally desire to
know what has been the state of
that tribe since the death af Mr.
Sergeant The Rev. Jonathta
Edwards succeeded him as mis-
sionary at Stockbridge. A num-
ber of years after his death the
whole ^ibe emigrated to New
Stockbridge, near Oneida, in the
state of New- York, where they
now live under the pastoral care
of the Rev. John Sergeant, a
worthy son of the excellent mant
a sketch of whose life and labours
has thus, been ^iveo.

Btltgtotut Commumcattonjer.

ON THE INFLUENCES OP THE
HOLY SPIRIT.

(Concluded from pagxi 419.)

If the doctrine of divine in-
fluence, as before stated, be true ;
we are reminded of the unspeak-
able goodness of God. He has
not only ushered in an economy
of which divine grace lies at the
foundation ; he has not only sent
his Son, the great and blessed
Imma^nukl, from heaven, to
open a way for the exercise of
mercy ; to open prison doors to
them that are bound, and to break
their chains ; but he sends his
spirit, to take them by the hand,
and lead them out. As all out-
ward means, however numerous,
or forcible, are insufficient for
our delivery, on account of the
deep corruption of our hearts ;
lie sends his Spirit, to operate
within, tliat,.by the joint influ-

ence of outward means and in^
ward agency, he may take poi'
session of that seat to which he
is entitled ; but which has long
been occupied by the workl and
sin.

2. It appears, likewisis, that
our depravity must be very great
indeed, or else such a kind and
gracious gospel, as that o(
Christ, would need no spiritual^
influence taprocure it a reiady re
ceptfon. It is strange^ that sin-
ners under sentence of eternal
death, need to be iirged to accept
pardon, and a heavenly inherit-
ance. Men do not require urg*
ing to accept earthly benefits.
They readily and gladly accept
them. One would suppose, that
men would be greatly dissatisfied
with their sinful state, and verf
anxious to avoid the dangers of
it ; that the ofler of forgivenesa
and eternal life. would be em*

il' On the Influence of the Holy Spirit. 451

With joy unspeakable.
tead of this, so great and
tte is our attachment to
t "Without the impressive,
ive, and transforming in-
• of God on the heart,
Bers would certainly be
I, and we should remain
lumber of those, who vjiti
e junto ChrUtf that they
ufife.

tie preceding observa-
{ true, and the influence
Holy Spirit be essentially
jry to conversion and a
fi ; it is highly important,
ft doctrine should be sen-
It. We ought to imbibe
a first principle, that, in
k of religion, nothing ef-

will be accomplished

by our owi) strength ;
t therefore reliance is to
on the grace of Christ,
sed with this idea, we
mbly to acknowledge be-
d our present corruption,
1 influence, which sin has
lover us, and earnestly to
\y that God would endue
divine strength, and di-
.* souls to himself. It is
ic influence on the heart,
acting corrupt inclina-
reakening the power of
1 directing the mind tp
the chief good ; it is in
f, and not by the mere
h and independent exer-
nan, that the obedient ser-
Christ,in all ages, have at*
state of holiness and glory.
If it be important to real-
doctrine, in the very out-
religious life, in our first
s aner salvation ; it is
important, that the Chris-
iize it, in his endeavours
regressive sanctification.
yQ% believer will no more

advance in the ways of righteous-
ness without the influence df the
Spirit, thaif the sinner would,
without it, turn to righteousness.
If we be the children of God, our
lives are spiritual, i. e. not only
conformable to reason and the
dictates of the mind ; not. only
opposite to sensuality and the
law in our . niembers ; but, in a
manner imperceptible, influenc-
ed and directed by the Spirit of
God. If we mortify the deedn
of the body^ it is through the Sfiir- ,
It. If we be not in .the fleshy •
but in the spirit, the Spirit of
God dwelleth in us. ^ndj if we
have not the Sfiirit of Chriatj, we
are none of his,

4. This doctrine of divine in-
fluence is exceedingly comforta-
ble to those, who have a just
opinion of their own weakness,
ignorance, and corruption. How
strong are the temptations, to
which Christians are some-
times exposed ! How arduous
is the warfare, in which they
are engaged I How numerous
are their enemies ; and how
unequal is their strength to all
the Opposition, which they are
required to encounter ! But God
has a perfect knowledge of their
situation. He knows every cir-
cumstance with regard to them.
He knows the verv kind of aid
and direction which they need.
By humble -application to him,
accompanied with their own
watchful endeavours, they are
sure of being saved from the
hour of temptation ; not indeed
from being tempted, but from be-
ing overcome ; from being
tempted beyond what they are
able to resist. God is able to
make all grace abound toward
them ; to establish and confirm
them ; to invigorate their reso*

452 On the Influence of the Hdy Spirii. [Mareh^

lutions, to subdue their sinful
affections, and to enable them to
• triumphi through Christ Jesus.
The work of our salvation, blessr
ed be God, is not put exclusive-
ly into our own hands. It is
not confided to our own strength.
We are to use the strength comr
municated from above. \ It f>
God that worketh in us to will
and to do of' hi9 good filcaiure ^
and therefore we are required
to work out our salvation with
fear and trembling,

5. This doctrine of divine inr
fluence affords great relief to the
Christian's mind, when he is call-r
cd to act in perplexing circum-
stances ; when he i^ required to
take some active part, but yet
knows not, on whipb side the
path of diuty lies. He feels disr
posed to do right, but knows not
what is right. He then rejoice^,
that there is a Being, pf whom.
I he can ask wisdom ; who is rea?
dy to pity the ignorant, and
those that are out of the way.
^ He knows that in God there is
infinite wisdom ; and after la^
inenting his own ignorance, and
imploring divine light and direcr
^ tioni he feels the burden, in some*
measure, removed. He feels a
humble hope, tha( God will lead
him to a right determination
and suitable conduct. Most
Christians are sometimes placed
in such cirpumstanc^s as these \
and know the ^feelings, of which
. we are speaking.

Lastly, as trqe believer* are
said to have the Spirit dwelling
in them, it becomes an important
subject of inquiry, whether we
have this Spirit, qr not. And
the apostle gives us a rule, by
which this is to be determined.
If we are led by the Spirit, we
shall mortify tlte* deeds, of th(

body, we sbril n^aintaiii a coot
tinual war&re with sin ; wc^
shallbe crucified to the worldi
and the world to tis> by the cross
of Christ; w^ shall curb, restrain,
and mortify (hose corrupt de?
sires and affections, ^hich oppose
the gospel ; we shall be spiritt
ually minded, and show that we
are risen with Christ, by placing
our affections on things abover
We shall be employed, every
day, in maintaining and strength-
ening the new -and spiritual life,
That day, thai month, or that
year, will be viewed by us, a^
best emfployed, and a§ tumipg to
the he^t account, wher^ most
has been done for Gqd, and for
the weakening and subversioii
of sin, in ourselves and others.
The character of God will iippeac
glorious, sin hateful, and hoG-
pess, above ^D, things, lovfely and
desirable* ' T^he Spirit W God
excites to humility, und leads us
to spieak of ourselves, in secref
worship, in worse terms, than
we should think ou^elves justit
fied in applying to' any ot our
fellow men« .

* These are son^e of the general
Qualities of those, who are led by
the Spirit, and are the sons of
Ggd. If these qualities 6e pes-,
sessed by us, we have unspeaka-
ble reason to rejoice and bless
God, and to press on vigorously
after greater attainments. But,
if we have them not, it is strongs
ly to be apprehended, that we
are in a state of sip, of dangeri
' and condemnation, and pay wi^
good reason be urgedrand ex-
horted tp flee froip the wrath to
come. Let every reader bear
in remembrance these solemn
words, in which is a brief descript
tion both of the righteous and the
picked. ^ yr vmik qfterthf

On the Difctrme of the Atonement.

453

'{Uldie i but tfy through
ye do mortify the deeda
'y ye shall live,

'' Leighton.

miHE OF THE ATONE-
OF CHRIST BRIEFLY
KBD ANP DEFENBED
RIES or I.ETTEB8 TO

LETTER I.

9 Doftrine stated,

[R,

ABLT to your requesti
lights on the Doctrine
nement are here offer-
* candid consideration.
6| which is much ob-
y those who style them-
onal Chriitianiy and al-
le others : but which
)e plainly taught in the
I as an important arti-
Christian religion,
ten, I think, the gener-
P Christians, particular-
essed in the Protestant
that the sins of men
iutcd to Christ, or ju-
harged upon him, as
laor : That their guilt,
ligation they were mn-
iffer deserred punish-
8 transferred to him :
g by the appointment
be Father, and his own
nt, undertaken to make
Q to the law and justice
by bearing the punish-
to their sins, in their
hat so God's infinite
sin and love of right-
being fully exercised
:8s^d, and the ends for
e punishment of sin
ssary, as well answered
ould have been in the
nt of the sinners. He
nsistently with the hon-

our of all his perfections, and the
interest of his universal king-
dom, pardon, and justify all those
who by a true £uth are united
to Christ, and so receive the gift
qfhii righteousness.

But to "prevent mistaket it
must be carefully observed, that
we are fistr {rom iroligining that '
the sins of men were transferred
into Christ^br in him was no sin.
It is impossible that the act of
one person should, be made the
act of another. Nor can the
criminality, the blamewtrthi*
ness, the deseFt of punishmenty
which is inseparable from tin,
be shifted from the sinner to one
who is personally innocent. Far
be it from us to imagine that
Christ became blamable, or that
he deserved punishment, or tlurt
God was displeased with him, in
consequence of his becoming
our sponsor, and assuming our
guilt, or penal obligation. The
Father was ever well pleased in
his beloved Son, who was never
more the object of his compla-
cence,thaD when he bore our sins
in his own body on the tree.
The guilt and punishpent of
our sins was not deserved' by
him, but he became subject
to it by v61untarily taking this
burden on himself. And . so
the punishment of our sins be-
came due to him^ as being re-
sponsible on our behalf, though
it was not deserved by him.

We must not then confound
the guUt of sin, with its criminali*
tyj or desert of punishment. It
is true the word is sometimes
used to signify a sute of being
blamable or faulty. But by the
gmlt of sin we understand the
obligation to fiumahmerU to which
the sinner is subject by the
threatening of the law. In this

454 On the Doctrine of the Atonement. [^March^

sense the word is always used by
bur divines in treating of the re-
demption and satisfaction of
<;hrist. Though the demerit of
siHj or its desert of punishment,
is inseparable from its evil na-
ture, and it must remain forever
true that a sinner deserves pun-
ishment'; and though according
to the law every transgression
must receive its deserved punish-
ment, yet the penitent and bcr
lieving sinner may be pardoned,
and so freed from his guilt or
jpenal obligation, in consequence
of Christ's taking' it upon him-
self by the approbation and ap-
pointment of the Father. Tho'
the law and justice of God, and
the interest of his kingdom, re^
quire that sin be punished, yet
the sovereign of the world might
consistently with justice, and the
spirit of the law, so far felax its
rigor as to transfer the penal ob-
. ligation of sinners to their ap-
proved and authorized sponsor,
who by suffering the penalty of
the law in their stead has freed
sM penitent believers from their
guilt or exposedness to deserved
punishment, his satisfaction and
merit being accepted in their
behalf, as equivalent, and answer-
ing all the ends for which the
punishment of sin is necessary.
To impute sin, or righteous-
ness to any one, in the language
of the Scriptures, does not mean
the same with judging that he
had sinned, or that he is in him-
self a righteous person. To im-
pute sin to a person, is ^o charge
it to him so far as to hold him
subject lo the penalty thereto
annexed, as if he had sinned. To
impute righleousness is to accept
one as entitled to the rewards of
righteousness, as if he were a
righteous person. So Paul wrote

toPhilemon, thatif Onesimushft^
wronged him, or owed him any
things he should impute it to him,
(so it is in the Greek.) He did
not mean that Philemon should
tliink that Paul had wronged of
owed him, but t)iat he should
charge him with whatever X)ne-
simus might owe, and he would
be responsible for it. And he
elsewhere mentions the blessed?
ness of the man, to whom rightr
eousness without works is imr
pyte.d. This pould not mean
that he was judged to be personi
ally righteous in the eye of the
law. It could not be his own
righteousness which was imput?
ed to him. For he is described
k& a pardoned sinner, whose sin^
were covered, and not imputed
to him. Though in himself he
was not righteous, but a sinner,
and God knew him to be such a
one, yet he did not impute sin,
but imputed righteousness to
him : that is, he freed him from
guilt, and exposedness to pun-:
ishm(;nt, as if he had not sinned,
and accepted him as righteous,
and entitled to the reward of
righteousness, on account of the
righteousness of his sponsor giv-
en and imputed to him.

How this transferring of the
guilt of sin, and the rights of
righteousness, is consistent with
the justice and truth of God,
may perhaps be considered here-}
after. In the mean time, if this
should appear to be the doctiine
of the Scriptures, we should be
cautious of objecting to it, tho*
our reason should be puzzled in
accounting for it. Let us then
have recourse to the law and to the
testimony, searching the Script
tures whether these things are so.
If we should not be thought wort
thy to rank with th^ raiionaf

Original Letters*

455

If yet if we can attain to
\trmi one*j we may think
happy. I would, how-
neglect ta ufte> as well
the small share of rea^
;h God has given me>
gating and ascertaining
meaning of the divine
vf comparing more ob-
ambiguous passages
Be whose meaning is
in and determinate. To
lie Scriptures by the
8 seems to be a rational,
18 approved method of
^ May God assist and
he attempt. With re-
affection, your friend, '

ittian of the ancient School.
To be continued.)

, LETTERS, FROM AN
MINISTER TO A TOUKO
IT IN DIVINITY.

No. 3.»
Sir,

.L join my poor peti-
it He who " giveth lit?-
nnay be with you in the
; design you mention,
len that first object, that
ing together the doc-
nd the sentiments of
D, is accomplished, a
rill naturally come in
mt of studying the tran-
rioguence of those divine
uid enriching the mind
vely noting the varic-
;rgetic expression with
eat truths are convey -
lumerous striking fig-
turns of thought ; and
Lable specimens of the
the pathetic, and the

>f these Letters has been
•ly lost. We will thank
pondeiit to fom-ard anoth-

sublime ; with the simple ma«
jesty, which runs through the
whole volume. I mention this
now, because many of these spe-
cimens will meet us, while we
are pursuiag the first object ;
and may therefore be minuted
as we go along. But they will
deserve to be made a distinct
branch of study. Where else
can we find the truths of religion
conveyed with such majesty ; or
in a manner, which awakes such
great and exalted sentiments ?

I doubt not it has oflen occurr-
ed to you, whether prayer, which
constitutes so important a part of
the public exercises, should not
be more premeditated, than it of-
ten is ; and have more of mean-
ing, and be more inspired, en-
riched, and diversified with the
varieties of sublime and impres-
sive devotional matter, whkh
the Scriptures furnish. Improve
then upon those, who have gone
before you. In this there is a
large field open for it It is easy
to observe who has not attended
enough to this branch of study.
But accept it as a proof of sinceri-
ty, that 1 dare not omit a hint of
this nature, though it brings up
in a strong vieWfroy own deficien-
cy. It is nevertheless true, that
prayer, though I believe it should
be generally more compendious,
than it is, might become as in-
teresting, as any part of public
exercise, and such it ought to be.
Such it was, indeed, w^ere Col-
man, the two Coopers, President
Davies, and a few more officiated.
And it may be again, if with the
attentions now hinted, the Spirit
of grace and supplication shall
concur, which, that we may both
experience, is the continual wish
of your friend, &c.

456

On the Sesu free Han of Christ.

IMarcAf

My dear Shy Ab. 4.

I AM much pleased that you
find such friendship and valuable
society with Mr* — — I hope
you will denre much assistance
and animation from bixn in those
studies, in which I pray the
HOST HIGH to grant you the best
direction, and the happiest sue

cess.

With respect to your choice of
books, though I bare not an idea
of adding much to what will meet
you from other quarters, I will
however drop a hint or two.
One is, to prefer those authors,
who take ap divine subjects, in
the way which is nfost agreeable
to their nature, and roost adapt'
cd to interest the heart. Divini'*
ty has this special quality ; that
it is always wronged, when it is
treated in a mere speculative
maimer. Yet it often has been,
and by great writers, especially
where they treat upon the great
first principles of natural or re-*
vealed religion. Yet these, dc
cause they are first principles, are
the more interesting, ami should
be treated as such ; and when
they are, the eftcct is perceived
at once. I do not suppose that
either of us considers Necker, as
a finished divine. But there are
some specimens in him of the
kind I refer to, which are certain-'
ly very impressive ; and worthy
to be remembered by the divine
and the preacher : Particularly in
his 5th chapter on the impor-
tance of religious opini(His, to
which I refer you. Yours, &c.
(7b be continued,)

For the Panoplhn.

ON THE RESURRKCTION OF
CHRIST.

The arguments, which I have
selected for the subject of this

essay, are stich aik atV tohnected
with the story, propagated by the
lews, that the dUcifilcM came by
night and ttole the body of JenUf
Hfhile the vfatch 9ere aalee/tj Of
course but a small portioli of the
arguments in favour of the res<>
urrection mast be expected. I
lay no claim to novelty ^ if any
one shall say, " I have heard, of
thought of the same before,*'
perhaps some others have notw
The advancement of the truths
not the gratification of ctiriosityy
is nly sole object.

The body of Jesus, let it be
fememfa{ered, was placed in a sep«
ulchre, which had been cut out of
a rock ; all entrance into it there''
fore was excluded, except at the
mouth. The mouth was closed
by a very large stofie, aod guards
ed by a band of Roman aoldierSf
who, as it is well known, if found
asleep at their posts, must have
answered for it with their lives«
How happened it, that the disci-
pt»s, who undoubtedly were ap^
prised of this military law, and
of the other facts referred to,
should venture to gain access to
the sepulchre, at so great a haz*
ard I Knowing the watch to be
awa/ccy they must have despaired
of success ; and what reason had
they to imagine that sixty ot
seventy men, for such was the
usual number of a Roman guard,
would suffer themselves to sleeps
at the risque of their lives ; and
that all would so sleep at the same
instant of time I Here would in<«
deed have been a miracle, how
much soever the enemies of
Christianity may wish to avoid
one in matters of revelation.

But, admitting that the sold«
iers were asleefi^ how could they
testify that the disciples stole the
body I They might, it is true,

On the Resurrection of Christ.

457

bat) before they slept, the
ig there ; and that, when
o^e, it was missing ; but
not telling how it was
; whether through the
>f the disciples, or mirac-
, or any other mode of es*
But I will not waste time
nining the evidence of
rhich were witnessed by

itting again that the sol-
sre asleep, hoW happened
the disciples knew that
Wt cannot suppose that
ere watching such an e-
i event the most improb-
d beyond the power of the
Ition itself to fancy. Be-
rhat reason had they, or
ly else, to suppose that
f could be conveyed away
; giving alarm to the sol-
lien it is considered, espe-
that many hands would
iired to move the stone
he mouth of the sepul-
and that this could not be
led \iithout producing a
Qsiderable noise ! Would
lermore, be natural for the
s, in their haste, to be so
lar, as tot strip the body
inding sheet, and the head
napkin ; and, wrapping
p in separate parcels, to
tn carefully in the tomb ?

it not have been more
, to take the body with
hes about it, anij make all
5 dispatch, to avoid detec-
Why did they choose the
part of the night, as it
eera they did, on the sup-
1 made, for such an expe-

For it should be consid-
lat, after they had stolen

Mark xvi. 1—4 ; also xv. 46.
John XX. 6« r.

[. No. 10.

LlI

the body, it was incumbent upon
them also to conceal it.

Had the chief priests believed
that the body was stolen, why
was not an immediate search or-
dered, to discover where it was
deposited I Had search been
madC) there is every reason for
believing that a discovery would
have been the result. It is no
very easy matter to conceal m
dead body for any great length of
time, so that no traces of it be
* observed ; and at that time^ in
Jerusalem \ and its environs, full
of people collected to keep the
passover, the difficulty must have
been increased. The thing was
fio99ible indeed ; and that possi-
bility, we allow objectors to em-
ploy to their utmost advantage.
That the chief priests believed
nothing about the stealing of the
body, and that they &bricated the
story themselves, or connived at
the fabrication, is. manifest from
the fact, that they made no efibrt
to detect the fraud of the disci-
ples, as they would term it. They
had the strongest motives to ex-
pose to the world the knavery of
these men* if any such knavery
existed ; they had the fullest rea-
son to believe, that by a diligent
search the body might be discov-
ered ; if such discovery had been
made, Christ would have been
proved, at once, to be an impos-
tor ; his religion have been over-
thrown ; and themselves not on-
ly exonerated from the guilt of
putting him to death, but shown
to be highly praiseworthy in
vindicating the truth of God.
These were motives, which could
not have failed to influence the
minds of such men,. as compos-
ed the Sanhedrim of the Jews ;
men covetous of a character for
zeal in tbeir relipon^ aod litthf^

4SB

On the Resurrection qfChrisu [^Mc£rckf

desirous' of being considered, in
the eyes of the- people, as guilty of
the blood of an innocent person.
On the soktiera*' sleefiingy I
would finally remark, that of all
occasions and of all seasons, that
occasion and that season- MFere
most unfavourable for slee|Mng.
This: same Jesus, whose body'
they were guarding, not many
hours before^ had been put to
death at the instigation of the
lews, whose king, Messiah, and
deliverer^ he had affirmed him-
sielf to be. , He had declared him-
self to be the Son of God ; had
asserted that, though dead, he
should arise again. Wh««i' he
gave up the ghost, nature seem-*
od convulsed ; the dead left theift
graves ; the rocks confessed
some mighty power, and were
rent asunder.. The minds of all
the people had been occupied,
and were still occupiedy.with> the
novelty, mysteriousness, and im-
portance-of what had taken place.
These soldiers knew all, which
bad been done ; they themselves,
in all probability^ had borne a part
in the transactions, which \ pre-
ceded and accompanied* the cru^
cilixion ; were of the number of
tliose, who had arrayed him with'
mock ensigns of royalty ; had
insultingly cried, " Hai4, king o£
the Jews 1'* had spit upon him- ;;
and smitten lum with the need,
which, in derision, they compell-
ed him to carry, as^ a sceptre.
Notwithstanding these insults,
their own consciences must have
testified, as Pilate's did, that be
Was a blameless person; that
what they had done, they per-
formed, not because any thing in
his life was worthy of reproach,
but in the hard-hearted merri-
ment of a Roman soldiery, to
Whom executions were pastimes^.

rather thao scenes of pity. The
time was now rapidly approach-*
ing, when, according to hiar pre-
diction, he should nse from thfr-
dead. It was tho stillness of
night ; appvehension was- awake ;
curiosity was alive— could the
soldiers sleep ? A- few moments
would decide, whether th# object
of their watch weM the body of
a criiciBed maltf actor y or wheth-^
er the Lord of glory would arise
from the tomb. If even the9€
' soldiers, in such a time) could
sleep, they were not men^ but be-^
ings, in whom somo of the most
distinguishing traits of the hu*
man character were wanting^, «
But I affirm that the soldiers
never told the Sanhedrim the sto-
ry of stealing the bodf ; and that
for these good reasons. Flrsty
the soldiers weve awake and on
guard ; thef were therefore wit*
nesses of whatever took plaoe ;
and, if the body were removed,
they must have known, and been
consenting to it ; the improbabil-
ity of which, i.e. of their consent-
ing, is sufficiently evident from
thefact^tKat the opposersof the
resurrection^ who catch at any
thing to save their cause, never,
I believe, attributed to the sold-
iers any connivance with the dis'
ciples; or, on the other handf
if they were not witnesses of
what took place, whereas they
were nOt asleep, they must have
been sOpematurally influencedr
in order to prevent their knowl-
edge of what was transacted..*
But tliey, who- would admit suck
a preternatural influence, wouldf
I suppose, concede to us the res-*
urrection. On either supposi-
tion then, that the soldiers were
witnesses, or were not, it would
seem, that they were not the au*
thoi*& of the story. Secondif ^

1807.]

On the Resuirccfion of Christ.

■the guard had every motive for
not publishing such a tale. The
publishing of it would have heen
an acknowledgfmem of a capital
eSence, and the soldiers well
knew that the Jewish Sanhedrim
would be the first men in the
world to expose them, in such a
case) to the penaJty of the law.
They would txpect to be ques-
tioned at once, " if the disciples
came foi- tlie bodp, why did you
not apprehend them?" But, "we
were asleep." " How then do
you know the truth of what you
assert ? the world must be per-
suaded by another story than this,
and wc shall see that you reap
the full reward of your neg-
lect." Thirdly, had the soldiers
been aakep, or had they sullered
the body to be stolen ; they
would, beyond a question, have
asserted its resurrection ; if
asleep, to secure them from pun-

the

theft, besides the avoiding punish'

ment, to carry on the deception.

I am aware of one objection to

what hai been said concernini^

the fabrication of the story. It

is this ; " Had the'story been so

r Tery improbable, those aciite

I net), who composed the Sunhe-

E drira, would never have pubhsh-

r ed it ; but it is certain, that they

r did publish it, and the Jews to

this day give credit to it; the

TBOre then you endeavour to

show its improbability, the more

you establish its probability ;

that is, your argument defeats it-

•elf." I answer ; whether the

story is probable or not, any man

inay judge for himself, as well

now as eighteen hundred ye^irs

ago, GO far as facts are handed

down to us. But remark, these

men had but one alternative ; ei-

tbcr to report that th^ disciples

iS9

removed the body, or<o admit its
resurrection. Let any one reflect
as much as he pleases, he will hnd,
it is believed, no other. Now the
resurrection is out of the ques-
tion; a. thing inno way to be ad-
mitted. The disciples then re-
moved tlic br)dy,and in so doing
acted by stealth, or by permission
of thekeepers ; of the two, thcro-
raoiJngof it.by stealth, no doubt,
is the more probable supposition,
improbable as it is ; and so, it
seems, the Jews considered it-
Remark farther, that men always
admit With readiness any thing
to disprove what they vehement-
ly wish to be tintrue, or that
others should believe to be false.
No great wonder, therefore, that
the Sanhedrim, in their trying
dilemma, fabricated even this im-
probable tale, to screen them-
selves from the imputed guilt of
having put to death the Mks-
siAK of their nation.

Arguments to prove the resur-
rection of Jesus might be greatly
multiplied. 1 know of no fact
in history, which I would sooner"
undertake lo evince, with the
hope of success, were men as
willing to believe things of ever-
lasting, as they are of tcmporaiy
moment. The stealing of the
body of Christ was incompara-
bly the most probable story,
ivliich the sagacity of the most
sagacious among the Jews could
invent, in order to convince man-
kind ; and it is the only one, on
which to this hour the whole
people of the Jews, scattered
throughout the world, found
their disbelief of the resurrec-
tion. The absurdity of the story
I have endeavoured to ei^posc in
a short and perspicuous manner,
by laying hold of some of the
most prominent circumstances,

. li^ 9/ Luther to J. C.

460

Vhicb preKnt th^selves to an
IDqairer. If Chriaf Jesus a^osc
from the deadi the Cbriatian re^
VgioQ IB truci if this religion is
true, it behoves all men to em-
br^ce it ; for it assures us, that
satvaUon can be hoped for ffam
no other. Whether we admit
the eridciKC of the resurrection,
therefore, or not, is no trifling
matter j our interest is to ktiow
and obey the truth, whatever >t is,
. and the truth alone will make us

XZPLT Of LDTHEH TO J. C.

observe the traits of an ingei
nious, inquisitive, and candid
mind) which four commuDicaT
tions display. Such a mind is
•utted to understand and receive
the truth. The additional re^
marks, which I have to suggest,
■hall be as concise as possible.
For such controversies, when
carried to a great length, seldom
fail to become unprofitable and
irksome to readers.

1. It cannot be unobserved,
thatyouhavc changed yourground.
In your first communication you
took the ground of objection a-
gainst the doctrine of the saints'
perseverance. Your arguments
we^c expressed in such decisive
terms and urged with so much
energy, and such a cast was givt
en to the whole performance,
that it was natural for readers to
consider you, as not fully believ-'
ing the doctrine. At least, it is
certain, that atl you viroie taa»
againti it. But now, wittiout
any notice, you take ground en^
tirely diETerent. Your remarks,
yon lell us, " are by no means
intended directly or indirectly to

ZManh,

operate against the - doctrine of
jlie saints' perseverance," The
difficulties, which your first pa 1
per unfolded, seem all to have
vanished. In short, your first
appearance was wholly in the
dress tind manners of an ..^rnuni
ian. Your second exhibits you
an old Cah-hiiii. This change,
which is not by aijy means cen-
sured, must be kept in mind in
oi-der lo a proper treatment of
the subject. Before, my busi-
ness was to remove objections
against the doctrine of perseve-
rance. Now it is quite different.

2. Your concc»ai'jna deitrve
notice. You acknowledge the rn/f-
(to«r of Luther'B obsermlions ;
and) if you view faia ailments
as inteiided to defend the doci
trine of perseverance upon the
ancient Calvinistic ground, yn)
concede that many of them have
iHgcnuity asd/srre. Ypa ■pea't
in another place of their being
tiear and foreiblt in ihtmtebie*.
Now if Luthv's arguments hav;
a sfiirit ^ candour ; if they are
clear and forcible in themtetve;
sail fofcible too on that Calviniii
tic ground, which you now
choosp to occupy ; they are,
one would thittk, just what you
desired, and certainly answer
the purpose, for which tbey
were written. Why then are
they not satis&ctory ? Because
you have suspicions as to Lui
ther's design. It may be prop?
er, therefore, to remark,

3. On the teniimentt, vMcA
you are fiieated to charge againtt
Luther. Although you do not
directly call in question the
strength of his arguments ; yet
there is something, which leadq
you to suspect, that he did not
mean to defend the doctrine on
Calvinistic groond, Still yoq

1807.] Luther's Answer to y. C. 461

do not feci very confident. Yoiir pentanceanrlfailhinadyinghour.
language is that of iiiicenainly. David was agoodman,apcniteiit,
"We may have mistaken the abeliever. Il he had turned from
design of the writer." You may penitence to iinpenitence ; if he
feci assured, that the licence you had become a re-iinpenitent, or
have taken to conjecture L.'s a total apostate from religion, he
meaning has exposed you to would have been lott. This is
mistake. You charge him with Luther's meaning. " If David
bolding, " that David did totally had died impenitent ; or as he
apoaiatize from God and hull- would now more fully and deli'
ness ; that he fell, for a time, in- nitely express it; if he had
to precisely the same moral again become an impenitent sin-
state, in which he was previous- ner, or had totally apostatized
ly to his conversion ; that other from God and holiness, he inould
good men are sometimes entire- have been lost." But is it in-
ly holy, and sometimes entire- volved in the nature of a suppu-
!y sinful," Uc. AH this you in- sition, that the thing supposed
fcr from the following passage, does or must actually take
It is asked, w/tat would have be- place ! Because Luther says, if
comr lif David, if he had diedin believers should become apos>
the midit oj'hia crime* ? Luther lates, tliey would periih ; can he
replies. If he had diedimffnitrnt, be charged With holding, that
he would have been loal. Here they are apostates in fact ?
jrou think Luther fairly con- 4, Let us, with care, attend
cedeS) " that, in his opinion, Da- to the construction of Heb. vi. t,
vid did totally apostatize from S, 6. It may be pertinent to re-
Cod and holiness ; that he fell mark, that the question among
into precisely the same moral Calvinists, who adopt different
slate, in which he was previous- constructions of this text, does
ly to his conversion." Luther not relate to the theory of divine
freely owns that his idea was not truth. It is merely this ; wheth*
BO clearly and deGnitely express- er the passage contains one or
ed, as ii ought to have been, and the other of two sentiments,
that his language may possibly which are equally admitted on
give some occasion for your in- both sides. In other words, the
fcrence. He therefore begs question respects no essential
leave to remark, that when he truth of religion, but merely the
uses the expression, " if David construction of a particul|r text,
bad died impeniimi, he would It is also granted that many
have been lost," he does not plausible arguments have been
mean that David, in order to auU urged in favour of each of the
vation, must have died in the act two constructions. Nor do I
of repentance. A regenerate pretend to decide, with certainty,
person, whose pious exercises which arguments preponderate,
are suspended in the last solemn It is my first wish, that the ar-
scene, has as sure a title to hea- guments on both sides may be
Ten, as one, who dies, triumph- fairly exhibited, and that readers
)ng in faith and hope. The would form a conclusion, not ac-
mercy of God has not made sal- cording lo my judgment, but ac-
v^lion to depend Qn the act of re< cording; to the truth. While I

462

Reply of Luther to J. C.

\_MarcA,

caggett BCHBe of the con&iders-
■ dons, which &vour one construc-
tion, I should be gratified if
some writer would exhibit, to
the best advantage, the argu-
ments, which may be used to
support the other.*

1. It is urged, that t)ie pas-
sage respects the regenerate, be-
cause the description i; too high
for any unregenerate persons.
Tatiing the heavenly gift j being
made partaker* q/" the Holy
Ghoit ! tatting the good worft q^
God, and the power* ^ the
vorld to come, and alt other
phrases like them, in their comr
mon scripture use, refer to the
renewed. All the phrases, here
' employed, taken together, form
a description, which none would
think of applying to the unrcr
newed, were it not for the sup-
position of their falling away,
, which is introduced at the close.
But this is nothing different from
the language of solemn caution,
which Scripture often addresses
to the saints.

3. Do not these words, " It is
impossible to renew them again
to repentance," clearly denote,
that the persons intended had
been once renewed to repentance ?
If truerepentaiItc,orasDr. Ow-
en allows, " if a gracious change
of mind," is meant in the last
place, sis it not meant in the for-
mer ? If true repentance be not
meant, what is the evil pointed
out ? It is impossible to renew
them to a-JaUe, ungracioua rcr
fientance.

3. Docs not the supposition,
that the cliaracters intended by
the apostle were unrenewed or

• The Editors are hap[>J- to have it
in their power to present tJifSe argu-
(nentj as ststed by a very able and
lucompluhed writer. See page 466.

hypocritical, render his reason-
ing nugatory ? Jf unrenewed tin-
ncnt, partially TffijrmedffaU ataay,
from what ? from their serious,
though ungracious profession
and deportment ; it i» impatti-
ble to renew l/lenl to repentance.
Thus falling aivay,they shall cerr
lainly perish. But it is equally
true, that if thejr do not lidl awayv
^ut continue as they are, the;
shall perish. Is it 'not difficult
to coQceive, that the apostle used
so many solemn words, merely
to warn men not to toll away
from a ttate in which it was
death to Kn)ain ? These, with
some other ponsiderations, ior
cline me at present to think)
that the passage belongs to the
regenerate. AcconUng to this
construction, the apostle informs
Christians, what would be the
consequence of their /aiiing a*
way. It would be impossible to
renew them again to repentance.
" This," you say, " is Luthei'i
explanation ol the passage. But
he still believes that David did
fall away, and that every renew:
ed person frequently falls away,
and yet is renewed to repentr
ance." But what has Luther
said that implies this P With
reference to David, indeed, he
spoke of believers' failing. But
surely the difference between
falling^ and falling ojoay, is evir
dent. The old English transls';
tions render this passage, if they
shall/ai/; which Dr. Owen well
observes, "expressed not the
import of the word,"

The best saints on earth faU,
but do not/aW owai/. The Greek
word here rcndered^a// owoy, is
the same, which the Septuagint
use, Ezek. xviii. 34, where
the case of apostates is mentionr
ed. "In his trespass thU bf

7-3

Reply of Luther to J. C.

463

^tfpassed ;" or as it may
\ literally be rendered ; " in
dUng avfay in which he fell
/• or to lay aside the Be-

idiom, " in hia grievous or
JulUng away^ he shall die."

Hebrew word bxn in this
} the LXX sometimes ren-

^hat great difficulty then at-*
I the construction of this
tge ? You, indeed) present
difiicalty in the following
la ; <* Will it be said, that by
\g away the apostle did not
1 simply falling away, how-
complete, but an irrecovera*
dling away ? Then the te:tt
»l[nount precisely to this %
lOsc, who fall ifrecoverably^xt
ipossible to recover** This,
m observe, is not much in
apostle's way of writing.
Hrding to him, their being
tiverably lo9t is the conac"
ee of the particular sin men-
id. " If ihcyfall away ;" if
turn from their righteous^

wr totally a/ioatatize from
$ i this is the sin designed ;
Is impossible again to renew
I to repentance." This is
breadful consequence, which
righteousness of God has
eitened.

tic falfing away here design-
s extremely different from
sins, into which believers
' fidl, or into which they are
rised by sudden temptation.
a these, covenanted mercy
recover them. Falling away
rs also from the sins of
9) who have never been re-
ed to repentance. For good

to apostatize from the •
^om of Christ and become
a the servants of sin, would
ridely different from the con-
of those^ who have never

tasted the heavenly gift. And
God has judged it proper to
guard his people against falling
away by the most alarming com-
mination. The sins, of wicked
men in general may be repented
of and forgiven. But the sin of
falling away J fixing men abso-
lutely in impenitence, would, if
committed, be irremissible, and
exclude them forever from the
covenant of grace. How mo-
mentous, then, how interesting to
christians, and how conducive to
their persevering in holiness, is
the apostle's pi*emonitory ad-
dress!*

5. Toward the close of your
observations you inform us, that
^^ the Calvinist tells a professor,

* Since Lutber finished his reply
to J. C. and transmitted it to the Ed-
itors of the PanopUsty the observa-
tions of a learned friend have excited
his attention to the following criti-
cism.

The hvpothetical expression, " If
they ihall fall away," is not, it is as-
serted, a just translation of the orig-
inal. The words, mm ^«^«?naYfr«(y
are evidently used to complete the
description of the characters before
introduced. The proper rendering
of the passage is obviously this : For
it i> impostible to reneto again to repent-
ance thote, v)ho have been mice enlighten-
ed, anflhave tatted of the heavenly gift ^
and have been made partaker* of the Holy
Ghott, and have tatted the good v»ord of
Ood and thepavoert ofthevtorld to conie,
and have fallen away. The last clause^
tm «'«i^«TMi»rr<K, is no more hypo-
thetical, than the one, 'vhichprecedcs,

&c. If this criticism be valid,
the falling away mentioned actually
belong* to the persons described,
whom, on that very account, no
Calvinist will consider as true believ-
ers. Accordingly, there will remain,
it is said, no further controversy re-
specting this passage among those,
who hold the do«tnn« sf th« saints*
perseverance.

Reply ofLmhcr lo J. C.

*6*

\f you fttlircly lose holinfss you
are toti." Aa you profeascJly
cnlbrace the principles of a Cal-
TJnisti 1 wish, Sir, withouL ([ues-
tioning the propriety of such an
address, lo make a little inquiry
IIS lo yuur meaning, when you
use it, You tell a /iro/fwar, " if
you entirtlylose holiness, you are
lost," Do you consider the pro-
fessor thusaddi'cssed, as a sincere

' godly professor, or a false piTi-
fcssor ? Or do you leave it to be
applied to cither, without deter-
mining which ? If you mean
oyiic/ii-o/rJior, then the naltcd
aentimcnt conveyed is this ; if
you ealifply late the kiitineaa., w/tic/i
you never had, you are lotl. If
you mean a g-odfi/ firc/fessor, then
the address agrees perfectly wiih
the aonstruction of Heb. vi. 4 — 16,
which has just been defended.
If you would leave it to apply
to either, without determining
which ; then you leave us at lib-
erty to adopt eithrr of the two
meaniDj^'s. which have been men-
tioned, and the spirit of the ad-
dress is plainly this ; nvAei/ier
you are a rntr, or a false firo/es-
•'•''"1 ifyou entirely lose liollacua,

' you are lost.

As to the evidence of persons'
being in the covenant of grace,
or not, I lioukl briefly remark,
that their finding in theniselves,-
ot present, no exercise of piely,
is no certain proof a^inst their
being saints. ■ As far, as sin pre-
vails in believers, it sensibly oli-
Ecui'cti the evidence of their be-
ing hcirs'of glory. But their
being conscious at any lime, of
notliing but sin, is no infallible
proof a^iiist their saintship. If
they always perceived ihcm-
•elves TO be the subjects of holi-
ness, they rniglit always feel as-
•ured of salvation. But it is to

IMcink,

be most seriously rememJicred,
that the only evidence of our
being in the co-venani of grace is
to be found in the excrcbcs and
fruits of holtncGs.

6. I cannot wHlingly close
without observing, that every
attempt to account for the perse-
verance of saints on any ground,
but the gracious purpose of God,
and the promised agency of his
Spirit, appears antiscripinral, and
lends to keep them from the
rock of their confidence. The
hypothesis of a principle or seed
of holiness, inherent in believ-
erE, is wholly inadecjuate to the
purpose. Admitting there is a
principle in the renewed hearts
of believers, distinct froni actu-
al conformity to God's law, and
antecedent to good a (Tec lion,
which is nevertheless the founda-
tion or spring of good affection ;
that principle or substratum of
good affection cannot be suppos-
ed lo operate indepcndcniiy- of
divine influence. So that perse-
verance mvst still be considered,
aa resulting wholly fi-om the un-
failing energy of Vivine grace.
After tlie writings of Reid, Stew-
art, and others, it is too late to
depend on any analogical or hy-
pothetical reasoning respecting
the operations of the mind. In
(he present case such reasoning
appears quite unnecessary. Man
possesses the faculties of a ration-
al, Tiioml agent. He is capable
of right, and of wrong afiection,
of holiness and sin. When, ai
a mora] agent, he is under the
sanctifying influence of the Spir
it, or ill the words of Scnpturcj
wliell God :irer*e(A in htm both to
will and to do, his moral feelings
and acts are holy. When he is
[governed by a depraved heart,
his moral feelings and acts are

Reply of Luther io y. Q.

465

J.; The regenerate ar6 ha*
^jt^fMul OD the whole, pro-"
djlij cinder tbj^ ii|p^ence of
(ilpirit, and con^quently
r^ habitually and4>rogr^s-
hol^. But they are not

guided and sanctified by
Spirit. Sometimes they
j^emed by a spirit, which
direct opposition to the
ii£God. Thus far we keep
roin useless hypotheses,
imd upon the ground of
ily. Scripture teaches,
e holy affections of believ*
irthe special effect of God's
is Spirit. But Scripture
tperience teach also, that
ff^etions are not uninter-*
If holy.

are pleai^d to assert that,
ilig to Luther*s scheme,
Bts cannot with any pro*
be said to peracvere^ un*
ifdeyering, and not perse-
, are terms of the same
u Again, you signify that
r^s scheme does not make
trance in well doing ne-
IT to salvation. But does
is all spring from mis-
tension ?- For it is a nrom*
ruth in Luther's scheme,
UiAough the salvation of
Severs ia certidn^ their fier^
nclf in well doing is indis'
U/ neceaaaryy as the meana
wing it. He indeed holds
leir perseverance in well
Ices not imply, that they
faya engaged in welldoing.
i*8 persevering in a jour-

a certain city does not
ftrily suppose, that he is

in motion towards the
He 'may sometimes stop ;
•metimes turn aside from
;ht way, and lose himself
paths and dismal swamps,
greatly hindered by rob-
[. No. 10. M M m

bers. At other times he may
perhaps be discouraged by the
difficulties he meets, and even
begin to go back. Yet, aftef all,
he may peraeverii^ly pursue his
journey, and safely arrive at the
intended place. Though a man,
engaged in the pursuit of any
science, is sometimes entirely
negligent of his study, and
spends whole days in a manner,
which directly tends to prevent
his success ; he may, on the
whole, fieraevere. In Jike man-
ner. Christians fieraevetc in well
doings although at times they en*
tirely neglect well doing, and
faH into great sin. Their perse*
veranoe is, indeed, the conse*
quence, not of any secret princt*
pie or spring of holiness in them^
but of God's special agency*
Their fieraevering is altogether
the effect of divine fireaervation^
" They arc kept by the power
of God." The Lord is their
Shepherd. He watches their
steps; strengthens them when
they %re weak ; raises them
when they fall ; reclaims them
from all their wanderings, and
guides them by his own right
hand. All their springs are ifi
him. Though in themselves
feeble, erring creatures, liable to
fall, backslide, and perish ) yet,
with such a keeper and guide,
they are s^fe. Thus, dear Sir,
have I been taught by the Scrip-
tures to view the character and
condition of believers in this
life ; thus to charge all weak-
ness, all imperfection, all sin to
them ; and to ascribe wholly to
God the beginning, the continu-
ance, and tiie consummation of
their holiness. /

Luther.

466 Explanation d/HeSravsvi. *, 5, 6. IMarc^

AW EXPtAJJATION OF HEBREWS

J • vi. 4, 5,6.

In the plac^ above reftrred to^
we find tiiese words, ^ It is im-
possible for those, who were
once enlightened, and have tast-
ed of the iteaveniy gift, and were
made partakers of the Holy
Ghost, and have tasted the good
word of God, and ttie powers of
the world to come ; if they shall
fall away, to renew them again
unto re|>entance ; seeing they
crucify to themselves afresh the
Son of God, and put him to an
open shame."

h is manifest, that the words
recited can have no reference to
the defectibiliiy of true saints ;
for all, who suppose that such
-may fajl away, believe that it is
possible for them to be renewed
again to repentance.* But of the
apostates, mentioned in the pas-
sage before us, the apostle says,
" It is imfiostiiMe to reivew them
again." It will not help tht mat-
ter to say, that by hn/tossible the
apostle means extremelif and fie-
culiarly difficult ; for then it will
follow, that the recovery of an
offenchng and backsliding saint is
more difficult and doubtful, th-an
tlie conversion of an habitual and
customary sinner. This ccnain-
ly is not true. David and Peter,
when they had fallen, whatever
we suppose their fall to have
been, were more eajiily brought
to repentancet than habitual, un-
renewed sinners. David, when
the prophet reproved him, im-
mediately declared his iniquity,

• . • .

•This is tnie of WcsleyanMetli-
odmts. and other Arminian writers,
but it seems not of those who embrace
the consU'UCtioaof Luther, just given.

and professed hi^ ^Ht>w Ibr hi*
sin . Pfetef , as soon as Christ
fumed anjUookcd on htm, went
cut and wept1)ittcrly . Whether,
therefore^ real saints^ secured,
by the tent>i' of the covenant^
from total apostasy^, or not ; the
apostates here describee^ were
not of that class. Thej were per-
sons endued with supernatural
^fls J not with spiritual graces.
The gifts and the graces of the
Spirit had no'certain cosncxion-
Some, possessing the former^
Were destitute of the latter. Our
Saviour tells us, ** Many wil^
come to him and pl^d, that they
had cast out devils, and done
wonderful works in his name j
but he will say to them, I know
you not? depart from mc, ye
workars of iniquity." Paul sup-
poses <* that a man may have all
knowledge, may understand all
tnysteries> may speak with Uie
tongue of angels, and may have
faith ta remove mountains, and
not have charity .**^^

The descriptive terms, used
in the passage under considera-
tiorr, relate to those supernatural
gifts, and miraculous powers,
which were dispensed in the
apostolic times, and of which ma-
ny unsanctified men were partak-
ers. These persons are said to
have l>een enlightened^ or " to
have received the knowledge of
the truth," perhaps by^ inspi-
ration as well, as by hearing and
by study ; for Itnavledge in the
mysteries of religion is mention-
ed among the extraordinary gifts
of the Spirit. They are said ta
have tasted, i. e. to have had a
measure of the heenrenly gi/t^
They had received those endow-
ments, which wore the gifts of
the Holy Ghost ; such as pro-
phecy ing, speaking with tongues^

«eo7.l

The Decalogue.

jpterpnting of tonnes, &c. j
which gifts were bestowed after
-{^briHt's ascension •by the Holy
Qhoat, sent down from heaven.
la reference to these gifts, the
Spostle adds, They were made
parlakera qf the Haly Ghoal. It
is farther said, They had lasted
the good word of God ; i. e. had
seen the evidence of its truth ;
iielt a conviction of its impor-
tance ; beeq in some measure
reformed by its influence ; and
perhaps preached it to others
with some success. St. Peter
speaks of some, who through
the koowiedge of the Lord and
Saviour escape the pollutions of
Ibe world, and yet are again en-
tangled therein and overcome."
These apostates are farther said
to hgve tasted the /loviers of the
^orld to come. The world or
age to come, is a phrase used in
prophecy for the times of the
Messiah. The same and simU.
lar phrases are used in the New
Testament. The fiov)er» of the.
world to cotne are the miraculous
powers, dispensed in the time of
Christ and his apostles. To
taiie these powers is to have a
fiortion of them.

In this description there is
nothing, which implies a reno-
vation of heart, or any thing
more, than what ^n unsanctified
person might, in those days of
miraculous gitls, be supposed to
possess.

The persons here described,
the apostle supposes, vcix^xfall
amm.y ; and so full BLV/ay, as to<-
tally to reject, and virulently
to oppose the gospel of salva-
tiOD. Of these apostates, he
•ays, "They crudfy to them.
feWes afresh the Son of God,
and put him to an open shame."
|I( sfterword descnbcs them.

467

" as sinning vnlfulltf, kfter they
have received the knowledge of
the truth ; as treading under
foot the Son of God ; as count-
ing the blood of the covenant,
wherewith h^," (the Son of God)
" was sanctified," (proved to be
the Messiah) " an unholy thing ;
and as doing deipite to the Spiiit

The. persons then, here de-
scribed] are such as had been
guilty of the sin unto deuth ;
the sin, which our Saviour de-
nominates, "speaking against,
or blaspheming the Holy Cliosi,"
and which, he says, " shall never
be forgiven." The reason, why
it cannot be forgiven, the apostle
here assigns, " It is impossible
to renew them again to repent-
ance ; for they have malignantly
rejected the highest evidence
that can be given in favour of
the gospel ; and have impiously
trampled on the last nieuns,
which God will use for their
conversion; and have not only
resisted, but blasphemed, and dc-
spitefuliy treated the Spirit of

As this subject has been par-
ticularly illustrated, in the Pan^i-
filUt, Vol, I, page 443, the wri-
ter begs leave thither to refer
the reader for farther satisfac-
tion.

TUEOFBILUS.

THE DECALOGUE-

NIKTR COHMANDHeNT.

Neiohbov'r, according to gos'
pel use, extends to any of man-
kind, with whom we may have
mtercourse. " Tliis command-

IftOZ.]] 1 , Langua^s of Europe and Asia,

469

]hit through the exorbitancy of
idf love and want of love to oth-
.^tSf "we ar^ prone in an amazing
degree to violate the same rules
with respect to our neighbour,
wi^out much remorse, or sense
fif guilt. Nor can words express
bow heinously this -reasonable
pommandnient is every day
transgressed in almost every
fompany, apd among persons of
|dl char^cte^s.*

With the ninth commandment
ID yieW} doe^ it . not appear

strange, that any professors of
Christianity should allow them*
selves to speak evil of others ?
And more strange still, that doing
so should constitute a material
part of their religious character ?
Such mistake the nature of the
religion of Christ, and do more
injury to his cause, than the
most open enemies. If any man
9eem to be reUgious^ and bHdleth
not his tongue J that man*s rciig-i
ion 18 vain,

Philologos.

£^tjBfceIIaneou0t

Forthc Panopliit.

pM THE AFFINITY BETWEEN
* THE LANGUAGES OF EUROPE
AND ASIA.

It has been often asserted by
learned philologists, that the
icripture account of the origin
i0f all mankind from a single pair
18 strongly supported by the affin-
ity, which exists between the
languages of Europe and Asia.
This opinion is doubtless just,
|ind has received no small sup-r
port from the inquiries of the
Asiatic Society in India ; it be^
ing found that the Persic and the
jmcient language of India, the
Sanscrit, had a common origin
with ^h^ Hebrew. It is well
)Ltiown, that the Hebrew is the
inost ancient language, of which
we hav^ any knowledge, and that
the Greek, Latin, and all the Teu*r
tonic dialects sprung from the
(Iebrew,4fr from the same origin-
fil stock with the Hebrew, Arsiic,

phaldaic, and Coptic. It is equal-

• • • •

f Scott's Commentary.

ly true, thJt the Welch is a
branch of the same stock ; for
to this day many words in the
Welch are Hebrew, with very
little alteration. •

Within a few years past, ety-r
mological inquiries, which had
been long neglected and held in
little estimation, have been re-^
vived by some of the most learn-
ed men in Europe ; new and im-t
poHant discoveries have been
made ; and new light thrown
upon the origin of languages,
which of course illuminates the
obscure pages of ancient history,
It is probable that important dis**
coveries are yet to be ^lade ; for,
notwithstanding most of the
learned, as well as unlearned are
satisfied with the researches of
other men, and employ their
time and talents in reading and
retailing the beauties of classical
authors ; yet th^re are a few in-i
vestigating minds, like the lato
Sir William Jones, which look
for truth beyond the surface of
things and received opinious.^

470

Languages of Europe and Asia. ^March^

The following exhibition of ray of light on the affinity be^
j^e Personal Pronouns, in a num- tween them, and gratify some of
ber of languages, may throw a your readers.

/
^kbrroo. ^3X, ani

Or, *33K, aneki

PERSONAL PRONOUNS.

thou he

— Mat. pmJc, atef .-. — lai, coaj

Fern, nx, or *nit, +at or atl—

*he
ir.T, ciaj

Plu. We

*19X, anu ir-
•larrax, anecbnu
•nana, nechnu

ye^you
Mat. onx, atem
Fern. JnK, aten.

th»y
->- Mom. maiT, erne
or pn, em

Fern, mrr, enc, ^^t

Welch.
Creek.

JLatin.

Qothic.

Saxon.

German.

Duuh.

JSngiith.

Italian,

JP^emch.

Spanith.

FortugueeC'

J thou he

mi or vi tif evf

I^ym trv Gen, 9Vf%

ego su ou

Ego tuf is-ea| id

Ik thut is, si, ita

Ic thuf he, hio,| hit

Ich duf er,8ieande8

Ik ^ hu,t zy, het

I thouf he,| she, it

lo tuf elli, egli, elLa

Je tuf il-elle, il

Yo tuf el-eUa,ello r

Eu tuf el-eUn, is9o

toe
ni*

emeis

nos*

weis

^,woe

wir

noi*

nou3'

ye, you
chuif

vf4Uf
yiDcis

V08

yus

ihr

gylieden
ye, you
voi

they
uynt

spheis autot
ii-eac-ea
eia, iyos, iy^
hi-hig, fajo
sie

zy-zylieden
they

eglioo-eUeno
euXf lis, elies

yous

nosotros* vos-vosotrosellos, ella^
1109* Tos elles, ellas

In this exhibition or collection
of the pronouns, the words, which
are obviously derived directly
from the Hebrew, are designat-
ed by the same character. Thus
the second and third person sin-
gular, and the first person plu-
ral, in several of the languages,
bear uneqi^ivocal marks, in their
orthography, of a direct descent
from the Hebrew. The less ob-
vious resemblances are not de-
signated ; but several other de?
rivations, though less obyious,
are equally certain. Thus the
first person of the Greek, Latin,
and Teutonic dialects, Ego^ Ik^
are doubtless from the Hebrew
aniy which probably was f)ro-
pounced in a different manner
from what we should suppose
from the letters. The Greek
fu and the Latin tu are mere dia^^
l^ctical yariation^ of the second

person of the Hebrew ati. The
third person of the Hebrew erne
and em are preserved in the Teu*
tonic article dem and the English
them. This word was formerly
an article or pronominal adjec*
tive in the Saxon, as it is still in
the German, ^n dem himelen ia
them or the heavens-i-is the Gerr
maI^use of the word. In Saxon
it was used in the genitive and
dative cases, in the same mapner,
and ii) the singular number as
well as plural, ^^ innan thorn
ipatere^ '"^^in the or them water^
was correct primitive English.
Our common people retain the
original use of this pronoun, with
some variation ; they use it in the
nominative as well, as m the obr
lique cases, of the plural, but
never in the singular numb^r^
Their practice, except as to thp
use of trhe word in the nopuptit

1807-3 Siait of Literature in New Er^Iand. All

tive, is warranted by the original driawii. In order to arrive at a
cominiction of the language^ just view of the subject at the
but has long been discountenanc* present time) it may be useful to
ed by authors. trace the clianges^ which, within
It will be observed, that the the course of a few years, the
first person of the pronoun in fhe general taste has experienced.
Welch is nd or vi ; tn and v be- One important alteration has
ing cognate and convertible let- taken place, by exploding that
ters. This word mi, pronounced false^ but highly flattering doc-
mtj in the nominative, seems to trine, that all men were speedi-
have given rise to the French ly to become learned. This was
moij in the nominative, but cor- sedulously taught, greedily em-
responds with the accusative case braced, and warmly extolled,
of the word in Greek, Latin, and i^ut the beginning of the
English. Mi is the nominative French revolution, when such a
case also in the Cornish and flood of ungodliness burst upon
Armoric dialects of the Celtic, the world, laying waste the la-
in the Teutonic dialects the hours and the hopes of man, and
mfimity is very obvious ; the threatening to overwhelm every
harsh guttural sounds of £^0 and thing desirable in complete de-
Ikj being softened only in the struction. It was inculcated and
southern pronunciation of /, y>, believed, that information alone
yo and eu. W. was necessary to reform man-
kind ; and what was still more
■ captivating, that all men could

almost instinctively, and by the

For the Panoplut. native energy of their mindsi

•K THE STATE OF LITERATURE ?*=*l"i" »*>•* inforrnaUon ; that

IN NEW ENGLAND. I«»™™S had, till that happy era,

been connned to a few men, who

This subject may lead to some were possessed of some talents,
profitable reflections on the indeed, but were neither warm-
causes, which tend to enlighten ed with philanthropy, nor en-
or obscure, elevate or debase the dowed with minds sufficiently
human mind. I am well aware comprehensive to fit them to be-
that this is a subject sometimes come the instructors of man-
handled, and frequently glanced kind ; that the human powers
at ; but the field here entered had been unaccountably held in
cannot be presented to the eye chains, and that the time was ar-
at a single view. rived, when the latent energies

The first inquiry, which nat- of man were to display them-

urally offers itself, is ; What selves, and liberate their uncon-

Is the present condition of lite- scious possessors from the

rature^ in this part of our coun- thraldom of ignorance and preju-

try ? In reply, it might seem dice ; when every barrier of su-

presumptuous and dogmatical to perstition was to be broken

attempt an exact representation down, and every strong hold of

of every minute feature in the injustice demolished ; - wlien

^neral character. Some traits, truth was to become omnipo-

howevers may be faithfully tent, and the blaze of scioncc t«

i72 State of Literature in Nev) England. (^MarcAf

dispel all the darkness in which
the world was involved. The
causes of this wonderful change^
and more especially the manner
in which the philanthropists
were to produce it, were forgot-
ten to be explained. However,
the enchantment took effect*
How unfounded soever these
preten&ions w^ere, they had at
least the influence to make muN
tttudes of the common people
think themselves surprisingly
enlightened. The most difficult
and abstruse opinions, those
which had undergone the most
thorough examination of the
ablest men, and the decision of
which was yet 8ub judiccf wcrt
determined by all descriptions of
persons. To mention a com-
mon instance ; it was thought a
matter almost too easy to re«
quire a moment's consideration,
to direct what form of govern-
ment was the best at alt times,
and in all places, throughout the
world. The duty of legislators,
judges, and executive officers, in
all the boundless variety of cir-
cumstances, was perfectly evi-
dent, as soon as the subject was
named. The decisions of Mi-
nos were not received by the
Cretans with more implicit hom-
age, than each man thought due
to his own. If any one had the
audacity to question their cor-
rectness, submission was de*
manded with the peremptori-
ness of a papal bull, and the ob-
jector was set down for a man
of a narrow and bigoited mind,
and a selfish heart. The same
was the case with respect to re-
ligion and morals, and every sub-
ject important to man. What it
would be right, and what wrong,
what wise, and what foolish for
the Creator ef heaven and earth

to do, (if, indeed, vaif Creatoi^
were acknowledged,) waa resohr^
ed with as little hesitation, and
as little reverence, as are exhib*
ited in the ordinary transactions
of life. The result of this sdf'
confidence was, that all became
teachers, and the relation of
learner scarcely existed but in
name. And although these in^
structors clashed with each oth->
er, or with themsetres, each one
regarded himself as an oraclef
uttering truths under the direc-'
tion of infallible reason. The
empire of science Wks aremm
with a swarm of poets and phi'*
losophers, naturalists^ historians^
smd dramatists, nunserous as the
locusts of iBgypt. Innovation
succeeded innovation, and sys-^
tern was demolished after sys-
tem. Sir Isaac Newton was ap"
prehended in danger from the
puny efforts of St. Pierre, till se-
rious men stood won&ring what
would be the issue, and when
the impetuous tide would cease
to rise. Nothing was thought
easier than to assume the chair
of philosopliy, and become an in-
structor of mankind. It was aN
most forgotten that prudence and
modesty were commendable traits
in the human character. The
time was preeminently arrived,
when ^ the child was to behave
himself proudly against the an"
cient, and the base against the
honourable."

But there is one happy
circumstance attending all vis-^
ionary schemes with respect
to the things of coipmoa life and
daily observation. Though for
a time they may dazzle and al-
lure, yet experience willdeted
their fallacy and expose their ab^
surdity. Thus the doctrinci
which has been mentioned) his

f 1407.]

On Liberality in Religion.

Ulen into complete disrepute)
' 't is much doubted whether
any adTocales can be found to de-
fend it. People are now con-
'rinccd, that from the nature of
man, and the evident intention
of God, there roust be few schol-
ars, in comparison of the whole
human race. And they have
drawn this practical inference,
that it is wise to learn thorough-
ly those plain things, which are
useful in the transactions of ev-
ery day, and not spend time and
labour in a vain attempt to at-
6un those acquisitions, which
ProYidence never designed them
U> attain, and which, if attained,
could neither bring utility, nor
happiness.

What is here said, is by no
means intended to discounte-
nance any thing, which tends to
tender the education of youth in
general, as easy, and thorough

as possible. Such an education
is a subject incalculably impor-
tant to society, the foundation of
all just notions of govcmmeUt
and a vast assistance to the cause
of religion. It may here be re-
marked, that the disciples of the
Old School did more, unifoitn-
ly, to promote real knowledge a-
mong men, than a thousand gen-
erations of philosophers would
ever do. Those acted in detail,
and found something for their
hands to execute ; these spent
all their efforts on paper. The
opinion which I oppose, is that
which makes men learned, when
they really know nothing ; which
makes them conceited smattcrers
in things above their reach,
while it prompts them to neg-
lect what might prove of im-
portant benefit. C. Y. A.

{To be continued.^

&eUctton<(.

ON L18£BALITY IK RELIGION.
(Concluded from p. 43S.)

TsREE questions Btise out of
Ihia subject :

J-'irii, How far such liberality
is consistent with the love ef
Irulh?

Discrimination belongs to the
essence of useful research. The
man who transposes cause and
effect; who classes phsnome-
na without regard to their na-
ture ; or who huddles together
a mass of incoherent bets, will
never enlighten the community,
nor obtain the suffrages of its
well informed members. They
all agree that to encourage such
Vol. II. No. 10. N N It

blunderers, would be to banish
knowledge and science from the
world. The effect of such a
chaos is the sam^ whether it be
produced by individual folly, op
by a sort of/ric-niV collection, in
which numbers cantribme their
respective shares, and fairly club
a medley of contradictions. Why
should that which is absurd in
every thing else, be rational in re-
ligion ? It is evident ihat within
the domain of this idol -liberality,
there is not a spot on which
truth can rear her temple or
plant her foot. Because truth
of every kind, under every form,
aud in every degree, is neccsu-
rily and eternally intolerant of
falsehood. And therefore to.

474

Om Liberality in R^gian:^

{^Mard^

oxcmpt from challenge a' host of.
discordant sentiments, and that
on the most inleresUng topics,
i^ to wave the rights of truth to
the whole extent of the exemp-
tion. It take& for granted, ^ther-
that the troth on these topics is
not discoverable ; or that it is
not worth the trouble of conten--
tion. The first of these assump-
tions is a libel on the word of
God r and. the second on hia
wisdom. The^ who thus, aban^
don the claims of truth, by put--
ting them virtually on a level
with the claims of error, are . not
bet: friends 4 and the alternative-
is plain.

The next question isi How
this liberality of theirs consists-
with- fidelity to our Lord Jesus^
Christ I

.He was himselfthe great wit--
jiess to the truth ; and has com-
manded all- his followers to imi-
tate his example. Not one in-
stance can be pomted out, of his
countenancing, in the slightest
manner, a Catholicism which
treats with nearly equal regard
all opinions and doctrines that
shelter themselves otider his*
name. He has charged us ta
beware of " false prophets, who
come in slieep's clothing, but in-
wardly arc- ravening wolves."
And the apo:\lle, who lay on his
breast and imbibed most of his
tenderness, has written, " if there
come any unto you and bring
not this doctrine," (the doctrine
of Christ) " receive him not into
your house, neither bid him
God speed, for he that biddeth
him God speed, is partaker of
his evil deeds." What the doc-
trine of Christ is, can be deter-
mined only from his word. But
the liberality which is now on its
\Kal, draws its chief praise fro^i

never determining that point ar
ail. Here, then, are two^ diTine
precepts of which it mocks the
authority by frustrating the ap^
plication* Who is to seise the»
*^ savening wolf," if it is a«ettled-
rule in theological etiquette tp>
look no further than the ^ sheepV
skin ?" Who. shall . chase the
^^ Antichrist" fronir his door, if it
be unmannevly and boorish to
jisk what ^^ doctrine^* he brings I
There cannot exist- a doubt, that
if the- Lord Jesus hinoaelf were
to- descend with his apostle, in*
yeOed glory:, and mingle again*
'v^ithmen, one such sentence a>
piece as are quoted ^^ove^ would*
expel them-both froia the circle
of '' tiberal" Christians 1 That
evangelical hero> Paul, took the
elders of Ephesus to record tha^
he was ^^ pure from the blood of
all men." Why ? Because . he
had throim the reins . on- th^
neck of his- charily ; had repre-
sented the preciousrtruths of the
gospel and their opposites as-
well qualified to harmonize ;
and had refrained to enforce par-
ticular views of doctrine, lest he
should infringe liberty of judg^
mcnt, or the maxims of good
breeding ? No 1 But because he
^' had not shunned to declare the
WHOLE counsel of God.'* And
they who do, must go to their
Judge with " blood-guiltiness" in
their consciences. Let this be
solemnly pondered by those min-
isters who^ having had the
" form of sound words,"" have
been carried away by the cur-
rent of a spurious liberality ;
have gradually dropped the pe-
culiar doctrines of Christianity ;
and now, through fear of of-
fence or the ridicule of singular-
ity, avoid them altogether. So
that the* utmost which can be

1807.]

On Liberality in Reti^iojt.

Mxi of thcTn is, that if they do
^oi preach the gospel, ihey do
not preach againat it — \. k, that
their discourses, in ever)' ihkig,
affecting ihe salvation of a sin-
her, contain — just nothiiig at all
,—lioreiCO rr/crena ! Well may
their " flesh tremble," when
they think, if ever theythink, of
ihc imerrogaloriea, wliich await
them at the bar of Jesus Christ,
concerning his suppressed truih j
' bis abused gospel ; his forgolien
cross : and all this, Cor the feath-
er of being thought " liberal,"
by men who giv« themselves no
trouble to " escape the wrath to

The third question is. How
far the liberality under review
tonststs with real churity to

The treating as n on -essentials
and matters of accommodation,
all differences which may occur
within the precincts of that gen-
eral term " Christian," is not to
'be justified but upon the principle,
that such dtff'erences cannot en-
danger the " saving Of the soul."
Is this tiTie ? One man believes
and leaches that the Spirit of
the living (>od must change a
ainner's heart, and unite him to
the Lord Jesus, as the l.ord hia
righteousness and strength, be-
Ibre he can be a Christian, and
possess a " good hope through
trace"; another man laughs at
all this as fanaticism, and main-
tuns that nothing more is neces-
sary to constitute a Christian
than a ralional assent to the truth
of divine revelation, and a good
moral life. One man worships
the Lord Jesus Christ as his Sa-
viour and his Cod ; another re-
presents him as a mere creature ;
it may be " a frail, fallible, pec-
cable man." One rejoices in the

475-,

sacrifice of Christ, by which he
is redeemed from the curie of
the law ; and another reputes
the whole doctrine of redem]>lion
through the blood of Jesus to-be
an old wife's fable. Here are
fiat contradictions : and cofltra-
dictions of such a nature, that, if
what is usually termed the ortho-
dox side, be true, the opposite
involves nothing less than the
eternal pei'dilion of tiiose who
hold it.' Yet all these men caH
themselves Christians. Now it
is clear as the meridian sun, tliat
the word of God cannot stand
with both sides ; but that the one
or the other " has made him a
liar )" and it is no less clear that
he who makes God a liar, by not
receiving his testimony concern-
ing his Son, is under condemna-
tion. It follows, that they who
enlist themselves under the ban-
ntr of the prevailing liberality,
either by teaching that there is
nothing in the doctrines of the
different sects calleil Christian,
which ought to excite controver-
sy ; or byprofcssingtheir chari-
ty for those who hold these most
detestable opinions ; or by main-
taining a studied reserve toward
the peculiaritiesV)f the mediato-
rial plan, arc leagued in a con-
spiracy agwnst the "glorious
gospel" of the " great God our
Saviour," and those eternal in-
terests of men, from which the
faithof it is inseparable. Dccciv'r
ed by this traffic of complaisan-
ces, especially when they see the
ministers of religion among the
most active in promoting it ;
many rest in the conclusion, that
it is of no consetjuence what they
believe, if their character in
society he fair. " Searching the
Scriptures," for the " words of
eternal life," becomes an anti-

*r6

On Liberality in Reliffm.

\Mwrth^

quated employment. Occanooal
snisg^ving^ of conscience are
relieved by the toothing imagina-
tion that we are all Christians,
and that is enough* Gross
ignorance of the gospel thickens
apacet^ in a clime illuminated by
its broadest sunshine. The bar«
riers which ought to divide the
church from the world, are swept
away, and every trait of discrimi-
nation effaced. ^' What fellow-
ship hath righteousness with un-
righteousness 2 and what com-
munion hath light with dariuiess ? '
and what concord hath Christ
with Belial \ or what part hath
he that believtth with an infidel V*
is a t<de of other times* And
thus, in a ^ land of BiUes," which
cannot be opened without the
lightning of God's reprobation
of their folly flashing in their
faces, misenJ>le sinners, unjusti-
fied, unwashed, unsanctified, are
praising each others Christiani-
ty ! The delusion is often foster-
ed by the very men, whose office
should impel them to counteract
and destroy it. And there is too
sad reason to fear that the loss of
the soul is the first thing which
awakens numbers from their
dream. Yes, they ^^ die in their
iniquity; but" — buf their blood
shall be required at the hand" of
those pastors who '' warned"
them not. That liberality, there-
fore, which lets all sorts of
opinions pass under the large
cloak of " Christian ;" or which
forbears to urge, without qualifi-
cation, the peculiar topics of the
gospel, deserves another epithet
than "charitable." Of charity
it has nothing but the abused
name. Instead of executing her
benign functions, it comes with
perfidy, and cruelty, and death,
to the souls of men.

If we look a'Sttle doter «t
this affected liberafify» we shall
perceive that, excluaivdy of its
tendency, the very attribute
which it vaunts the loudestf
vniversal ioierance^ has no ex-
istence.

The proof is short. No men
are more impatient of contradic-
tion in the affiurs of common liJEe,
than these liberal thinkers ; no
men contend for their political
views with fiercer xcalt or deep«
cr animosity. Why^ Because
human specuktiona axe more
certain than the truth of God I
or civil arrangements of lugher
moment than the concema of a
future wortd ? That cannot be
pretended. Whyi then) do the
bosomsof these ^ liberal*' philoao-
phers swell with rage against a
political opponent ? ^ And anrely
no men can pursue others with
more contemptand naicouv» than
do they whomsoever th^ are
pleased to stigmatise aa bigots.
Yet, what have the bigots done I
By the nature of the case, they
are under no oUigatlon to be as
condescending to a ^^ liberal'*
man, as this latter to them. He
is bound by his profession to be
as charitable to a bigot as to any
other. But the contrary is true.
<' Bigot" is a brand of in&my ;
not less than " heretic" or " infi-
del," and quite as freely applied.
Serious as the subject is, one can
hardly forbear smiling at the
mistakes which we are apt to
commit in estimating our own
characters. The man who sup*
posed himself inaccessible to
flattery, was not aware, till his
acuter friend detected him, that
this supposition wm precisely
the point in which his vanity was
centred, and was assailable by
the flatterer. Aa little do they,

1807.1

On Liberal'tty in Religion.

ArTl

vho ptuRie themsehcB on ihtir
freedom from bigotry, suspect
that their "liberality" is ibe
point on which they betray the
Tery temper they denounce in
others. Touch tliis darling of
theirs, and you uill find that
they have as much bigotry as
other folk. There are no more
decided bigots on earth, than
(bose who are bigoted to liberali-
ty. The lact is, that modem
liberality is of the same kind and
spirit with the old heathcti toler-
ance. One was at perfect liber-
ty to worship his calf, provided
another might bum incense to
the queen of heaven. And thus
Baal, and Jupiter, and Moloch,
and Mithras, and nil the rest of
themt ftsternized in the most
liberal intercourse. " If you
have but a god, no matter who
or what ; only do not interfere
with your neighbours." And it
is very possible that, tipon the
same terms, Christians might,
for a time, have fared easier than
(hey did. But the moment they
taught men tu tui-u from these
vanities to serve tlie living Cod,
the «oi-shippers of Baal, and
Jupiter, and Moloch, and the
whole rabble of pagan deities,
ruslicd upon them, and drenched
the eanh with their blood. So
now : compliment my dogma,
and 1 will compliment yours.
But let unbending truth fall in
with the confederacy, and accost
the members of it without cere-
mony. Let her arraign the car-
nality of one, the corruptness of
another, and the unfaithfulness
of a third. Let her deny, at
once, the Christianity of all who
reject the divinity and atonement
of our Lord Jeius ; or who, ad-
mitting both, hve without the
practical infineucc of cither ; and

immediately the cry will be rais-
ed. " Bigot," " fanatic," will
start from a hundred mouths ;
and, short of open violence, as '
little mercy will be shown to
wisdom's children by modern,
as by ancient toleration. Instead,
therefore, of a pure and effective
benevolence, this liberality of the
age is a mask drawn over the
face of enmity to God's holiest
truth, and to all who espouse it.
That " love" which is " without
dissimulation," Wears no such
guise. It consists in kind afTec-
lions and ofliccs. It can do men
good vrithout fiattering their
corruptions, or sanctifying their
mistakes. It is he " who con-
verts a sinner from the error of
his way," not he who treats it as
harmless, that " shall save a soul
from death) and shall hide a
multitude of sins." Between
the incessant agitations of dis-
pute, and the oblivious calm of
indifference, there is a wide
scope for the exercise of Chris-
tian forbearance.

But let those who desire not
to be entrapped into a fatal se-
curity, beware how ihey lisicn to
the siren song. Let them re-
member, that on air of aflableness
and magnanimity is ollen a pass-
port for error, both speculative
and practical, to an undetinable
extent. There is so much digniii
ty in freedom from little preju-
dices, and so much flattery in the
reputation of it, that genei-ous
minds are thrown off their gu;ird
by its very appearance. Im-
pressions, slight at first, are deep^
ened by repetition : advantages
are imperceptibly gained over
the Btemness of truth, and the
caution of virtue : and the head
and the heart are perverted, un-
df r the seductive notion of over^

478

The Three ^uestiotts.^-^Awcdote. [Marth^

coming prejudice. But one im-
age is presented to the eye, an^
that is liberality. Her features,
her attitude, her voice, her wea-
pon^, and her attire^ ar^ alwa^
the same. Her broad mantle
(Covers the approach' of the fiend,
till the treacherous blow be giv-
en, and ^^ truth fall in the streets.^*
Certain }t is, that such his b^en
the ordinary course of ' those
Who have turned ^ away ivom the
holy cbn^muidment delivered
pntb them." They began with
a show of liberality, aiid ended iiQ
downright apostacy. Nor cah
there be a worse symptom of a
professor of Christfiaiiity, than an
anxiety to be accounted liberal
on points of principle. It is s^
anxiety which ChHst and his
apostles never displayed. It is
jthe mark of one with whonj. the
*' answer of a good conscience**
is of less value than the breath
of a passing ' comiptiment '\ one
who " loves the praise of meti
more than the praise of God.-* '

THE THREE QUESTIONS.

Bernard's three questions
jire worth the asking ourselves,
in any enterprise : — 1. Is it
lawful ? May I do it, and not sin ?
2. Is it becoming me a^ a Chris-
tian ? May I do il, and not wrong
n>y profession ? 3. Is it expedi-
ent ? May I do it, and not offend
jay weak brother ?

ANECDOTE

OF PETER THE THIRD.

In the days of Peter the Third,
a canon of the cathedral of
Seville, affected in his dress, and
particularly in his shoes, could
not find a workman to his liking.
An unfortunate shoemaker, to
ivhom he applied after quitting
many others, havingbrought him

a pair of shoes not madjjEf to pleas#
histaste> thi^ctoon became fuii-
oi(s, and killed hi^. T'he unhap-
py man left a widow, four daiigh*
ters, and a son 14 years of age.
Tl)ey made their complaint' ti^
the Chapter; the canon wa*
prosecuted, and condemned not
to afifiiar In the choir for a year.
The yoting' shojemakt^ having
attained to man's ^stat^j' was
iicarc'ely able to g^ a liTelihood*,
and overwhelmed wjth^irretc1ie<t
hess, sat down'on' the day of a
procession at the door of the
ta^hedral of ^Seville, in the mo-
Vi^eiii^ jthe procession passed by.
Aniongst the other ctoons, hp
{Perceived th^ muihderer pf hTs
^theri At jthe' sight of diift
man, filial affection, rage and
'despair got so fiif the better ojf
his reason, that he fell |urioQsly
upon the priest, and staiA>ed him
to the heart. ' The young man
was seized, convicted cif the
crime, and immediately con-
demned to be quartered alive.
The king was then at Seville ;
and hearing of the particulars,
determined to be himself the
Judge of the young naan. When
he proceeded to give judgment,
he first annulled the sentence
just pronounced, and after ask;
iiig the young man what wa^
his profession, /yor6i£/" you, said
he, to make ahoe^ for a year ti

Edin. Mitt. Maf^.

come.

The fallowing tiac* of Cowper pmmm riqiaiiHt
ty, and ar« above all ^nisc

ADDRESS TO D^ITY.

Thou art the aoarw and centre of all minda^
Their only point of rest, ETERNAL WORD I
From thcc departiaca tbcf are k»C, and rov*
At random, without honour, hope or peace.
rrom thee Jt all- that aoothes the life of
Hii high eadrarour and hia itlad aucecaa*
His strength to' auiner, asd Ma win to
But oh ! thou boontei^ Giver of all ■ood.
Thou art of all thy glftB thyself the crowal
Give what thm aiMt» wtthoot thM «| Mf awv \
Aad with tkM rlch» take what ttm «Pt mray.

J807.3 ^ UnliicrsaUsm confounds and destroys itself. 47f

jRebieto of Bcto ]i>ut)Ucation0.

VnivcrtelUni coi{founda and dr-
stroj/H itself; or IcIUra fo a
friend, in four ftarta, i3'f. i^c.
By Joseph Spalhikg, a. m.
Pastor of a CAurcJt in Buck-
land. Wright. Northamp-
loa. 180S. /i/i. 359.

The subject of this book^is
highly interesting; as there is
an essential diffei'ence between
the icheme which supposes God -
■will put an endless diflercnce
between the righteous ami the
wicked} and that which promi'
■es salTalion to all mankind. If
the former be irue, the latter is
not only false, but pregnane with
infinite mischief to the souU of
men ; and the caut>e of truth re-
quires, that every lawful means
■hould be used to expose the
falsehood, and counteract the
tendency of such a system.

This work is divided into four
parts, each containing a number
of letleri.

The general object of the first
wid second pun is to show that
the scheme, which denies all fu-
tuire punishment, uml that which
supposes a " limited punishment
hereafter, are made up of con-
Imdictions." p. 9th and '2'2d.
From numei-ous quotations and
Ihe reasoning upon them, it ap-
pears with sufficient evidence,
that each of those schemes is ve-
ry inconsistent with itself, and
involves many absurdities. It is
thought, however, that the ex-
pression, ," made up of contra-
dictions," is too slixjng. A
tchcmc may contain contradic-
lions, iLitd even many con tradic-
yons • ir^ not be taadt ufi of
Mntm^MioM. '' " ■■-■'■'■

The professed design of (he
third pnrt, beside answering ob-
jections, is to shew that the nat-
ur.ll and proper meaning of ever-
lasting, eternal, forever, forever
and effTf and the original words
from which they arc ii'aQslated>
is endleu duraliiin.

The remarks and crilicism»
upon these terms appear to be
just, and afe sufficient to satisfy
a candid ' inquirer after truth,
that " they properly mean cud-
lets duraiion,ai\d that this is their
common and necessary import,
as used in the holy Scriptures."

The objections ui-ged by Uni-
versaliats, are fairly and fully an->
swered.

The aathor'a princip&l object
in the fourth part is to sheM>
that " the sufTiciency of the
atonement for the salvation of all
is consistent with the final de-
struction of a part of mankind ."

This is an important section,
and deserves a careful perusal ;
as the Univertalisls found some
of their most specious arguments
and objections upon the suppos-
ed inconsistency of these ideas.
The author exhibits, in a clear
and convincing light, the nature
of the atonement, and also the
consistency of God's leaving
some men to final sin and ruin,
with the doctrine, that the atone-
ment opens a do3f of salvation
for all.

What is said upon the second
death, we think scriptural an4
pertinent.

There are defects in the style,
which will be noticed by the crit-
ictd reader ; and some of the
arguments, and answers to «b-
jec^tw miyblf .nitk adTanti^et

480

ReUgioits Intelligence.

l_MarcK

ImTc been considerably contrac^i
cd.

But this work.) notivilhstand-
ing its defects, is far from being
destitute of merit. It indicates
«reiigth of mind, and an inti-
mate acquaintance with the sa-
cred Scriptures. The reason-
ing iS) generally, perspicuous
tnd conclusive. And tltough
little that is new can be expected

upon this subject, since the mas-
terly and unanswerable publica-
tions of Drs. Edwards and
Strong ; yet, considering the pre-
valence of Universalism, and its
dangerous tendency, we hesitate
not to recommend this work lo
the attentive and prayerful pcni-
sal of those, who wish to know
the truth upon a question, in
which all are deeply in te tested.

Belfgiouis 31ntetligence.

Thk nintli snnitfti meeting of the
CongTf Rational MUslonnry Society,
in the coiuitiei of Berkshire vid Co-
lumbii*, wu hulden agreeably to ap-
pmntokent, at the mcetine^house m
Rkhtnani), Sept. IS, 1806; at the
^lenirig' of which a lei-mon was de-
IfireKd by the Rct. Bcriah Hotchkin,
from Matt. xvl. IS. ■■ And 1 aay alw
onto thee, tliat thou art Peter; and
vpon this rock I will build my church ;
and the gates of hell shall not prerail

Atlhii TiieetiDg the Society was
•ncoun^cd la oontiaue, and, if po«»-
. ble, to incnaae their csertion* t»
•pread the kDowledfc of the papal,
by hariiqf opporfainrty to witness an
addition to die body of aeTera) valua-

The Report of the T^ortees, e

ptoymeat of minionaries, and the eX'
petiditiire of nioniei, was exhibited
to tbe Society a*d received their ^>-
pn^ation. FVom this report it *p-
pean that the Tnulcci, diirin| '

Uiey had distributed in the new set-
tlcmenta about 200 books belonging
to llic Society, and brought back in
contributions g5I 8?'.

The Report of the Treasurer w»»
also heard and accepted. The fbl-
lowing is his report atlarge.
.* ttaumat o/ the fanU of tht Cah
grrgaliaial MinioKory Society, orig-
inated in tkt coantia if BertMrt dW
Colombia, and the exfeitiiiivrtt )f
lAe tamt, from tht 12fi of StU-
1804, lol/u aUtoftfov. 1S06.

inng the "* "iTliirii

year, bad cnpwed eighty weeks of m i*. rTi>Mtu<Mi

minionaiy aerrice ; that tbey had ^^ "'

received reauni from their imsaion- fbm'

artes of forhr^fear wacbof aecvice, •«>■ 'J- r»>
•attiaiDy performed ( that tl^e mi*- * "

■lonarici who had made returns, bad !■. ■> mmi

preached 368 ■ernioni, besidea at- ^^^ ^^^^ a_u-u_L-rnMx
(cnduig many religioua confiareDces, fcy «»■"-

•Ml Mkkv many fani^ TiaiU 1 *at ••^«-*«[-*-waft— •awwitfcr

^-^ V

1807«3 Meeting of Berkshire and Cohimbia Society. 481

If. A coBtribatioa fron thetowaof Lm 25 70
Mr. Jercailali CMom, col-
lected OB a miuioa 30 ff

Rcv.NatbeaM TwMr,collMled
am » niMkm lO 00

A cootribMioa from the tovm of Stock-
^ ' ^bridfli 86 OJ

ffMns female Meed of mUskmsla

SMckbridse 4 OQ

A eontitfuUoafkom tltt tovaof Kicb.

mofld U 5S

■4. Viom a female Mead of oiiwiotto

MaiUam«towB ^ " >. 10 00

i, Itom the Rev. Alvaa Qfde, belai tlM
pronu artsias from tbc sale of tie
Ant volume of tlae Paaoplut ai 3f

9. fkom Oca. EUaha Bradley, a domttlaa 6 OO
15. Tromafricad uf misAkma 11 00

S4» AoootiibiithMlinHiitiietowaofOreea

Blvcr J 59

A cotribotloa from the tova of
Grceaflald In the cDiMity of Ofeea,
la tke eiaiie of Mew-Tork 19 (Sf

from the Her. OUTer Aycr, collected

OB a miatkm 31 89 .

A coatiitatkNi from the tovB of West-

Stockbridae 13 70

VMmBdr.JenmiahMlak^e, a donation I 00

FvomMr.TlaiothyBams,adoaatloa I OO

' From Mr. Aaariak Clark, a donatioa I OO

A contritetloa fkom tke town of

Weikiimton 7 OO

t}. iMm Mr. Xben. L Le*TeB«orth,col-

lected on a mlMion atf 09

Aer. Qldeon Uawley, a donation h OO
Rev. Alvan Hyde, being tke
•« proAtsarl«lagfromtJieaaleofViB«

eeac^ ExplaaatioHi of the CMe-
chlMi 13 00

Sr« fiOm eundry memberi, far their aaao-
al duet and eniuance moacy, from
the lath Sept. iiKHt end tt vari-
«MCimm» to this date 17s 00

Total 1 1 70 87

r» end MBOont of book* received riace the
fHh of 8eH« »0«a and nrhkh now remain In the

li^lOOdb InceHnd from the to«m of lltta-

t HMb, at 87 eta. I i ReUsloas Life, 1 doL | O. c
I HMb Oiatoanry, 88 ctt. Total value % 73

Xi. Xeeelvod hf the haad uf Rev. Thomae
Allen, the IMIowlaf books, being a do-
nation trom a ■entlemaa In Boatoa, via.
S 1-4 4onen BiWe<, at 8 50 perdon. 19 7f
♦ I ■ ♦ddien TettanieaU,at 4 00 1700

tffMHMra 00 15

f l^ftdonen DUlogtact, at O 7f * 6%

chariBd la the hUl to Mr. Allen o 41

Total value of book*

S^ 78

p^ by nrdev of the Truatece, due Septem-
ber i«, 1804.
•3, rhM Mr. Aaaph MtMVin,the balance

doe to him tot 14 weeks mUelonary O. c.
tcrvket 36 00

•I. tWd Rev. le^). Wooeter the balance
tu him for 16 wcdu mlwlMaary
In the northern cuuntiet of
▼ermuot 49 14

ly, fWd Rev. John Mono for 8 weeks mis.
a03. elonnrr services la tb« uioaty of

Columbia, and Its vielnlties 48 00

t, Md Rev. Sanuiel Puller for 11 weeke
Bibslonsiy services in the counties of
Cnyupi, Ontario and their vicinities 7% 00
•f. fUd Rev. Oliver Ayer In advance of a

as 00

8400

o o

Mr. SMmmI p. RohMas, for 14
missionary services la the
I of Irftaeme and Wayne
J|i f. VyfJ^* jM«8fc Avnry la advance of

Sept. 17. Paid^Rev.AlvM Hytfe for poeta«e of
letters sent to him, as Senctary of
the Society i «f

Oct ^3* Md Rev. Alvnn Hyde fcr the expense

of printing the Sodcty's address I4 oO

39. Paid Rev. Nathaniel Turner In advance

of a miseioa 80 OO

Jan. 8, Paid Rev. Joseph Avery the bnlaacedue
I80S. to him for II weeks missionary ser-
vIoBs In the western counties of the
state of Kew Tork. 36 OO

a8. fnid Rev. Aseph Moifan for 8 weeks
missionary services, in the north-
western counties of Vermont 48 00

April 15. Peld Mr. Jercmiak Osborn the sum doe
to him for 8 weeks missionary ser-
vices in the ooiinty of Luseme 48 00
99. Paid Rev. Natiiaaiel Turaerthe bnlaace
due to him for 16 weeks missionary
a^rvlcca In the northwestern coun-
ties of Vermont 16 00

May 19. Paid Ifr. Ibsnsaer I. Lanvenworth In

advance of amission 36 00

Sept. Id. P^ Rev. OUvcr Ayer the balance due
to ham for 13 weeks missionary la-
bours In the counties of Green and
Schoharie, and their eidnlties 18 33

Paid Rev. Ahran Hyde for the postage
of letters directed to him, as secre-
tary of the Society O 7f
Phld Rev. Raos Bliss. In advance of a
mission ao OO

Mev. 17. Phld Mr. Bbenener L Leavenworth the
bnlaneedoetohimfoe la weeks mis-
sionary services in the northeMterly
fncts of Peansylvanin 36 OO

Tbtal paid out 7O4 47
Balaaoelajtht Tnaaary,Mov. 17, 1806 466 40

1170 8?
WILLIAM WALKER, Treasurer.

Officers of the Society for the pretent

year.
Rev. STEPHEN WEST, D. D. Pre-

ttdent.
Hon. TIMOTHY EDWARDS, Esq.

Vice-Prendeni. •
Hon. William Walker, Esq.

lyetuurer.
Rev. Alvan Htdk, Secretary.
Rev. Olivbr Aykr, Clerk.
Trtuteet,
Rev. Stephen West, D. D. Hon.
Timothy EdwRitls, Esq . Rev. Ephmim
Judson, David Rosgetter, Esq. Rev.
Alvan Hyde, William Walker, Esq.
Rev. Daved Peiry, Obadiah Ward,
Esq. Rev. Samuel Shepard, Deacon
Levi Nye, Rev. Daniel Collins.
Hon. Timothy Edwards, Esq.

Auditor.
The next annual meeting of the So-
ciety will be holden at the meeting-
house in Pittsfield, the third Tuesday
in Sept. 1807, -at 2 o'clock, P. M.
Rev. Silas Churchill of Ndl^ Lebanon,
is appointed to preach on the occa-
sion, and in case of his failure, Rcr^
JonathAD Nash of Middlefield.

. \

482 Methodist Conference. — Bible S^aetf. £Maixh^

FOREIGN.

EDINBURGH MrSSIONARY' SOCIETY.

This society has lately publish-
ed" its annaal report, containi]^
X view o& the progress of their
affairs dUrin^; the last year. An
occurrence of considerable impor-
tance t^ their mission in Tartary,
which has recently taken place, is thus
iieUtefl. " When the state of our
funds had put it out of the power of thfc
Hus«ionane» ta redeem any more of
the native youths, the providtmcc
of God, in a very extraordinary' nian-
ner; sent thein- free of cost, from a
distant part or Tartary, above forty
children, to be educated in the Chris^
ian faith. They are of a tribe of
Kirghisian Tartars^ of both sexes, and
from five to fifteen years of age. In-
their native country, they were, to hu-
man appearance, placed beyond tlie
reach of the means of grace v bat
HE who says, " I will bring- my sons
from far, and my daughters from- the
ends of the earth," compelled their
tribe, under the pressure of famine, to
offer their children to the Emperor
M the price of bread ; and induced
hir counicllors to present a portion of
them to the missionaries at Karass, to
be educated under their eye, in the
Christian religion.

" O the depth of the rfches both of
the wisdom and knowledge of GodI
How unsearchable are his judgments,
and his ways past finding out.*'
Wovdd it have been proper for tlie
missionaries- to have declined the of-
fer because they had not tlie approba-
tion of the society .^ Would it have
been proper for the society, after Aey
received infl^rmation, to have censur-
ed their conduct in accepting so sin-
gular a gift ? Certainly not. They
are the Children of l^j'ovidcnce.
Cod lias said, ' Take these children and
educate them for me, I will give you
your wages :' and it is hoped that the
friends of religion will not suffer the
missionaries to want the means of
feeding and clothing them, and of
bringing them up in the i.nrture and
admonition of tlve Lord."

Still later accounts, we understand,
have been received from Karass, from
which it appears that the missionary
settlement is healthy ; that the bap-
tized natives conduct themselves in
a manner that accredits their profes-
sion f tliat tbi^ir young people are rery

promisinf^ seven^ of then beings ablt
%o read both T^irkish and English ; tfiat
the prejudices of the surrounding na-
tives are not so violent as formerly ; and
that even some of the Efiendis are be-
come friendly, and seem to wish wcQ
to their cause. Th^ Russian Gor-
emment has msde them a grant ot
land, and annexed to the grant cer^
fain important privileges. A traci
against Mohammedism has been
printed by the missionaries in their
press a£ Karass. It is written
in Arabic, and the typography^ it
remarkably weH executed.*. The
tract makes a great stir among the
Moslems. Mr. Brunton has made
considerable progress in translating
the Scriptures into the language of
the country. To thiaobjecthe has de-
voted mach of his time and atten-
tion ; and he thinks tiiat he has suc-
eeeded in making snch a translation
as win be imderstood, not only by the
Turks, but also by the Tartaie. All the
the missionaries, and some even oT the
Effehdis, are anxious to have it print-
ed, but this cannot be done without a
new font of Arabic types ; and in the
present exhausted state of the socie-
ty's fund it is doubtful whether they
«aiv engage in this great and neces-
sarily e3q>ensive work.

MKTHOniST CONFERENCE.

The minutes of the annual confer-
ence of the Methodist preachers late
in connexion with Mr. Wesley, repre-
sent the numbers in theij societies tr
be as follows :

In Great Britain 110,803

In Ireland 23,775

Gibrahar 1..*. 40

Nova Scotia, New Brupswick,

and Newfoundland 1,41S

West Indies, Whites.... 1,775

Coloured people, &c..l3,165

li,Ji(^
United States. Whites. ..95,629

Cobured people, Sx. .24,316

119,945

270,919

BIBXB SOCIETY.

Extract from an address to the Christ'
tans in the Prussian States.
** In that highly favoured country
where, for a considerable time past,

• A copy of the tract has 6e€n sent f
mic <fthe Editors t^ Me Fanopiiit.

7J2 LUerary IfaelTtgence... Great Britahi. 4S&

irit of-actiFe Christian charity
mi awakened, and a fire kindled
(X«ord, which ah*eady shines in-
remotest parts of the earth. In
nrerful kingdom of Great Brit-
iociety has been formed con-
f of Christians of all ranks and
MB denominations, for the lau-
purpose of propagating the
of .Cod, to the atmost of -their
I by cheap distribution among

!ie follows an extract from the
eport <]f the British and Foreign
Society.]

0 fire bums upon the altar of the
without spreading its flames
L This fire has also extended
nes. The zeal of Christians in
id has also infused itself into
■rts of Christians in Germany,
[ready in the German Empire
t^f has been formed, actuated
( same spirit and for the siune
le as that in England. In the
■n states also-there is still room
wing the good seed of the

They still contain districts
, in the houses of many Protes-
imilies, the precious Bible is

in vain.

iristians in our Prussian coun-
'ho have been fa\t)ured by God

•with spiritual blessings in heavenly
places, and at the same time in great-
er or less deg^es with temporail
goods, aid us by your active concur-
rence in performing this work of love.
Enable us by your charitable contri-
butions, botli small and great (for
the smallest g^ft derives worth from
the intention of the giver, and be-
comes, by God's blessing, great^ to
BOW the good 3eed of G(xl*s word in
abundance. Let us do good to aU
men, but chiefly to those of the house-
hold of faith. (Gal. vi. 9.)"

The -above-mentioned address hav-
ing been enclosed in a letter to his
Prussian Majesty soliciting his gra^
cious protecuon, he. returned tlie fol-
lowing answer :

'* it is with real satisfaction that I
disco\'er, from your letter of the 7th
ef February, and the enclosed address,
the laudable endeavours of the Prus-
sian Bible Society for the gratuitous
and cheap distribution of the Bible to
the poor of my dominions ; and whilst
I render justice to your particular
merit: iii promotin{!^ such an useful in-
stitution, I transmit to you at the same
tinie 20 Frederick's d*or, as an iCddition
to its funds. I am yoxtt gracious King,

** FREDERIC WILLIAM.**

(Take continued. J

?Literarp 3fnteUigenie»

CREAT BRITAIN.

Rev. Dr. Play fair. Principal

College of St. Andrew's, has
led his proposals for a Com-
\y9tem of Geography, Ancient
odem. It is to consist of six
t$ in Quarto, each vol. contain-
irards of 700 pages, price two '
9» ^.ccompanied by 50 lar^
nap0. The first volume will

UM soon as a competent num-
lubscribers is obtained.
[SS. of the Gospel of St. John
n, but written on parchment in
I characters mixed with Saxon,
he 1,200 years old, has been
exhibited to the Antiquarian
r, by the Rev. Mr. Milner.
ain Mac4iamara, of the East
Company's service, has publish-
le Medical anc) Physical Journ-
Vugust, the following cli'cum-

respecting Vaccination^ which

occurred to him, last autumn, at
Cheltenhiim. Meeting a woman with
a child, whose face was shockingly
disfigured by eruption, he inquired
the cause, and wasjtold, that the child
had been inocuiated, Pwehe montht bad,
vjith.the CoK'Fox; and had been, in
cantequencc, in that state, ever tince /
Determined to investigate the fact,
he waited on the mother, who assur-
ed him that the child had never been in'
oculated at all, but that the intended
taking it te Dr. yennerfor that purpose,
since the Covj-Pox inoculation had entire'
ly cured another of her children, %vhich
had been afflicted ivith a similar erup"
tion. This, the Editors »ay, they un-
derstand has been since done ; and
the skin, as in the former instance,
became, almost immediately af^cr,
perfectly free from eruption i and
such instances, they add, are b^ome
familiar to them. Captain Macnji.

484 Literary Intd!%enee..^Fr0ta,..MtBah4. C;JMb«|,

quitted CbeltenhAm vithout invetti*
ntlng thia afTur, he miglit have been
Jdboccntlj the cauKof propagating ■
mial wanton or nuJicioui ulieho^ i
while be migfathaveaiaertedthecaae
to haTe fallen under hia own obaeira-

The sale of the mmt popular periodi-
cal worki in France is laidnatto ex-
ceed 500 copies, while that of the lame
tJaM of work[s in England rahei
fivin 1000 to 10,000. In Germany,
4000 copies are aold, itia said, of the
Jena Literary Caxette ; andnckrlya*
many of aome other literary ami sci-
entific Journals.

A new periodical work is just com-
, nencin^, entitled TV Literary Famo-
TBtna, m monthly numbers, price 3t.
fid., prioted on cxtr* royal paper. Jt
will mdude a Review ofbooka, chieT-
ly foreirn ; a Register of Events j
and * Magazine of Varietit's. ' It
profeaaea to comprise intelligence
trora the varioum districts of the
United Kingdom ; the British con-
nexions in the East Imlies, the West
Indies, America, AlHca, Western
Asia, and the Continent of Europe

The flourishing state of the grmd
■ta^ manufacture of this kingdom
may be estimated .from the following
comparative view. In the Weat
Riding of Yorkshire, in 1725, were
manulHctured 26,671 pieces of broad
cloth 1 in 1805, iJicy amounted to
300,337 pieces, makirg 10,079,256
jarda. Of narrow cloths, in 1738,
there were 14,496 pieces manufac-
tured I and in Iti05, thev amounted
to 165,847 pieces, making 6,193,31?

The imperial printing establish-
ment it Paris employs 400 workmen,
besides a niimher of women, who
_ fold and stitch the pamphlets and
' laivs printed there.

M. Giiyton givea the following as a
specific against conlapi

it mmt be repeated Ouee e* fair

Take four ounces of salt.

of manganese, water two uii
■ulphunc acid two ouncca. i uc
manganese in powder is mixed with
the Halt in an earthen vessel, the
water is then adtted, and afterwards
the sulphuric acid. One fumigation
is sufficient, if the chamber be not
inhaluted « but if then be patientf ,

The Tejlerian Society »t Ha»fl»iB
have proposed the fbUowing ques-
tions, as the subject of a pri^c Euij,
to be adjudged on the 8th of Apri,
1807 :— 1. In what does the difference
between Natural and Revealed Relif-
onconsiit! 2. Whether various pubE-
cations have not appeared, at difiti.
cnt times, which tend to obscure Ibit
difiercnce, and to cause the advan-
tages possessed by Christianity oitl
the Religion of Nature to he forgot-
ten ( 3. Whether, in proportion u
these writings are dlase mi Dated, and
the two Kehgiona assimilateil, in ev.
eiy point, to each other, the tnoK ft.
talefteclsmay not be expected to re-
sult to Christianity, Morality, aod
the happiness of man ! The prijc
is a gold medal of 400 florins in Talue .
The essays must be written either in
Dufcli, English, French, or Latin.

The fallowing remtdy fir Koppitg
Nftiiiitgt from, tie noit baa been in
universal use, say tbe editora of the
Medica^ and fhyaieal Jouinal, fer
more than a hundred yean, in the
proTJnce of frisia j but waa kept ^
Jirofbund secret, till Me Tjalingii,
apDlbeciry ft Amsterd:im, made its
composition public : which is aa fol-
lows - — R. Sacckari Saturiti ann'om
unim, vi'(riWi Marlia vnciavt irmit,
leortitn ttraiitiir in tnorlarit «lrii^

ling person

, from ten to twelve
„ , are to take ten or

twelve drops i patients under twenty,
fourteen or fifteen drops ; and grown
persons, twenty drops ;- four timet
each, in a spoonful of wine or brand*.
He has succeeded in the moat obsti-
nate casf s. By analogy, bp recon-
mcnds the same medicine for tbe
cure sf hzmnrrbagca of all kinds;
particularly those of the uterus,
which often prove very tedious. i
The literary productions of Hol-
land, including translations, were
very numerous last year. On The-
ology they amounted to 130 ; beside*
journals, which treat chiefly of divin-
tr, and a wei'kly paper, which con-
tains but Biblical Dissertations, and
is supported by manv persons. On
medicine, physic, an^ natural hiito-
17, 114 worka appeared.

v] !^<an...Itafy...East ImSei,

rik Phyaicisn, during the prev-
: or th« conugioui liistempen
nged &t Cvthigent, shut bim.
i, with JO per»ons, in one of the
dsof that city, in order to prove
iCMj of mcid fiimi^tions. I)e
ip compiniont, ■mnng' whom
VO of liii own children, ictiia)-
t in the bcdi where manj' pa-
tted recently fallen Tictims to
Madful diseage ; without em-
r«ny other preservatiwei than
nenl »cid liiiplf^Btioni, as di-
by Mr. Guvton ; after bein|f
(rictty confined, the whoU il
• cjnne out in perfect health.
big of Spain has, in cunse-
1, conferred luitabte rewards
who thus cxDosed thernselTe*
' Mrrice of the stftp, and (be
tm of btunanity,

WTtion of Mount Ve«ii*liit
cently taken place, exceedinj^
ngoTthe kind within the mem-
' man. The aummit of the
iln i* torn to pieces ; and the
Ae crater ia quite altered.
Whence of the numher of fii-
tt IS thoiif^ht ihat a wbolc «ide
mountain will fall in. Ahoqt
mT dwelling houses and et-
|i*e been ruined i with larn
rf vineyard ground, cornfields,
e toIgmo is not yet quiet,* The
lanean noises are dreadful,
loflightningare, from time to
aitl^ from clouds of smoke.
^ipTebenaions arc entertained,
Mtc del GrecD may shar^ the
Herculancun). A part of its
kave been already inun(tBte4
le lava, which the inhabitants
smoved with incredible labour
dgue. Still the stream con-
Ktrunverfneartheplace I and
Unihants are deterred from
' their houses, through fear of
ky the glowing cinders di;-
ilroin the mountain. A great
j of ashes has also fallen in
~ Ch, Ob.

are happy to learn that the
ir. Claudius Burhanan, provost
Mllcgeof Furt William, was
L year to proceed to Cochin,
• Jmut, 1S06.

.^5

on tke CMtt of Malabar, for the pnr.
poae of extkmining the ancient He-
DTCw miAiuscripts preserved in the
synagogue of the Jens at that place,
" These manuscripts are reprcsenled
to be of very high antiquity, beinc
(Uf^Mxed to conUu(i that portion i?
the Scripture, which was written be.
fore the dispersion of the Jews, A
collation of them withthe European
copies hM been long datired by tb«>
learned,"- It was to solicit ad exam-
inatiao of the«e Hebrew mannicripti,
that tbe late President Stiles id-
dreiled a letter to Sir William
Jdiics, in the year 1794. Before tlia
Ppeiiidcnt's letter reached India, this
at oriental scholar had deceased ;
it was read to tbe Asiatic Socle.
tv, and was to be answered by Sir
JijJin Shore, (I,ord Teigtinjoiiih)
its President, when the necessary re-
aearchea should have been made.
The early return of Sir John Shorr
to England was inauspicious to this
Resign, as well as to the general in.
leresta of orientid literature. It is
graiifying, however, to finil, ihnt the
object is still kept in riew, and that it
was likely to be prosecuted by Dr.
Buchanan ; whose eslaWiihcd literary
character, and dlstlngiiiBlied zeal in
the cause of oriental learning, are a
sufficient pledge for the RdcLtyof the
investigation. —

DMITED STATIS.

Noah WtasTER, Esq. SO wcU
knnun in the literary world b^ hi* la>
bimrs lo improve the English lan>

Ri.-ige, and to facilitate an accurate
lowledge of it, wr uilderstan^ ■■
now engaged and far advanced in the
arduous and expensive undertsking
of comnJlingji complete Dictionary (3"
the Eripish language i b^it inform*
the public iliat he lias not the mean*
to prosecute it entirely at his own ex-
pense. He haa invited to h!a assist-
ance the instructor* of the principal
seminaries in the United States, and
haa alreadv received the patronage of
the faculties of Yale, Princeton, Dart-
mouth, Williamstown, and Middlebn-
ri' CoIteRcs. In accomplishing an
object of such magnitude and im-
portance, for which Mr. W. from na-
ture and habit is peculiarly fitted, and
which may prove both honorary and"
advantageous to our country, we trust
every literary instittitioiv ■"'' every
BMM> of aoenM will cbeerfbQy knit

JKist of Nev) Publications. [March^

bis aid. Mr. W. »l»o proposes to ex-
hibit correct etymologies of many
Greek, Latin, and Hebrew words, to

be inserted in futii?e editions of dic-
tionaries and lexicons of those lan-
guages.

Ltjst of l^etD puiiUcationjBf.

The importance of preaching the
Word of God, in a plain, distinguish-
inr, and faithAil manner. A sermon,
delivered at the ordination of the
Rev. Josiah W, Cannon, to the piurto-
ral care of the church and congela-
tion in GkU, (Mass.) By TheophUus
Packard, A. M. pastor of the church
in Shelbume. Greenfield. J. Denif .
J806.

A discourse, delivered at the dedi-
cation of the new academy in fty^^
burg, June 4, 1906. By the Rev.
Kathaniel Porter, A. M. Portland.
Thoioas B. Wait. 1806.

A sermon, delivered at Ashbujrn-
)iam. May 22, 1806, at the interment
ef Mr. John Qusbing, jun. who ex-
pired at the house of his father. B^
Seth Payson, A. M* pastor of the
chiirch in Rindge. Leominster,
(Mas.) S. & T. Wilder. 180r.

A sermon, delivered at Hartford,
January 6, 1807, at the funeral of the
Rev. James Cogswell, D. D. late
pastor of the church in Scotland, in
tlie town of Windham. By Nathan
Stronff, pastor of the north Presbyte-
rian church in Hartford. Hartford.
Hudson & Goodwin. I8O7.

A Catalogue of Plants contained in
the Botanic Garden, at Elgin, in tlie
▼icinityof New- York,— established in
1801, by David Hosack, M.I), pro-
fessor of Botany and Matcria^edica
In Columbia College, and Fellow of
the Linnzan Society in London. New-
York, T. ^J.SwokU.

The Domcstick Chaplain: being
fifty -two short lL.ectures, with appro-
priate Hymns, on the most interesting
subjects, for every Lord's day in the
year. Designed for the improvement
of families of every Christi.in denomi-
nation. By John Stanford, M. A.
New- York, T. & J. Swords.

A world without souls. First A-
merican from the second London E-
dition. Hartford. L,incoln & Glea-
fon.

A discourse delivered next Lord's

day after the interment of deacon Pe.
ter Whitney, who departed this life
Deo. 9, 1805, in the 69th year of his
ajge. By Kathanael fimmonsy D. D.
pastor of the church in Franklin,
Providence. Heaton & Williams.

The Christian Institutes ; or, the
sincere word of God. Being a plain
and impartial accoui^t.of the whole
faith and duty of a Chnstian. Col-
lected out of the writings of the Old
and New Testament ; digested under
proper heads, and delivered in the
words of Scripture. By the Right
Rev. Father in God, Francis, late
bishop of Chester. The 1st Ameri-
can, trom the 12th London edition,
J2rao. pp. 330. New YoA. T. h J.
Swords.

The Grave, a poem^ by Robert
Blair. / To, which is added, Gray*t
£legy in a Country Church-yard.
12mo. Newburj'port. W- & j' Gil-
man.

Memoirs of Captain Roger Clap,
one of the first settlers of New Eng-
land, containing an accoimt of the
hardships which he and others expe-
rienced on their landing. 12mo. 37
cents, marble covers. Boston. W.
T. Clap.

The Christian Character exempli-
fied from the papem of Mary Magda-
len A— s, late wife of Frederick
Charles A— s, ©f Goodman's Fields;
selected and revised by John Newton,
Rector of St. Mary, Woolnolh.
New- York, Kimber, Conrad, & Co.

The Wonders of Creation, natural
and artificial, in 2 vols. Containing
an accotmt of the most remarkable
mountains, rivers, lakes, caves, cata-
racts, mineral spring's, Indian mounds,
and antiquities in the world. Boston.
J. M. Dunham.

IN THE PRESS.

A new edition of Webster's Gram*
mar, revised and g^atly enlarged by
the author. New York,, Brisban k
Brannan.

]

'6rdinations....Obituary.

487

ker^s Dictionary abridged.
txtk, Brisban & Brannan.
mtes of Biblical Criticisro, or,
of the Course of Lectures on
ibject, read in the University
;*§ Collegpe, Aberdeen, in 8vo.
lert Gerrard, D. D. Professor
nity. England.
usobre's Introduction to the
eftament. England.

WORKS PR0r0SX9.

Sermons, by Hugh Blair, D.D.f.a.s.
late Professor of Rhetoric and BeU«
Lettres, in the University of Edin-
burgh, in 3 vols, complete, from th«
25th London edition of 5 vols. To
which will be prefixed, the Life of th«
Author. Boston. J. M. Dunham.

DrUinatiottjet.

\t lith of June, 1806, the Rev.

W.Cannon, was ordaiaed to
toral care of the Congrega-
church and society in Gill.
ev. Moses Miller, of Heath,
lie introductory prayer j' the
lieophilus Packard, of Shel-

preached the sermon; the
Meph Field, of Charlemont,
tie consecrating prayer ; the
hn Emerson, of Conway, gave
irgc ; the Rev. David Smith,
ham, (Con.) gave the right

fbllowship, and the Rev. Eze-
Bascom, of Gerry, made the
ing prayer,
le 18th of Feb. 1807, was or-

at Winthrop, (Me.) Rev.

Thurston. The introduc-

tory prayer by the Rev. Asa L3rmaii
of Bath ; sermon by Rev. Elijah Par-
ish, from 2 Cor. ii. 16. Ordaining
prayer by Rev. Jonathan Powers of
Penobscot ; charge by Rev. Eliphalet
Gillet of Hallo Well ; the ri^ht hand
of fellowship by Rev. Mighill Blood
of Buckston : concluding prayer by
Rev. Mr. Bay ley, of Newcastle.

Ordained, 4th February, 1807, as
an evangelist, at West Hampton,
Rev. Alvan Sanobrson. Sermon
by Rev. Rufus ^Vells, of Whately ;
charge by Rev. Dr. Lyman ; right
hand of fellowship by Rev. Enoch
Hale ; Rev. Payson Williston made
the introductory prayer ; ordaining
prayer by Rev. Solomon Williams;
concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Tracy.

DiJituarp*

Stafford, (Conn.) on the 16th
lev. John Willard, d.d.
of the First Church in that

He was son of the late Rev.
I WiUard, of Biddefortl, and
•of the late President of Har-
olleg^. He was graduated at
minarv in 1751 ; and the few
iponines who survive him, will
oer and lament one whom they
or his virtues, and respected

talents, his industry and his
iments. After hiving labour-
I fidelity for moi*c than half a
f of years in tlie vineyard of

with little interruption from
(8, and none from indolence, h^
moved from this state of sorl
isease and death. He died la-
1 by his professional brethren
hom he associated, whose con-
! he fully possessed ; and more
iBy by chddren whom he edu-
t public seminarict \ wlult bit

own industry, with little corapensa-
tion, for discnarging the duties of his
calling, afforded him a bare compe-
tency.

Died, in the course of the last fall,
Stephen Smith, Esq. Collector of
excise at Machias. The following
sketch of his religious exercises col*
lected from a manuscript, which was
sent us by the Rev. Alexander
McLean, cannot be unacceptable t»
devout readers.

In the year 1786, he begfan, through
the influence of the divine Spirit, to
reflect seriously on his past ungodly
life. His views of spiritual things
were for some time exceedingly er-
roneous. Through the blindriess of
his heart, he thought religion a
gloomy thing, though necessary to
salvation. He became, however,
more and more impressed with his
own guilty, wretched state. After
being agitated a considerable tiain

488 Poetry la Correspondents. \_March.

*ritl( those anxietio, fvan, and di»- deeply lamented his wanderinff

Ircsiiiig convictitins, wlikti prupure thoug'hti, and hU spiritual dulncu.

the way for the wtirk nf grace, he Tliese iuward struggles niid afflic-

became deeply •eimible of liis incx- tiuiis led liim to a mute thorough ac-

cusoblc criminality, and of tlic per- quaintuice vith bis own depravity,

Itrt righteousness of God in hit cun. and hia dependence on infinite mcr-

detnnatioB. Aftcrthat liis uiind waa cy. His own experience abundsn^

•nli^tened in the kniiwlcdge of Ij taught him, that without Chriit

Chnst, and his heart filled with peace he ciiulil do nothing. HU habittial

by an eipeiimentfll lUarcoverv of go». acknowledgment was j " by the grace

pet mercy. He m^nifeatcd tlisbc new of God I am what I am." His out-

views and alfectii.iis, which are the ward deportment correapondcd with

fi-uil of regenerating grace. The bin inward frumc, Saya a judiciooi

Bible appeared tn him a new houk, friend, who was intimately acfjuaint-

fill! of tight and glury in every part, ed with liim ; "never did I know

Tliose reprcaentaliiaii of Godaaddi- the man wbn allowed more of the

nne objects, which once occasioaed spirit of a Christian than he didt

f loamy and painful feelings, ipive and as he approached nearer to the
im the moat pure and substantial heavenly world, the more holy and
aatisfacliuD. He loved religiuus re- heavenly he appeared." A Cbrii-
tircmeni, and aUu greatly delighted t'liui, sa exemplary and pious, miut
in pttblic worshi{>. That preaching', bavc been beloved and tiacful in lift,
which brings down the lotllncis of and deserves to he lamentedhidealL
man, and makes Christ all in all, best In tlkia town, on the 13th ioat. the
•uited the renewed temper of bU ltev.5Kxuii.STii.LNAN, D.D. Pat-
heart. Though for several years he tor of the h'irst Baptist Church, in
enjoyed much tranquillity and bea- 'the rOlli year of his ae>e, and the 4.3d
venly d«llj^t in communion with of Ids ministry. (TyWe shall inacit
God his Saviour, he afterwards bad some panleulars respecting tliii cn^
teasons of aiuiety atid doubt. He incut mlmslcr in our next Number.

Poetrj,

THE FiBE-FLY. Little ramblcT of the night

LiTTt-E rambler of the night. Blessed be this voice of thine •

Where and whence thy gli.u'iiig light
Is it frirm'd of evening dew,

■Whtre and whence thv brilliant hue ! Go enjoy in verdant fields, 9

Hark \ mcthiiika a voice replies. What his rotal hountr vlclda j _

He that form'd the aiurc skies, Nip the leaf or taste th"e rtowarj

Great in least, and good to all. Sip in nature's roseate bower i

Lord of man and insect small ; Filling fiill tlit^Bpan that's giien.

He it iva«, that made lliis vest ; With tht Iraons of gracious Heav*!!.

Scai-ch, adore nor know tlie rest. Amrr. Mlicuih.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A review of Dr. Lathrop'a tourth volume of aermons has been recrived,
but is utcessarily deierreil till neit month. '

We have received a well written bic^aphical sketch of the late Rev. Oaki
Sbaw, whose death we noiice'd in our last No. This sketch la highly houo-
Tai-y to (lie ministerial character of tlie deceased. Its insertion is neceaaarii
, ly postponed for the present. An intenlew with tlie author is requested.

Canaiiui is just received, but it too ^le for tliis montb.

Faitur't concluding number on iht impertance of a gaieral attodatiam ^
Ccmgre^aiianal Tninitiert is received, and sh.ill appear ii| our next. TfaoM
»ho teel concerned for the union and prosperity of our churches, we doubt
bot will i-ead this excellent essay with interest, and we hope with convittioo.

Ebb&tix. In the Panoplist for January, page 3r3 — ^Theus 1. Readai
fiUows — There are certain external works, &c.— «hich lue, of are vcK
ftaltatj ■omctimea to be freely done, Gk.

THE PANOPLIST:

OR,

rHE CHRISTIAN'S ARMORY.

23.]

APRIL, 1807. [No. 11. Vol. XL

OBiograpfjp*

For the PanofUUt.

LKFLECTI0N8 OR TUB LIFE OF MR. WILLIAM HOWARD.

'•^^Editorsj

9AT I here send you is
from a pamphlet, contain-
ome remarkable passages
life of Mr. William How-
rho died at North Ferriby,
s county of York, (Eng.)
I S, 1804, by Joseph Mil-
A.M. late ipaster of the
nar school of Kingston up-
ull, and vicar of Trinity

first relates the remarka-
•nrersion of Mr. Howard,
'as one of his parishioners,
conversion was very simi-
that of Col. Gardiner ; not
king in some circumstan-
ut equally solid." From
eatest profaneness, sensu-
and blasphemy, he was
to the love and practice of
tan virtue and piety. The
of divine providence, and
illy the preaching and con-
on of Mr. Milncr, were
y the Divine Spirit) as the

idera mav not all know whaf

y Mr. Milncr has obtained by
client Church History, which
Lately published ; of which, it
I, there will soon be an A-
\ edition.

. Vol. II. P p p

means of awakening and con-
vincing him, and of bringing him
to the saving knowledge of
Christ. In pointing out the ex-
cellence of his renewed charac-
ter, Mt. Milner mentions, 1 . HU
uncommon reUgiou9Joy, ''Won-
der, gratitude, and love were the
constant effusions of his soul,
whenever he spoke of the Most
High. His language was a con-
tinued series of blessing and
praise, and that not in a formal
manner, but with spontaneous
ease and liberal dignity of mind.'*
2. His godly fear. Amidst the
overflowings of his joy, he re-
tained a constant fear of sin. His
remembrance of what he had
been, and still might bcy if left to
himself, had an evident tendency
to temper his joy, and to pre-
serve all his affections in tlieir
due equilibrium. 3. The strength
and aimfilicity of hU faith, 4.
Jiia love. His affections were ev-
er on the wing towards God,
equally lively and steady. He
ardently loved the saints, and
even panted for the conversion
of sinners. 5. Chastity, This is
particularly mentioned; because

490 Re/ictitm the life of WUrmm M^fAani. [^April,

*' his soul had been the sink of moirs^ and will own that notb-

wnclcanncss." He had fcAV ri- ing in the brilliant coui-se of pub-

vuls ill impurity, whether in lie affairs deserves half the atten-

worU or deed. But after his con-** tion^

version, no man was more pure, ''Let us state to our minds what

chabtc, sober, and d;:cent in his is certain in these transactions.

wliole deportment. If be ever Here is an human being immers-

spoke of past scenes of folly, it ed in uncommon vice and profli*

was in the language of the deep- gacy, even to the decline of life.

est abhorrence and self humilia-' The forte of habit has strength^

tion. 6. Iluniility, ened his passions in evil, by such

111 pointing out the defects of a constant and uncontrolled

Mr. Howard's character, Mr. course of indulgence, that, hu-

IVf ilner shows the admirable can- manly speaking, his reformation

dour and impartiality of his is to be despaired of; the pow-

heart. This is a branch of biog- ers of conscience are, as it were,

raphy too little attended to by obliterated, and nothing remuns

those, who write the ]i\'es of within him) that seems capable

eminent Christians. '' It seems of making the least head against

to me usefu4," say&Mr. Milner, the abouiiding torrent of iniqui-

^' to show the whole of the char- ty : yet is this man, 'm ithout any

ucter ; and as this is evidently the philosophical aids and reflec-

(livine method of procedure in tions, suddenly, as in a moment,

the Scripture, all apology is su- from a state of extreme insen-

pei^eded." sibility, alarmeds awakened>

Mr. Milner closes with a chap- changed in the whole bent of his

tcr of reflections, from which affections, solidly, and abidinglj

thv following arc extracted, altered in his whole deportment,

They are smh as Ave should ex- and lives all the remainder of

pcct froi.i tills admired author. kis days, a course of some years^

^' It is hi|i;h tiiiic to ask a life of the most pious regard
the reader, whut he thinks of the to his Maker, of the strictest
lorcj^ciiin^ narrative, and to desire chastity and tetnperance towards
him to reflect what is the most himself, and of the most genuine
probable mode ot accountini^ for charity towards- all mankind,
the extraordinary scenes which Tiius far, plain matter of fact
we have re\iewe(l. J\xtraord:- lies before the reader. Had the
nary it must be confessed they story been told of a person liv-
nre ; and, a& a rational crcatui*e ing in- China or Japan, it might
was the subject of them, and have been said by some, with a
they issued in a lastin.i; moral al- .sagacious sneer, that the writer
tc ration of his principles and had taken care to draw his nar-
conduct, any person who judges rativc from a convenient dis-
seriously of the importance of tance ; but the story here sub-
events, and wj-.o feels wiih a jjro- mitt jd to the reader's attention,
per dv:{.;ree oi' rcr^uwl ii,i- thv.- lies within the compass of every
^ood oi" t'.c haiUL'.n sp^t^Lii, v.iil one's means of information. I
o^ I vino!: Jit once the pjiiiicul in- Halter myself its truth will not
»i;!^iiil;(. ance, Ijoth of the suojcct be disputed by any ; and should
and ul' the v&uihor of these me- any really doubt of ity I can eaii*

,] Reflections on the Life of William Hwiard. 4{>1

>ply them with abundant

of satisiVing thcmselvc8.

The first reflection which

lly occurs Ik: re thcJif is,

90rt of doctrine, or what

d, was made use of in the

:tion of so admirable ^

i} because on all bauds it

allowed, that many arc in

ame dreadful circum-

s, in point of nxorality, and

lid be very much worth

lo try the same medi^cines

hem.

vould be a very absurd -and
onable method of eluding
rce of this whole business
<' there seems nothing so
;range or extraordinary in
tie man took a sudden and
resolution to alter his
Ad it was a very happy
istance that he stuck to
solution ; and this is the
mystery of the matter."
arcless thoughts are ex.-
jr suitable to the )&ceptical
pcrficial taste of the day.
Pf answer I remember * 9
adc to a person, whose
change was no less extra:
■y than that of Mr. How-
len he hud told his stoiy
rson of some eminence in
iigdom. But surely such
1 observations prove noUi-
: the supine indifference
»e who make them. No
all moral chun(;^s must
mded with some resolu-
f the person concerned,
i the will of man must
irily be interested in
But the difficulty is« how
unt for it, that a person
:umstunccd should ever

I fact I had from the person
who is now liviti}^, and is a
ipectable ck)rg}mcR in the
hs.

come to make such powerfwl
resolutions, or to have his will
so disposed. To say that he
jdoes it by his will or i*esoIution,
no more accounts for the change,
^han to say, that it will account
for a man's taking a journey to
such a place, that he walked
with his feet thither.

" The doctrines which ^Ir.
Howard espoused, and to the force
of which alone upon his hear.t
he wa3 cve^r ready to ascribe the
change which took place in his
whole man, w£re Justifica-
TioN and Regeneration. I
,use these two terms for the sake
of conciseness, as I jsce no rear
son why Christian divinity, low,
very low indeed, and perfectly
contemptible a^ it appears in die
eyes of polijte and iashionable
people at this day, should not
J)e allowed the use of compre-
hensive and convenient expres-
sions, as well as oth.er sciences.
By the doctrine of Justification
}s meant, the particular method
laid down ya the Scripture of
honourably acquitting sinful
men before their God, through
the atonement or righteousness
of Jesus Christ, without the
least regard had to their works
or descrvings, Rom. iii. 22—27.
On the contrary it is supposed,
that the man who is to be the
subject of Christian justification,
is a condemned sinner in him-
self, deserving only %\\i^ wrath of
God, and too deeply involved in
guilt to be ever extricated by
any merit of his own. This doc-
trine implies the character of
the Supreme Being to be inflex^
ibly holy and just, and makes
room for the surprising display
of his infinite mercy by the sub-
stitution of his only begotten
Son, at once to satisfy divine

492 Reftectians m the Li/eof 0VHam IfowanL ZAprit^

Justice, to condemn sin, and to-
exhibit the purest discoveries of
the most unbounded goodness.
The reader has seen the influ-
ence of all this on Mr. Howard's
mind. His distress of soul be-
gan with these very ideas of the
divine purity and justice, as sig-
nally to be displayed on the last
judgment-day« and his peace and
comfort were at length as sud-
denly effected, by the discovery
of the doctrine of Justification
by Jesus Christ merely through
faith, as above explained. Cerr
tain it is, that the great outlines
of his change depended on this
doctrinC) scripturally understood,
in connexion with its just de-
pendencies. It was no smooth
liJarangue on the moral (itneas
of things, or on the native beau-
ty of virtue, or on the dignity of
liuman nature, or on the arbitra**
i*y mercy of God, to the exchi-
sion of his justice and purity*
that had the least concern on his
moral alteration. Such schemes
and views may please the taste
of corrupt mankind, and many
would think them far more like?
ly to have effected the change,
than a doctrine so simple, and
so contrary to men's natural nor
tions. Deo alncr vitum. No such
happy effects have ever been the
consequence of such lectures ;
but the insUuices of solid l)encfit
derived from the Christian doc-
trine of Justification are innu-
merable.

" The other great Christian
doctrine, which he as sincerely
embraced, and which he ever
looked on as of vast influence in
all his religious concerns, is Rc"
generation. This doctrine im-
plies man, all men without ex-
ception^ to be naturally in a

state of extreme depmvatiQiii*
needing an entire renovation ia
all their affections and fitcultles,
which change is called by Chrial
himself by the name of bemg
bttm again^ a change eflfectei
solely by the Spirit of Ood ;
and therefore those who are
possessed of it are said to be
bom of the Sfiirit. All then wb*
boast qf man's natural love of
goodness and virtue* and cherialh
ideas of the strength of hi|
powers to save himaelf^ militM
wholly against thoae doctrines
which he found so useful to his
soul. Indeed it so happens in
experience, that the aucceatof'
such pretended reformers re-
sembles that of noiay empiric^
in physic ; the true lovera and
genuine practitioners of genuine
virtue being found only amoi^
those, whose very doctrine layi
a solid foundation for humbling
man, and glorifying his Maker.

^ Thus for then the preaum^
tion lies in favour of these two
doctrines of Justification and
Regene^tition, that a change so
confessedly great, or b. conversion*
so extraordinary (will the polite,
reader allow me the word ? I
really know no other so proper)
was effected, supported, and car- .
Vied on entirely by the influence
of these doctrines.

" We may now proceed a step
farther, and observe that hi^
change cannot possibly be ac-
counted for in any other way
than by a divine influence. The
doctrines which he espoused^
and by the power of which alone
it was effected, are certainly of
so peculiar a nature, as to evi--
dencc their divine origin. That
a sinner should be justified be^-
fore his Makers piu'ely by tlMi

•1 Rf^cctims on the Life of fFilliam Htmard. 495

. of another, and in the
of believing only ; that
in order to become holy,
St for the society of his
must be made a new crea-
•nd be wrought upon by
livine Spirit, not only with-
mt even against all his nat-
propensities ; and that the
sitions'which constitute the
cter of an holy person,
d be &ith, hope, and love,
liese too not of human, but
pematural origin ; and that
rhole happiness of his life
be sustained by a mys-
is union with an invisible
ator; these are certainly
principles of religion as are
etly unlike any thing that
iraa invented by mere man.
they are things which lie so
f out of our reach, tend so
y to the honour of God,
re 8o calculated to stain the
of human merit and glory,
we may safely pronounce
purely divine ; no man
would or could have invent-
d propagated such ideas;
ve all know, or may know,
mankind are naturally too
I at enmity against them
of themselves, to receive
. Now these are the prin*
\ of the New Testament,
jh it is very common for
ina professing to believe the
Testament to despise and
* them. But surely they
received their religious
iples from a source v^ry
ent from the sacred oracles ;
ill the use they make of
is, by some subtle perver-
:o adapt some few detached
to support a preconceived
m. No man, who ever
^ the Scriptures them-
1 witii reverence and pray-

•r, will say that he learnt from
them to despise the doctrines of
justification and regeneration.

^^ Now a certain divine power is
spoken of in the word, as con-
nected with the true preaching
of it. It is said to be '^ quick
and powerful, and sharper than
any two-edged sword," Heb. iv«
12. Mr. Howard found it so;
in the day of God's power, a sin-
gle text overcame his stubborn
heart, and awed him into sub-
mission to the Most High. And
when the effect is observed all
along to have been perfectly cor*
respondent to the descriptions
given in the Scriptures, and he
became abidingly holy, com-
fortable, and heavenly minded,
emancipated from the dominion
of every sin, and truly and fer-
vently filled with the love of
God, and of his neighbour, what
shall we say I Have we not here
a demonstration of the truth of
Scripture I Does not the coinci-
dence of what is written, with
what is wrought, prove that both
are equally from God ? It may
be said, ^ it seeips &r more
rational, that other kind of doc-
trine should be preached to
men." But if matter of fact
shews indeed, that no other sort
of doctrine does burst the bonds
of sin, and make men truly holy,
should we not say with St. Paul^
^* The foolishness of God is
wiser than men, and the weak-
ness of Gcd is stronger than
men ?" What you think im-
probable, absurd, and foolish, is
the real wisdom of God ; it is
your own taste that needs to be
rectified, and you ought to think
more modestly of your own un-
derstanding. I see not how the
conclusion can be avoided, that
the work of Mr. Howard's coui

494 Reflections on tfie Life of fFllliam Htmard. \_Jprif,

Tcrsion vras from Gocl, and that
ihc scripture doctrines of regen-
eration and justification are di-
vine.

" And here one sees at first
siip^ht, how easy it is to answer
the question, which with some
confidence has been askcdy
" Granting^ that -men may he in-
fluenced by the Divine Spirit,
how can men ever distinipiish
his infiuenccs from the emotions
of their own-minds ?'* Every in-
stance of conversion sufficiently
answers this question. The
subject of it knows experimen-
tally, thai such holy views and
tempers could never be the pro-
duct of his sinful nature ; and
their own native power and glo-
ry shew they are from God. He
vho has once seen the sun in his

. majesty, needs no other argu-
ment to convince himy that it is
not a light of his creating.

^' Till, then, some other ade-
quate cause can be assigned for
these religious phenomena, of
which no age has ever been whol-

' Iv destitute, it is reasonable to
conclude, that " the hand of the
Lord hath done this, and the
Holy One oi Israel hath created
it."

" I am aware, that a partial re-
formation of conduct is attaina-
ble by other methods. Socnites
might justly l>oast, that by his
pliiioscphy he had corrected
some vices of his nature. And
the libidinous Polemo, by hear-
ing: Xcnocratcs* lectuies on
trnipcrance, might from a disso-
lute rake, be metiimorpliosed in-
to a proucl philnsiopher. Just as
the Duke of Wh^irton, *'• whose
ruling passion was the ln-;t of
praise,'* mi:!;ht undcr-'o various
alterations of c::iern:;l character,
** now a r,unk, and nova ft-iar.**

But Btin in all such cases the
radical character remains the
same. To gratify self, in some
form or other, was the very hesr
ven of Socrates, of Polemo, and
of Wharton. To humble them-
selves before the Most High, to
give glory to their Maker^ to
love him sincerely and supreme-
ly, and to be renewed in the spir-
it of their minds, of this tbi:y
knew nothing ; but this is th^
change which my friend expe-
rienced. Self lost in him all its
props and supports ; ' he was a
new creature throughout; he
who had always lired for sel^
now lived for God. These men
I have mentioned, and all who
walked in their steps, whether
Pagan, Philosopher, or Christian
by name, are essentially distinct
from this in their whole charac-
ter. They may exchange one
vice for another ; what they part
with in sensuality, is sure to be
amply compensated in pride.
It belongs to God's revealed relir
gion alone, and to the power by
which he applies it to the heart,
to destroy the dominion of vice
imivcrsaliy, and to make a man
truly humble, wise, and happy.

"II. The truth of this real in-
fluence of the Holy Spirit in
producing the conversion of sin-
ners, and the simple nature of
Christianityr abstracted from
those circumstances of contro^
versy and of policy, that so of-

' ten cloud and embarrass it, would
appear in a very strong light to
any one who should trace the
historic progress of tlie gospel
from age to age. It would take
up a volume of some length to
illustrate this, and the employ^
ment would well recompense
the pains of any who should have

' leisure and ability sufficient (bk

1807. J Reficctions on tha Life of fFilliam Hovaard. 495

the task. Infidel , malice hus'
been gratified, even to satiety,
witli te<lious and circumstantial
details of ecclesiastical history,
constructed on a very diflerent
plan. The intrig^ues and po-
litics of Churchmen, the ambi-
lion of Popes, the superstition
of Monies, the subtility of Jesuits,
the external history too of the
Reformation, and the factions of
▼arious sectaries, have been
largely exposed. And though
few think it worth their while to
wade through the voluminous
narratives of Fleury and Du Pin,
yet in Mosheim*s history their
materials have been compressed
into a narrower compass, and
you see in him all that can tend
to disgrace Christianity, reduced
i^ it vccre to a point ; and this
M the effect with those who know
not^ and who care not what the
gospel is, to render them in-
different with respect to Chris-
tianity itself, and to extol above
all things the sceptical fastidious-
ness which, under the decent
names of moderation and charity^
now pervade the polite world.
The excellence, indeed, of Mo-
shcim's history is in most things
very great, and perhaps unequal-
led. But as he seems himself
not to have understood the na-
ture of Christianity, all, or near-
ly all, his nai'iative is spent on
external things.
. ** But there was in cverv ccn-

tury, from the apostles* d:iys to
•urs, a real church, that which
deserved the name in ti.e best
sense, men who fcjrcrl (^od, and
wrought ric^hteousncss, living by
faith in the Son of (lod^ aTul
practically applyinii; to tlicirown
hearts the peculiarities ol' Chris-
tianity, which, I must still suy,
•n Scripture evidence, consist in

justification and regcneratioji.
The gates of hell never prevailed
against this church, though al-
ways opposed. Here alone the
true nature and beauty of Chris-
tianity are seen. With these
dwell the virtues and graces of
the gospel, fitith, hope, charity,
patience, meekness, self-denial,
and the love of heavc-uly things.
The history of these, as they ap-
peared in different places and
circumstances, is, properly speak-
ing, the history of the church.

^^ But in Mosheim they are
scarce at all to be found. Public
and noisy transactions engage
his attention throughout. ^' Is
this Christianity ? (says the infi-
del)— Are these its fruits ? What
good has it done in tlie world ?'*
How much more useful had it
been to have been more sparing
in these scenes, and to have laid
open, in an impartial and in-^
gcnuous manner, the real church
of Christ ! This would have been
properly the history of the
church ; the scenes which chief-
ly fill his book having no more
to do with real Christianity, than
robberies and assassinations have
to do with good governnicut.
Yet his pains in laying open the
evils and abuses is bv no means
to be condemned ; it has its sol-
id uses, which would unpear al-
so to f^reat advantage, had the
history of real Christ iunity been
gi\on also at the same time.

'* For there have ever been
some, who, thoiij^h not many oi"
lluin converted, pcrhap:s, with
the s:imc remarkuLle circuiiistuii-
ci:s that iitlended Mr. iIo\*urd*s
chan«rc of mind, have vet bix-ii
coiivci-Led by the same Spirit of
CJ'.id, and brought to the same
principles and sensations ; men
who felt and owned themselvaii

498 Rejkctions en the Life of JFittkm Hatklti. {^AprUj

rational creatures^ than to raise
disputes among themselves on
mere terms, when theif ideas
are the same !

^ But this is far from being the
case in the present instance ;
and every candid observer, who
has thought with any clearness
or precision on these subjects,
must see that the difference is
in ideas, not in words, and is ex-
tremely momentous, even more
80 than language can describe.

" That the religion brieAy de-
scribed in the last- article^ and
peculiarly distinguished by hold-
ing out the doctrines of JustVfi-
cation and Regeneration,- ia es-
sentially distinct from that of
those who deny the Godhead
and atonement of Jesus Christy
and the personality and influence
of the Holy Ghost, will be at
once '.Ilowcd.

" Many, however, do yet hold
the doctrines of the Trinity and
the atonement of Jesus Christ in
a general nvanner, though they
seem to make little use of them
in practice, and do evidently lay
the great stress for their hope of
heaven on the performance of
moral duties, and yet at the same
time treat with perfect contempt
all ideas of conversion or regen-
eration ; not perhaps denying
the thing itself, yet ridiculing all
pretensions of any person to the
experience of them in our days.
If this be a true account of the
state of many of the Clergy and
Laity in this kingdom, one sees
at first sight why they object to
the manner of setting forth these
things. They have no idea of
any personal use and application
of them to the heart and con-
science. And how then do they
dilFer essentially from those who
deny them altogether \ For what

is all the doctrine in the toM
abstracted from its uae I

^^ GrantiDgrboweTerf that there
are many things- in vrhich good
men may lafiely diflfeFi and ought
to shew a spirit of mutual for-
bearance and moderatnwy ce^
tainlf the doctrine of justifica-
tion is not one of those subjects.
If any question can be conceived
to be even of infinite importancct
it is thi»-<-How shall man be ac-
cepted with his Maker ^ We tri-
fle only with God and our aonlsi
while we content ourselves with
a loose and general idea of
Christ's atonement) and bring it
to no one determinate point of
utility whatever. Fop the ques-
tion is this :— Ought I to trust
entirely in Jesus Chrisli and to
renounce my own righteousness
entirely^ in order for salvatjoak
or is it unsafe and dangerous so
to do ; Aod ought my hope of
•heaven to be founded partly on
the merit of Christ, aiMi partly
on my own ?— -This is the clear
state of the question as it lies be-
tween the two partiea before
us on the subject of justifica-
tion. And ia this a nominal
distinction I Is it of no conse-
quence whether man be thorough-
ly humbled) or allowed to glory
in something of his own I wheth-
er God and the Lamb are to
have all the honour of his salva-
tion, or not I There is an es-
sential difi*erence of opinion here,
and the difference produces a
most material distinction in the
whole of practical religion. The
very ends and motives of duty
which each party propose to
themselves are widely opposite.
The love of God is the grand
motive of the one system, self-
righteousness of the other. But
surely to every real Christian,

'.] Reflections on the Life of WtUiam Howard. 499

▼er douht8 he may have,
he has many on religious
:ts) it is no malter of doubt

whether he be a fallen
tre^ dead altogether in sio
tare. It is no matter of
tiqn whether he is to seek
taoce with God by the
of Jesus Christy or by the

of the law. It is not a
imatical subject with himt
her he must be born agpain,
r he enter into the king-
»f God ; whether this new

with al] its fruits and con-
aces, be wrought by the will
n, or by the Spirit of God
; whether his g^d wprkji

of necessity to be prin-
by the love of God or not.
at enough h^ been said to
that there is a real differ-
of opinion here ; and those
content the^nselves with
>rms pf orthodoxy above
bed) may be convinced of
he opposition which they
1 their own breasts to that
if things which I have been
iii)g. Let them search,
er^ the Scriptures with
i minds, and at least cease
laying that they mean the
things a§ those which they
i. For if indeed this be
se, why do they shew such
m to these principles ?
lislike to have thcni set
in the plainest manner?
re they more cordial, and
eir own spirits to be mor^
ion with Socinians, scep-
nd with any sort of per-

than those whom they

enthusiasts ? why sqch
e and contempt of the new

why is the preaching of
system, if it be a system
3f no weight, no influence ?
lot incredibly X^hah if in-

deed their doctrine was the same,
no instances of any .conversion
ahoulde?ver happen among tlicm ?
Is it not still more incredible, that
they should deride the very idea
of conversion itself? Why are
they so fearful of the cross of
Christ ? why so conformable to
the taste and spirit x>f the world ?
How happens it, that the people
in general who attend their min-
istry, are so ignorant of the first
principles of Christianity ? I re-
member Mr. Howard told me,
that he never, in all his lifC} heard
of the new birth from any pulpity
till he heard it at Fcrriby ; and I
apprehend that many might just-
ly make a similar remark. It
were much to be wished, that the
truth was clearly seen in this
point ; bepause while men fan-
cy the commoa» beaten» broad,
fashionable road« which exposes
them to no inconveniences, will
lead to the same end as the nar-
row and diSicult road, they will
never leaye the one for the sakt
pf the other.

*' IV. If the doctrines of justi-
fication and regeneration be then
real scripture doctrines, and en-
ter into the principles of a work
of divine grace on jLhe heart ;—
if they prove their divine origin
by their own light and native en-
ergy ; if they have never &iled,
in every age of the church, to be
attended with undeniable seals
of their divinity, in the conver-
sion and holy lives of some ; if
these alone constitute the church,
and if cw^vy other sort of prin-
ciples be diametrically opposite,
what remains but nat we betake
ourselves to the study of the sa-
cred oracles, and see what is the
religion there enforced? On a
fair examination we shall find,
that the principles which la thi«

C-4^»

kingdom have been spreading
for about forty years, and have
been stigmatized with the op-
probrious terms of weakness and
enthusiasm, are in reality the
religion of the apostles and
primitive Christians. And a
little candid examination will con-
vince any reasonable man, that
they are no other than those
which the Reformers in Germa-
ny and England professed, and
on which the Church of England
is founded. The decline has been
so deep with us, and scepticism,
profaneness, and an illegitimate
and unscriptural charity have
been propagated in so general a
manner, that the revival of these
principles subjects men to the
censure of introducing some
strange sectarian ide^s, though
they contain nothing new, noth-
ing particular, nothing difiFerent
from the creed of the wisest
and most intelligent Christians
of all ages, nor from the genuine
doctrine of the church. Much
pains has been taken to suppress
them ; persecution has been tri-
ed, but the spirit of the times,
and the lenity of government
have ever rendered it ineffectual.
The most indecent publications,
on the plan of wit and raillery,
have been attempted ; nor has
the more reasonable mode of ar-
gument been neglected. Vet
these principles live and flourish;
and every lover of truth will re-
joice to find, that many of the
established clergy are opening
their eyes more and more, and
entering into the spirit of the
New Testament with increas-
ing ardour. The hand of God
also has evidentlv been with
tliem. Mr. Howard's case, tho*
somewhat singular in circum-
atances, is by no means so in

Substance. ** Men are tonwA
from darkness to light) ami firam
the power of Satan to God.*
Mnhitudes are reformedt and
lead holy livetf whoever tbete
principles prevail. I ftanridy
avow that the rccuni nienclatkiii
of these pnnciples was the de*
sign of this pubtication. Let it
only be allowed, that there is
such a thing as a divinely reveal-
ed religion, that the knowledge
and *power of it are of infinite
importance, and then if any oqe
will still fiistTdtonsly refiise these
principles an hearing, let him
ask himself, where, and among
what sort of persons he can ex^
pect to 'find the real ChrislnB
religion ? If he is not quite buri-
ed in profiineness and pride) he
will scarce look for it amnn^
Arians and Socinians. What!
is the Spirit of God with tho86
who degrade the essential digni-
ty of the Saviour, or desiHse the
operations of the Holy Ghost, or
explain away the only hope of a
sinner — the atonement of the
Son of God ? Will he look for
the Christian religion among the
common professors of ortho-
doxy ? This will, in our days,
comprehend a very large part ;
about forty years ago, it compre«
hended almost the whole of the
established clergy. But what
signature of divine life can be
traced among them ? Is there
not an evident want of zeal with
respect to religion ? not to say
among many a want of any plan
or system of ideas at all ? Is there
the least spiritual good apparent
among ihcra ? Do any in hearing
discourses from the pulpit, ever
obtain, or expect to obtain any
benefit ? Can a single instance*
be produced, in the course of
twenty or thirty jearS) of a tiih

3 Sketch of Rev* Thomas Doohttle^

501

fflon reclaimed from vices
sequence of this religion ?
must then, if truly serious
I soul, look for the relig*
Christ among those who,
God, have of late years
he instruments of the revi-
ready mentioned. And
e look to good purpose !
he dawn of gospel light,
ry best symptom of divine
' which this kingdom, a-
all its alarming evils, can
break out into open day 1
Id not despair but that ev-
le of the Dignitaries of the
1 may not only view with
[Hendly eyes, as they late-
e done, but themselves al-
ii honest zeal, espouse and
rt the precious peculiarities
istianity. Devoutly should
ay, that that " God, who
worketb great maiTels,
send down upon our bish-
nd curates, and all con-
ions committed to their
S| the healthful spirit of
ace."

rt me be permitted to sug^
I my brethren of the clergy,
ley have taken upon them
ghty charge indeed, the
g of precious souls, whose
will be required at their
, if they be found unfaithr
and that a life of mere in-
;e and pleasure, or spent in
iirsuit of preferment and
ance on the great, or even
fairer and moi^ creditable
on to matters of learning
ste, or worldly business, is
means calculated to quali-
nn for the right discharge
task which they have un-
cn. " With whom hast
fift those few sheep in the
ness ?*' is^a very awful in-
which at the last judj^ent

day will be made of ervry pa8«
tor ; and it behoves us to consid-
er what answer we can return to
it. To have been useful in pro-
moting the salvation of only a
few souls, will one day be found
more noble, as it is certainly a
more solid achievement, than to
have amassed all the treasures of
learning and philosophy, or to
have outstripped all their equals
in ecclesiastical preferment."

SKETCH OF THE mSV. THOMAS
DOOLITTLB.

Thoxas Doolittle, M. A.
of Pembroke 'Hally Cambridge^
was bom of religious parents in
1630. He early discovered an
inclination to learning. Some
of his friends would have had
him brought up to the law, and
he was actually placed with an
attorney upon trial ; but being
set to copy some writings on the
Lord*9 dayj he resolved against
that profession, and determined
on the ministry ; in which he
had Mr. Baxter's encourage-
ment, whose discourses on the
Saints* Heat were blessed for his
saving conversion. He was an
experienced Christian, before he
was a minister ; and, as he im-
proved in learning, he also grew
in grace.

When he left the University,
he came to London^ where he was
soon noticed for his warm and
aifectionate preaching j and the
Parish of St. ^ifihage called him
to be their pastor. Pic accepted
the ofRce with great diffidence,
and applied himself to his work
with all his might ; and the hand
of the Lord was eminently with
kim. In this place he continued

508

Sketch of Rev. Thmas DcdUtk. \^AprU,

nine years, viz. till the Bartholo*
mrw Act paM9td ; when, having
carefully studied the terms re-
quired* and prayed for Divine
directiod> he thought it his duty
to be aNoDconformist, cheerfully
casting himself and family npon
Providence ; whose concern for
him he soon experienced ; for
the day after he preached his
&rewell sermon, one of his
parishioners presented him 20
pounds, saying, ^^ there was some-
thing to buy bread for his chil-
idren, as an encouragement to
his future trust." He then set
up a boarding school in Moor^
fields ; and so many were desi-
rous to have their children with
him, that he soon had occasion
for a larger house.

Upon the breaking out of the
plague, he called his friends to^
gether, to seek the Divine direc«
tion ; and, according to their ad^
vice (on account of the youth
under his care) he removed to
Woodford bridf^e^ leaving Mr.
T. Vincent in his house. In this
village his &mily continued heal-
thy, and many resorted to his
house for the worship of God.
After the plague, he. returned to
London; and, having counted
the cost, he opened a meeting
house, though against law, near
his own ; which proving too
small, he erected a lar^e and
commodious one in Alorkwell
Mtreet^ where he preached to a
numerous auditorv, and had ma-
ny seals to his ministry. Here
Mr. Vincent assisted him ; and
the I-.ord Mayor, sending for
them both, endeavoured to diii-
suade them from preachinir on
account of the danger they were
in. They told his lordship,
" that thcv were satisfied of their
call to preach the gospel, and

therefore could not pronuse to de-
sift. The next Saturday a mes-
senger of the king} with a com-
pany of the train Urnds, came at
midnight to seize Mr. Doolittle in
his house, but he made his escape.
He purposed to have preached
the next mornings but was per-
suaded to forbear. Another per-
son readily undertook to preach
for him; and, while in sermoOi
a company of soldiers came ini
and the officer called aloud to
him, ^' I comiiMmd you in the
king's name, to come down.*
He answered, " I command you
in the name of the Kingof kings*
not to disturb his worship." On
Tvhich the officer bid his men fire.
The minister, undaunted) clap*
ping his hand on his breast, said»
^^ Shoot, if you please* you can
only kiU the body." The people,
upon this, being ii> an uproar, he
escaped in the cix>wd unhurt.
After this, Mr. Doolittle was ab-
sent from home some weeks, and
on Lord's day, guards were set
before the meeting-house. At
length the justices came, and had
the pulpit pulled down, and the
doors iastened, with the king's
broad arrow set upon them.

Upon a licence, granted by
king Charles in IG72, Mr.
Doolittle resumed his place, and
set up an Academy at Islington,
where he educated several young
men for the ministry. When
the Oxford Act passed, he re-
moved to Wimblcton, and sever-
al of his pupils attended his lec-
tures privately. While he resid-
ed here, he experienced a re-
markable providence. As he
was one day riding out with a
friend, he was met by a military
officer, who took hold of his
horse. Mr. Doolittle asking
himi wiiat he meant by stoppmg

^^iimoi Hf f^i^W^*

fflf

kjn|;'s lughway, be
laitly at him, but not
> Who he was, let him
Qt .away threatening
wld know who that
WMi . before he was
ider.'* Some of Mr.
Kiends were much
or him ; but on the

^raon brought him
bie captiiin was chok-
k with a bit of bread,
e removed to Batter-
ib goods were seized
A seTcral other pla-
le was rifiedy and his
n in danger ; but

so favoured his es-
A was never impiis-
ength the toleration
t opportunity of re-
lis place and people
where he continued
he lived, preaching
Lord's day. He had
re on Wednesdays,

delivered his Expo-
e Assembly's Cate-

had great deligh| in

and urged ministers
Dg a special tendency
s knowledge, to es-
ipg persons in the

to prepare them to
sar sermons with ad-

Mr. Doolittle made reltgioft
his business, and was best pleiis-
ed when taken up in the ezei^
cises of it. Sciih;ely any one
spent more time in his study, the
adtantages of wMch appeared in
his own improrement, tfiid in Ifli
prepafadons filr the ]^lpit } mat
satisfying himself to tgkr to (So4
or his p^iple Iftar whitk co9t Mm
ffoiAins'v— I» Us latter yelurs he
was more dian.iiiie^ brought ncir
the grave ; bntf on liis peopled
fervent prayers,' he was wonder-
fully restored. ' A life proioogtd
beyond hia uiiiilncaB he fiearedL
as the greatest trial ; and gA
graciously prtotcnted it. For the
Lord's ^y bdpre his dcfeth he
preached and cAtecUaed with
great vigodTi and was conffiitf
but two days Itf Ida bed. . -li^thfe
▼alley of thtf ahhdqw «lf detth he
had such a ^aeoie of the dMne
presence, as (roved a powerfU
cordial for hii tapport. He ^fieid
in May, I70T| ap;ed ^7, and wafe
the last of the ejected ministieiB
in London. After hia deathy was
Ibnnda solemn and very ptiticu-
lar form of -oevenautlug with
God, which sAiky be seen in the
memoirs of hfs' life, prefixed to
his Body ^ Dtwhdi^j whence t&
above aceount ia extracted. ^

ORTOl^.

Belisioiut Commanicatioiur.

\m HXW XNGLAHD
HUACHES.

ded from p. 412.)

«l tho9e ifdngM mkUh
ry to the firo^ficrity
rilet, vras specified as
of this Survey.
r:hai| in a ^Maaiirei

been already aceomplialied. T'or
we cannot mention prevailih^
disordiers, without maUng |t
ncuiifest, in every instancej wtlix
the welfare, of Zion fisquiret.
If the went of Christian piety th
church membera; if the decline
of gospel discipline iV ttie ^{u*
dii^rmce of c^dnhet iM^H^

504 Sun)€y of Churches. Ji4P^

Ing the character and theologic- Without antidpatingp tho aigiH
a1 opinions of ministers ; if the ments, by which I design to kc*

neglect or abuse of catechetical ommend this important
instruction, and the growing sure, I cannot forbear to ezpriif

contempt of creeds, are all evils wonder, that anj

of alarming magnitude, and of should ever be raised agiiinat ik

destructive tendency ; then their To say the least, fvAa/ cam h

removal is highly important to more unexcefiHonable^ than/of «

the goo<1 of the churches. The nu;nber qfgoafiel miniUerM^Jmm

welfare of Zion requires, that different antociationM through $k§

the character of nominal Chris- Commonwealth^ to oBMcmbU^ m^

tians, in general, be reformed, nually^for the fiurfiote qf inpuir*

and that more care be used for ing into the Mtate qf the chunh.

the future in the admission of e« ; qf devising means for ih§

church members; that faithful firomotion qf religion f qffontrihm

discipline in its various branches uting to each othet^s imfhrove*

be revived; that churches ex* ment^ and animating each oih§r i$

ercise proper vigilance respect* duty ?

ing the religious character and But it is my design to stato

sentiments of their ministers, several distinct arguments in fin

and be strictly attentive to the vour ofaGENxm^L AssocxATzon

duty of catechising ; and, final* in Massachusetts. As ve pro*

ly, that confessions of faith be ceed, the nature of the pn^wsed

restored to that use, which is association will more fuUy ap^

agreeable to Christian wisdom,^ pear.

and which experience has shown My Jirtt argument in &voup

to be so advantageous to the of a oenehal associatioh will

cause of truth. be derived from the eommim

But there is one thing, which firactice qf men. The discipl
seems to claim a more distinct of Christ have always been dis*
consideration, that is, a com/ire^ posed to form associations, fot
hrtixiveplaTi^ cfesigned to forward the purpose of promoting tho
ull wisL' and promising measures interests of religion. They haw
for the common interest of found from age to age that, lo
Christianity, especially for the their individual, unassociated
good of the churches in this state, they have not iiad that in-
Common wealth. What I in- , fluence, which union would give
tend is a a genehal associa- them. Perceiving the advantage
Tiox OF coNGRKGATioNAL of Combining their couuscls and
MINISTERS IN MASSACHUSETTS. elTorts, they have at every period
The nature of ministerial asso- united themselves in larger or
ciations is so far understood by smaller societies, as circum-
the bulk of people, that tiiere is stances have seemed to require,
no need of minute description. Thus they have secured the
At present it is sufficient to ob- benefit of joint wisdom and re-
serve, that the oliject of the pro- ciprocal aid, and have doubled
posed association is, by joint their power to withstand their
consultation and mutual assist- adver.sarles, and to defend their
ance to promote the cause of own righteous cause. Time
Christian truth and holiness, would iail» should I ^ttempn t9

)7.]

Suh)ey o/Ckurchcs.

505

aat the numerous associa-
I of Christian ministers,
th bare taken place in differ-
igef» or the multiplied ad-
ages which have resulted
I them. What efficacious
ittace has ever been made
ntt the rising power of
lat's enemies, or what great
nnation has ever been set
ard and completed, without

I ft measure as we now rec-
lend.

otice might here be taken of
{eneral assembly of Presby-
n • ministers in the United
m; of the general associa-
in Connecticut ; of the gen-
convention in Vermont ;
of other forms of general

II among Episcopalians, Bap-
I Moravians, Methodists,
irbo all secure their respec-
itf and perpetuate their ex«
oe by similar means. On
!ul inquiry it will appear,
theCongregational ministers
lU Commonwealth are in a
of lingular diaunion. There
indeed, smaller associations,
h are held in esteem in ev-
Mirt. But every argument,
kt: favours these, may be
d in support of a general
sUtion. If it be suitable,
a small number of minis-
in the same circle should
b to deliberate on the great
erns of religion ; why is it
suitable, that a larger num-
belonging to difi'erent cir-
ahouid meet for the same
oae ?

ipish councils, assemblies,
istorics, &c. which have
ibuted so much to the
ag^tion of error and the in-

of the true church, are
tioned as objections against

associations, aa we are now
11. Vol.11. Rar

advocating. But I shall place
them, as arguments on the oth-
er side. The friends of error
would not have been so fond of
forming themselves into socie«
ties, had they not known the
peculiar 'advantages of union.
In order to execute their plana
more readily, and to secure those
advantages, which they have
deemed necessary to their tri-
umph, they have joined them-
selves together in an unnatural
league. By acting in union, they
have vastly increased their influ-
ence. The enemies of Christian-
ity have for many years seemed
peculiarly sensible of the impor-
tance of combination. The un-
common boldness which they
display, and the strength and
success, which they have ob-
tained, are in a great measure
consequences of their union.
TJiough they differ in many re-
spects ; yea, though they have
no natural bond of amity ; yet
they are so wise, as to lay aside
their differences, and to combine
together for the advantage of
tlieir cause. Nor is there any
way, in which we can effectual-
ly oppose their influence, but by
zealous co-operation. Their
union calls for union in us. A
holy confederacy among minis-
tera and Christians would soon
weaken their growing power.
If the Congregational clergy in
this state would form themselves
into a harmonious body, their
influence would be sensibly felt.
Their adversaries dread the
light, which would shine forth
from an assembly of faithful
ministera convened for consulta-
tion and prayer. The Christian
cause has a remarkable superior*
ity over the causie of impiety.
F9r. whereat there necetsaxily

Sarvrf of Chared.

UprUi

etist among the iricked radical
dt^union and perpetual interfer-
ence ; there is among Chris-
tiana a real foundation for the
most cordial and entire harmo-
njr. RemoTt those wi^mg af-
fections, vrhich stand in opposi-
tion to their prevailing disposi-
tibn, and persuade them to ieel
aAd act as Christians, and they
iirtll show that tkty are one. As
far as this union exists, and
takes a proper direction, the
church becomes on army vrith
bdnnerMy which its enenues can-*
not subdue.

The g^nd principle, on which
tAj reasoning rests, that is, the
advantage ojf weU regulated
union, ia recognised in the con-
stttution of all societies-. Why
do men unite themselves togeth-
er in the social compact, except
for the manifest advantages
which arise from' it ? The ne-
cessity of coalescence is espe-*
cially felt in times of danger.
When the' alarm of an ap-^
prooching enemy is sounded,
men, how divided soever before,
immediately form themselves
into a body, so that their power,
which in a disunited state is
nothing, may be increased and
rendered invincible by union.
What could men do against a
potent, bloodthirsty foe, should
they continue in a separate, un-
formed state, and each fight at
his own door, and according to
his own discretion ? Without a
better mode of defence than
this, a whole nation must fall
before an inconsiderable host.
But when, or in what circum-
stances is union more needed,
than among ministers and Chris-
tians at the present day ? How
great the strength, how alarm-
ing the success of the ungodly !

How much hM Zion alreadf
suffered for want of agreement
among her sons ! Let,tlien^lieP'
watchmen eome together, oo»i
suit for her safety and prospers
ty, and unite in action and
prayer, or her desolation drmw^
eth nigh.

How do men recognise the
advantages of linion in aU branch-
es of business. They join to-
gether to promote their success
in their mercantile, meehanical^
and literary pursuits. In all, the
benefits of association are incal-' '
culable. But no where can union
be of such eminent advantagei
as in religion. Because no where
else is there a fottndatkm for
such perfect agreement in the
gfeat object of pursuit, and in
the means of obtaining it.

My 9cc9fHi argument in favour
of a oBH^nAL AssociATtoi^ arit*
es from the eirtumMttmct^ ff the
Hme9, The gespbl ministry in
this commonwealth is unhappily
in a very broken, dismembered
state. In many instances those
Christian teachers, who are unit-
ed in the love of divine truth,
and fervently engaged in the
cause of the Redeemer, are es-
tranged from each other in affec-
tion, and filled with mutual pre-
judices. Now let each party
flatter themselves as they please,
this must be recorded to the
shame of the ministers of Mas-
sachusetts, as long as the gospel
abides in the land. Their dis-
cord is productive of ag^gravated
evils. It bars them from the
comfort and advantage of mutual
intercourse and confidence. It
weakens their hands, and Con-
tracts their usefulness. In their
present state of separation and
estrangement, what power have
they to prosecute vay measure

1807.]

Survey of Churcfies.

507

far the ^neral interest of
Christ's kingdom, or even for
each other's edification ? People
take notice of their variance^ and
not only deride them, but be-
come hardened against religion.*
Their minds are unsettled res-
pecting Christianity, by the dis-
agreement of those, who are au-
thorised to teach it.

Now how desirable it is, that
the scattered fragments of the
Congregational ministry in this
'•tfite be collected & joined togeth-
er in the bonds of Christian love ?
Who that has the spirit of Christ,
does not devoutly wish it ? What
■a serious attempt for union ought
the present state of the ministry
pa excite ?

The state of our churches
will add to the strength of the
argument. When the whole
Dumbe^ of professors is compai^
• atively so small, and even among
them the spirit of piety is sunk
so low ; what can be more rea-
'flonable, or promise more exten-
sive good, than for ministers,
' who have the interest of religion
at heart, to meet together in the
-name of Christ, and deliber-
ate on measures for Z ion's wel-
fare ? Is it not plainly necessary,
that something be done to ad-
. vance the cause of holiness, and
to avert impending judgments ?
And can it be expected, that Qod
will save and prosper the church,
without employing the wisdom
and diligence of his servants I If
they were agreed among them-
selves, and would perfonr^ as
much as possible of God -s work ,
with unanimity ; they would
possess far greater al^ility to do
good. Their instructions would
have a sacred influence with the

■ • . •

f See Baxter's Reformed Paitv.

people ; their office would be
respected, their religion honour-
ed, and their divine Master ador-
ed. What a blessed contrast to
the present state of things would
be presented, if a general union
should take place among evan-
gelical ministers in this com-
ii>onwealth.

This argunaent for a general
association will be still further
strengthened, when we attend to
the number, skill, and activity of
Zion's enemies. How are they
multiplied, who rise up against
the truth ? Was there ever a
jtime, when the foes of Christ
were more numerous, or when
' they showed more resolution and
boldness, assumed a greater va-
riety of shapes, or were more
plated with success ? With them
it is a day of exploits. They
have had famous leaders, and ob-
tained signal victories. They
^eem inspired with unyielding
courage 'and perseverance. If
ynsuccessfpl in one way, they
still repair to another, and are
never weary of exertion* When
^yery other method fhils, they
know how to take advantage of
division ampng the servants of
Christ. Animated by so much
appearance of thi» at the present
day, as well as by other circum-
stances which fire their zeal,
(hey have taken a most daring
posture, and appear resolved, by
open and by secret means, to
make one great effprt for general
and final triumph. Behold the en-
emy thus coming in like a desola-
ting flood upon us. Let us throw
away all prejudice and strife,
combine our influence and lift
up the standard of the Lord
against them.

I argue, thirdiy^ from the grn^
nine •pirit qf Christianity. This

508

Survty of Ghurehes.

I4Ni

srgumetitf addressed to the piety
of Christ's ministers, calls for
attentive and prayerful conside-
ration. All those Scriptures,
which require ministers to love
one another, to live in peace and
unity, and to seek each other's
cctification and the general inter-
est of the church, implicitly re*
quire attention to all the means,
by which their love, edification,
and unity, as ministers, and the
general interest of the church
may be advanced. And if it ap-
pear, that a general association
*of ministers in this State is one
of those means ; who can hesi-
^te with respect to duty ?

But this argument may be
considered in a different view.
Christianity is the religion of
love. Love to Godj which is the
sum of Christian goodness, nat-
urally excites in his people, es*
pecially in his ministers, a pious
•olicitude for his glory and cause.
Governed by that affection, they
will frequently and earnestly in-
quire, how Christ's church pros-
pers in different parts, what are
the measures and instruments af
his enemies, and in what way
his friends can best subserve his
glory and the wel&re of his king-
dom. Such was the practice of
the apostles. Their care and la-*
bour were not confined to one
place. The general interest Af
the church constantly occupied
their thoughts. Wherever they
were, they never lost sight of
this object. They sent to the
churches to know their fai^h.
They travelled to distant parts,
that they might learn what was
the state of the saints, and might
join with them in consultation
and prayer for the success of
their common cause. Primitive
Christians loved one another.

They oftan met* together to tm»
joy free convemtiony to aeek «
more perfect acquaintance with
each other, to mingle their joys
and their sorrows^ and to pro*
mote, as &r as poaajhlCf. each
other's usefulness and oomfoiC.
If we are governed by the Chria*
tian spirit^ we shall atndioiisly
imitate the condoct joC the primi*
tive saints.

Christianity is the religion of
tandour vadjorbiearemee^ UmIbv
•its benignant iii0uenoe» goapri
ministers will compaaaionate
each other's weakneaaes; aii4
will endeavour to correct
other's errors, to improre
other's knowledge and graoei
and to vHilk together m$Jar9» tkqf
are agreed,

Christianity is the- retigian of
fuaee. Though it is - nuide ^lo
occasion of kindling a fire on the
earth \ it must aareljr be es«
pected to promote peace among
its friends. If gospel miuateis
do not perfectly agree in aenti*
ment ; let them by aside their
envyings and jealousies, and
come together with conciliating
hearts, consulting bow to man<^
age their differences so as not to
injure the Christian cause, nor
discredit the great trutha, which
they all profess to own. It ia
not to be expected, that Christ
tian ministers will give up their
opinions any fiirther than an en*
lightened understaiiding and
conscience direct. But it is to
be expected that those who love
the peace of Jerusalem, will
meekly and kindly explain their
sentiments to each other, and
endeavour to discover in what,
and how far they can harmoniie.
Although they are in earnest to
defend their own peculiar senti-
ments by fair reasoning; tkey

]S07.]

Survey of Churches.

509

Moat prtfier the whole of Chris-
lianttf before a part) and be care*
Ibl not to hinder the common
ffttr Peacemakers reject and
pbhor that conceit of unquiet
apiritt, that the interest of relig*
ioQ depends wholly on those
QinnionSf which distinguish them
fin»m others. They weep over
^ woufids of the church, and
long for its healing ; and will,
therefore, most cordially encour-
aige every pacific measure. The
red noUier is not willing that
ber child should be divided. The
real Christian pastor ardently de»
iirea the common peace and pros*
perity of the church, and would
90i kaue the whole building en*
laagered rather than that one nail
prfiin Mhould be driven otherwiMe
$limi he ehoo9e9»*

Christianity is the religion of
kwmHiy, They, who possess its
ppiritf will not entertain undue
csnfidence in their own opinions
or goodness. They prefer oih-
f^rs before themselves. In diffi-
colt caaes, they wish for the ad«
vice and assistance of their breth*
jen. The servapta of Christ
feel their need of one another.
Yoiing ministers might derive
special advantage from an associ-
iKtion with those, who are more
experienced. And (cw minis*
tcra have such incousiderable tal-
jents, that they may not some^
timea improve the wisest. They
who are endued with the most
shining parts, if they are humble,
will not think themselves above
the need of assistance, but wil)
earnestly desire the counsel and
friendship of others. If any
consider their knowledge and vir-
tue ao eminent, as to raise them
above the need of their brethren>

• • ••

* Reibnned Pastor.

that very consideration may be
urged to show, that their breth-
ren need them. Let them, there*
fore, come forward, and furnish
their supply of gift.^ for the good
of the whole.

Before closing this paper, jus-
tice seems to req;Liire, that the
principal objections against a
OENsaAL ASSOCIATION in this
state should be briefly noticed.

1 . It is asked, IVhat valuable
fiurfi09e can it answer ? fVhat ob^
ject can be attained sufficiently im*
fiortant to Justify such a meas*
ure ?

In reply, I would ask, what
more valuable purposes can be
mentioned, than those, which a
general association is calculated
to accomplish I What more im*
portant objects can be sought^
than the union, the improvement,
and the usefulness of gospel min-
isters, and the prosperity of the
churches ? Who can charge with
excess the most vigorous efforts
to obtain these objects ? In such
a cause, what expense of time
and labour, what fervency of
prayer can be thought extrava*
gant ?

3. It is said, that the diacord*
ant ofiinions^ which firevail among
the clergy <if Massachusetts^ fire
elude the possibility qf ha/i/iy un^
ion and ustful cooperation ; and^
therrforcy that it is best thru
should continue as they are^ and
be content to do what good /hfj
can in their own circles.

Reply. It is by no means ex-
pected, that the general ass»o>
ciATiov will embrace the whole
Congregational clergy in Massa-
chusetts. It is not to be disguis-
ed that those, who have laid the
foundation of the proposed un-
ion, have voted, that the doctrinrs
qf Christiamtyy a« they are gcner*

SIO Suroey of Churches4 [-4^^

ally exttre99ed in the Aa9emblyU them unite in ferrent pffifer ttf
Shortrr CatcchUm^ be admitted 09 the Author of light and Ky^
articles of Jaith^ and at the bant Such means, |>erBeYeringIf iiseify
qf union. The door is open for have never been in vain. The
the admissic.'i of those minis- truth is not covered with a vdl
ters, who, with all their minor which cannot be taken awaj ;
differences, receive what are call- nor are the hearts of gospel min-
ed THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE. Istcrs lucapable of being meliok
Now with respect to such minis^ rated by light, and warmcd^with
ters, the objection, above stated, brotherly .afiection.
may be satisfactorily answered in 3. It is said, that ouch anenh
two ways. First. There is no blies of clergymen naturaUy g^
difference of opinion among into notions (feceletiasticalfiomer^
them, which need to prevent and asfiire qfter an unrhtiHiaM
brotherly love, or interrupt min- domination,
isterial fellowship. As this is. Reply. It is acknowledgedi
in one way or another, granted that this has-been the case in
by all, no pains will be taken former times. But how mucb
to prove it. Secondly. A gcner- soever the influence of ministe*
al association is of all methods rial associations or assemblies
the most likely to lessen the dif- has been abused ; this iai no arr
fercnce of opinion among the gument against employing theni
orthodox clergy, and to termi- for wise and benevolent purpo-
nate forever that spirit of jeal- ses. Suppose a puticular cler?
ousy and variance, >vhich has so gyman has taken advantage of
long disturbed them. A little his superior influence to trample
knowledge of mankind is sufii- t)n his brethren, and to infringe
cicnt to convince us, that the the privileges of the churches,
present state of separation, dis- Does this prove that ministerial
tance, and rcser\'e, tends to in- influence is in itself an eiil, or
crease, rather than to remove that it may not be made subserr
their discord in ipatters of faith, vient to th'e best purposes ? How
If their discord is an evil ; if often has civil authority been
an increasing harmony among abused ? Yet who will pretend
them is a blessing worthy to be that this is a reason why it
sought ; let them come togeth- should not be supported ? This
er, and see each other's face. ^eH illustratesi the subject before
With respect to every point in us, if we carefully remember^
debate, let them fully explain that ministerial or Christian in-
their difTerent terms and appre- flucnce is, properly, the influence
hensions, and engage in the of truths of wisdom^ and of prayer.
most open and friendly discus- In this sense, the influence of
sion. I.ct them strive to com- ministers is as necessary to the
municate and to receive light, to welfare of the church, as civil
disclose lurking errors, and to authority is to the interests of
confirm the common faiili. Let civil society. With what pro-
them jointly defend that scheme priety can evangelical ministers
of truth, and jointly proinoie be suspected of aspiring after eci
that experimental religion, which cicsiastical dominion, because
Is precious to them all ; and let they endeavour^ by union and

MOV.]

Survey of Churches.

511

jeint consultation^ to increase
their knowledge^ their piety, and
their usefulness, and to advance
the good of Christ's kingdom ?
The ministry in this State, pre-
cluded from wealth and power,
have no opportunity, and it is be-
lievedi no inclination to obtain
any influence, but that of truth
and goodness. Animated by the
spirit of Christianity, alfid taught
by the experience of past ages,
they will, we doubt noty seasona-
bly and watchfully guard the
proposed general union against
every pernicious tendency.

4. It is further urged by way
of objection, that a general atao*
ciaiian in dUtinction/rom the gen-
eral Convention in needleMy andj
witkout the a/i/iro6ation of that
bodyj would be dangerous, Jeal-
oustes} animosities, and obloquies
aire aj^rehended, as the natural
dmsequences.

Reply. No objection of this
Innd can be reasonably urged,
unless the general association in-
terfere with the business of the
Convention. But the slightest
examination will show, that there
is no interference. The busi-
ness of Convention is highly im-
portant ; but it must be very re-
fltricted. So various are the ob^
jects of attention on that public
occasion, and so small is the
number of ministers commonly
.present, that little information
can be obtained respecting the
state of the churches, and little
can be done for the general in-
terests of religion. How can
the most ardent friend of Con-
vention be dissatisfied, if minis-
ters, still maintaining their con-
nexion with that body, think it
proper to meet at a different
time, and fordiflerent purposes ;
purposes^ however, which do not

infringe thef rights, nor diminish
the usefulness of that respectable
association. Surely the refusal of
the Convention to encourage a
general association was not meant
to lay any prohibition upon indi-
viduals. Particular ministers or
associations have liberty to form
any ministerial connexion they
choose, provided it be not incon-
sistent with the charitable object
of the Convention. If any should
attempt to deprive them of this
liberty, they would show that
spirit of domination, a tendency
to which they so hastily suspect,
and so resolutely condemn in
others.

5. Only one more objection
will be noted. It has been said,
that vfe ought to know beforehand
fiot only th' outlines of the /iro/ios-
ed filan^ but its particular tmdsy
rulesy life, in order that we may
judge whether it it expedient to
cncourcge it,

I observe, in replyvthat it docs
not belong to an individual, who
advocates the general object^ to
enter into all these particulars.
And if those, who have already
met with a view to a general as-
sociation, should proceed at once
to agree upon an ecclesiastical
constitution ; it might be thoup^ht
unseasonable and injudicious, and
prevent, instead of facilitating
the addition of other associations.
As it is designed, that the gen-
eral association shall embrace
the great body of orthodox min-
ister in Massachusetts ; it is best
that they should come together
for deliberation, and that the
particular rules adopted, the
measures to be pursued, and the
direction given to the whole bu-
siness should be the result of
their united wisdom. The gre.»t-
er the number of disoernin^.

5 12 Piety of PrimUhe New Engkmd Rulers. Z^frS^

pious chanctera collectedi the
more likely will they be to de-
mise a plan, which will pro-
mote the interests of Christian'

ity.

This, then, is the drift and
conclusion of the whole. The
common practice of mien, espe-
cially Christians, the present
state of the ministry and of the
churches, and the genuine spirit
of Christianity are considera-
tions, which strongly urge to m
general association in this com«
roon wealth. The objections
raised against it will not, we con-
ceive, on candid examination, ap-
pear of sufficient force to invali-
date the arguments in its favour.
The foundation is already laid by
a respectable number of associa-
tions in the western ■ counties»
who have met several times with
the general union in view, and
arc taking prudent measures to
facilitate the admission of other
associations. The proposition
has been respectfully laid before
the Convention of Congregation-
al ministers, who, as a Conven-
tion, thought it not best to adopt
any measures in its favour, though
a lari^e part, then present, were
friendly to the object. The way
is now prepared for the admis-
sion of particular associations.
There is nothing to debar any,
who receive the great doctrines
of the reformation. The union
will take place on a basis, which
includes all the essential articles
of the orthodox faith. The next
tonual meeting will be at Wind-
sor, on tlie last Wednesday of
June, 1807.

Graccy mercy y and /trace from
(rod (he Father^ and the Lord Je*

net Ckrisi he mih^ the mmfsien
and ckurchcM tf MaMachu9€it9 !

Pastos.

tlCTT OV PRIMITIYA itbw bvo^
LAUD aULXBS*

The piety of the prinutifc
ruler€ of New EAgland ia as
worthy of notice, as the piety of
the primitive ministers. The
following directions^ extracted
from ^ Instructions for Maj.
Benjamin Church, commaiidcr
in chief of the Plyoaouth forceai
&c. does honour to the religious
characters of the commiaaionera
whose names are undersigned.

*^ You are to take effectual carq
that the worship of God be kept
up in the armyi morning and
evening prayer attended as &r
as may be, and a& the emergen-
des of your af&irs will permity to
see that the holy Sabbath be du^
sanctified. You are to take care
as much as may be, to present
or punish drunkenneaSf aweai^
ing, cursing, or such other sins,
as do provoke the anger of God.
You are from time to time to
give intelligence to the Governor
and Council of Massachusetts or
Commissioners of the Colonies
of your proceedings, and the oc*^
currences which may happen,
and how it shall please the Lord
to deal with you in this present
expedition,*' &c.

Thomas Dakfokth, Pre9,

Elisha Cooxx>

Samuel Mason,

William Pitxim,

Thomas Hinklsy,

John Wallkt.
Similar directions were given
by Governors Phipps, Stougf^*
ton, and Dudley.

1807J

On the Atcnemenim

513

bH THi ]K>CT«tHB OF THB A-
TOXEKBNT.

tn a Series of Letters to a Friend.
fCmahmedfnm p. 455, J

LETTER II.

i%t JXxtriM illuttrat^ proved, and
' dcfcnM from Scripture,

That Christ died for aionen
of mankind is oAen expressly as-
terted in the Scriptures. '^ When
ire were sinners, Christ died for
us. He suffered for us in the
flesh. He laid down bis life for
hift sheep.'* This is granted by
ally pho bear the name of Chris-
tians. But some pretend that
ao: mcnre may be meant« than
that Christ died for our benefit>
as a. naartyr or witness to the
tmllLof the i^evelation he made
of the.will of Cod ; as an exam-
-pieof patience, fortitude, and
xfa^uity* under cruel and abusive
-treatments and that his resur-
flection might be to us an auur-
!■§ evidence of his divine mis-
won, and a pledge of the resur-
•ncCjon of the dead. We readily
•eknovledge that the death of
Christ was designed for our ben-
ofitin these and other respects.
But this does by no means come
4^itb the intended meaning of
t^aacred writers. The phrasei
here used, properly signifies in
(he original, that Christ died in
the room and uead of sinners.
This is evidently the meaning
of the phrase in PauKs epistle to
Philemon ; in which he says
that he would have retained
Onesimus with him ^^ that
(Isn^ «w) in*thy etead he might
minister to me." That this is the
tense, in which Christ died for
09, that is, as substituted instead
of those, who )vere condemned

No. 11. Vol.11, Sss

to die, is ascertained by our Sa-
viour's words. ^''The Son of
Man came not to be ministered
untOi but to minister, and to give
his life a ransom for many." A
ransom is what is ^ven and ac-
cepted instead of the person ran-
somed. This ransom was the
life of Christ, his dying in our
stead, to save us from that death,
to which we were condemned
for our own sins. This ransom
was g^ven {jntt) eubetituted in"
Btead of the many, who are ran-
somed by his death. This is the
exact import of the words in the
original Greek, as the great mas-
ters of that language agree.
Even the most learned Socinians,
however reluctantly, have seem-
ed at least to acknowledge this ;
though they have taken much
fruitless pains to evade the plain
and obvious consequence.

The words of the apostle are
no less determinate. ^^ He gave
himself {mfriXvr^n) a vicariou%
ransom*^ The expression is re-
markable, and exceedingly em-
phaticaK Christ gave himself,
his life, a random, a price of re-
demption. This implies that
his death was tn$tead of that of
the redeemed. But the expres-
sion is strengthened, by its being
termed a vicarious or substituted
ransom fir (tnn^) instead of ail the
redeemed. May it not now be
taken for proved, that, according
to the Scriptures, Christ died in
the room of sinners, that by his
vicarious sufferings and death he
might ransom or redeem them
from death, to which as sinners
they were liable, and justly con*
demned.

Farther ;. the Scriptures teach
us that ;*' death is the wages qf
silly'* that- is, its deserved and
threatened' punisNkaetit. It waa

514

Orr-the Atonanmt.

X4^>

sin,, thit bTooght death into the
vrorid. It is s'in> that has sub-
jected all mankind to that con-
demDationf to redeem or ransom
them fromwhichy Christ died in
their room and stead. No. one
is liable to receive the waives or
punishment of sin^ anlels.it be
■ for sin^ as the 'meritorious cause.
, Now it is certain that^ when
Christ died in our stead to ran-
. som us. from death, he received
the wages, or punishment of sin
in our stead. For what is death,
the curse oftbe law, but the pun-
ishment of sin ? Christ did d»ir in
-mir stead, that h^ might ransom
.us from death. Hewaa madeu
r cuTMt^ or bore the curse of- the
law for us^ that is, in our stead,
. that he might redctnn lu/rom the
.eurae qf the law. It is true, n
iperson.may suffer that, which b
threatened in a law, as a puniab-
ment^and yet not«H^«rr itab a
punishment. The cutting .off
some member of tlie body is ale-
gal punishment for some crimes.
•But, if this be done by a surgeon
to stop a gangrene, the patient
would not suffer it as a punish-
ment. But Christ, in dying, for
us not only suffered, what was
-threatened as the punishment of
sin, but he suffered forein. The
apostle Peter says that Chritt
suffered for sittM, the. just for the
unjust. Now, if Christ suffefed
the punishment of sin Jor tin i
if he bore the curse of the law
/or 9inj (indeed how could he
otherwise be subject to the curse,
and punishment f ) how can the
conclusion be refused, tliat he
was punished for sin I How can
a person's being punished be
more accurately and logically ex-
pressed, than by saying he suf-
fers what ia threatened, as the
{HiniahmcflL «f aini fir mat

Those divioe^f who •poufc.oF
Christ, as. having auffieTed the
punishment of sio^ have pot on*
ly ^^ followed one anothtr^ out
have abo followed the apostles,
and speak as the oracles of God.
And if Christ suffettd the p^o-
ishment of sin /or dn^ x^ jt' be
denied, that the uOf m which
he suffered punishmoaty^wts ta-
• paced to him? Was. aii7*aiK ever
punished for a crime^ anltas it

■ wa» imputed to him iBot it was
]io£ for any sin of his ocwor that
Christ received the wagesiof un,
and bore the curae of the law.
For there was no ^a in hini.
He was templedtaa we aioi tjwt
without sin : He did nocut

' Htf did always those thin§s»r that
'pleased God, who waa avef well
pleased ia his beloved Seo... It
wM'/br oair m» tkatbeauftrcd
-and died, and bore the/puiuah-
<asent due to us. . ¥wel( sijw felf t

■ he died/or our dtm.^tmti^g. to
-the Scriptures. ' He waadelivcr-
ed unto death for our offmcm.
-His death was. the deserved |»d
•threatehed punishment of f<oor
sins, and he su&fed this pon^
ishment .A^ our ma. Is not this
a clear evidence, that our siAs
were imputed, and onr .,g;iiilt
transferred to him I

Of this we have also, I dnn^
a farther proof in the i3d chop-
tcr of Isaiah. The propheti»
speaking of Christ,, says, " Ht
hath borne our gricb, and cani''
ed our sorrows. He .aras. wound-
ed for our transgreasioBSt and
bruised for our iniquities, the
chastisement of our peace was
upon him, and by his stripes we
are healed." Thitose griefs and
sorrows are termed ours, because
deserved by us, and due to us, as
the wages or pimishmeut of our
sins| though, they were jiiome bf

•3 Letters from an aged Minister.

515

Ghriit* Since be for our trans-
gresatoni and iniquities, as the
veiltorious cause, was wounded,
bruiasd, and suffered the punish-
aaentiiite to us ; what can be a
plainer and more necessary in-
ference, than that our obligation
to suffer this punishment was
tranafcvnsd to him, and he took
it on himself; that is, in other
wordsi that our guilt was imfiut^
tftftohinip This is also plainly
expre«8«d in the next verse,
^'tte'L^ord bajth laid up<Hi him
the inxqvrities pf us all." Our
■ioa were not infused into him,
for in him was no sin, but they
were laid upon him, judicially
efmrgcd upon him, or asjt is exr
pressed in the Hebrew, the^ met
oi* rushed tijion him. No words
could better express, what is
inettnt by imputation. The pro-
phet addf , " he was cut off from
the earth, (but it was not for
himse40 ^^ was stricken for the
tnuBgCcmooB of God's people.''
The chastisement of our peace
(by ifhiGh.^yur peace was made
with God, or by which our peace
0r happiness was obtained for us)
iras .inflicted upoz^ him ; and
bom b^ him. And again, '^ My
righteous servant shall justify
niany,. for he shal) bear their im
iquitiea," i. e. bear the guilt, the
burden, or punishment of them.
And yet again, '^ He bare the
•ins of many." • The guilt qf
these sins must; therefor^ have
been laid or cliarged upon him.
How els^ could he bear it ? And
ftX iartber, it is said that " HU
mil VHf to be made an offering^**
n sacrifice of atonement for ain^
•nd so be substituted in the
place of sinners, to die in their
Btead, and bear the punishment
due to them, as was, represented
In ftoning sacrifices* ^

The variety of expression, us-
ed by the prophet on this sul)-
ject, in order to ascertain his
meaning, and preclude every
evasion, seems worthy of re-
mark. But men are not easily
persuaded to give up a favourite
hypothesis. Words are often so
ambiguous and flexible, that in-
genious critics will bend and ad-
just them to a different meaning
from, what they most obviously
express. Yours,

A Christian offhe Ancient Scliool.
(To be cofitin^pd.)

QEIGINAL LETTERS FROM AV
AOBO MINISTER.

•Vo. 5.
(>ear 5f r,

When my last was broken off,
I was going to add a hint of pre-
ferring those writers who do the
^^t justice to the Scripture doc-
trine of the fall of man, and the
great revolution it bas produced,
with referencptopurfuoral state ;
the ground of our hopes toward
Cod ; the rcden>ption and re-
covery we want, pmd I might
have said, in th^' whole of our
religion. P'or '' as o]>e kind of
regimen (says bishop Sherlock)
(' is adapted to preaerve a good
constitution, and another to re-
store a broken one," so it is
here^ A great part of the misr
takes, which learned men have
committed in theology, may be
traced to their not keeping this
distinction sufficiently in their
view. And, as when we read
Pope's Essay on Man (so strik-
ing and beautiful in many res-
pects) we are surprised to find
not a single hint of a Refection
from primitive rectitude which
has deg^raded our species ; so we
are more or less disappointed in
maiiy Ih^olopcal writers ; au4

516

The Decafogue^

^J^IfUy.

consequently in their systems at
large.

iSometimeSf indeed, we meet
lyith an extreme in the other
way ; and man^s depraved condi-
Uon set out with a kind of roman-
tic extravagance. But this does
not promote cpuviction. It dir
mini^hes the credit of the preach-
er^ and raises a prejudice against
the truth. Happy the student
hf whom the straight line marked
by the simple doctrine ofRerelaf
tion^ is well distingmshed* and
IKrell keptd— 7 I am, &c,

JM^ dear, Sk'r, Ab. €•

Whsn I think of yoor an iclea
fOKXur^ afresh, which, thougl^
very simplci I have often thought
^ight be of great yse for every
student in thcojogy, yts. that of
ftftf^ying cfdejly to the very heart
of iVw-t;! mean to include att
yrhich relates to tW convictioij
pf sin. which if preparatory tq
real religion ; the ' mistakes and
the dangers, to which fhe awakr
ened are exposed ; the directions
suitable for them ; the source
from whigh their encouragement|i
should be derived ; the viewi^
and the submissions, they must
be brought to :---after these the
nature of true conversion ; the
difference between common and
effectual operations of the Ci^
vine Spirit bn the minds of men ;
the specific nature of saving
faith, repentance unto life, true
love to God, and love to man in
Its distinct branches ; the dis-
tinguishing nature of Christian
^pe, joy, humility, 'self-^denial,
every grace ; and evangelical
obedience at large.

In these the life and substance
of theology seem emphatically
to consist. And yet it often
^appensy that preachers of con^

stdetible udents wfpmf ant ta^
have bestowed a due juopurtioq
of their time upon theni'^^Thc
outlines perhaps have had aom^
justice done to thcm^ tat- thr
interior has been tod much poll*
poned.

Upon thia last branch of ior
quiry, l think you wUl find a|
much in President Edwwdsi tm
Religious Affisctiona, m in mif
author i have seen ; aad as ahta*
and thorough an exaniiMtion ot
thf Scripturea,' - Ittlttytob '
^7h be tvnthtmtdjj

THB DSCALOOm. No.li..
TB9TB ca^XAVlkifaarr.

f* Thou shah not covet thy ni>ig|ihaai\
hooiea thou shmlt nc^ covet thy
iieighhoaHswif^ pov Hs msn-MN
vant, nor hja mudrserviiiA. aor hl^
0X, norhjs ass, nor ukymu^ thai
IB thy neii^bour^**- '

No nation can pff>dacc « aytr
tern of moral and yieljghms pver
cept9 so perfect as that which
was given to Israel fttxtn' Mbont
Sinai. It will bear the atricteai
examinationi and when pediice<|
to practice it preserves vd in th;
way of hpliness. The apostate
Eihperor knew this, but anxiou^
to find defects, where none exiaty
he could only say, that the lam
containa things tob tinifik and Ut^
trite for 90 high an origin^
What he says in detraction, ia ft
higheplogium. It admits, without
designing it, that the law is ac*
commodated tp the mealiest un«
derstanding, and thus anawen
the great purpose of instructing
and reformin]g mankinds Our
duty to God and to man i» htrt
brought into one point of view.
The system is piire and com<-
plete. Kpih:n^d oh this modeh
a rdigiofis ai^ uaeJhl noe wwM

•3

^he DeaJogue,.

51t

fcnerating Jebovafa^snainef
wekin^ the welfiEu-e of felr
neaiure^.

c tenth comi9«Ddmeiit ^ is
Am the fepce of all the rest^
qxMtle^t referepce to it>
u vii. 7, 8.) 5hov# that it
liaes the utmost spiritiiali-
the law ) and )x, is a perpet?
iOnfutation of all Jthose sys-
, hf which the outwartl^
crime is considered as thp
violation of each command.
1^ here expressly, and in
loat forcible langnage^ pror
id so much as to denre what
i^held from us by the comr
I or providence of Qod ;
0 far from levelling proper-
* seizing violently on oi^r
■boar's possessions, ire may
0 much as at all hanker afr
them. The most secret
Cor another man's wife vio-
this precept : but to desire
liim with an unmarried wo-
. only becomes sinfgl when
xoessive, and when it is not
thted to the will of God, if
nder it impracticable, We
i^estre that part of a man's
Bftyi irhich he is inclined to
•e of, if we mean tp obtain
\f on equitable terms : bu^
he chooses to keep, we may
oyet. The poor man may
p moderatp relief fix>m the
\ but he n^ust not coyet his
ne'e, nor repine even if he
lOt' relieve him- Men, ex-
} to equal hazards, may a-
*t6 a proportionable contri?
n to him who ^uifers loss ;
accords with the la>7 of love
elp the distressed. This
Ipates insurance J when fi^ir-
hjducted. But every species
f^S' originates fron^ an un-
lesire and hope of increas-
»ur property, |)^ proporlioDr

ably imporerishing other ttiea ;
and is tlierefore a direct violin
lion of this law. Public gaming,
by lotteries, so far from being
Jess criminal than other specie!
of that vice, is the worst of them
all: for it abets and sanctions,
iM far as example and con<^
correnqs can do it, a practice
vrhich opens the door to every
apecies of fraud and ^illany ;
which is pregnant with the moii
.extjensive evils to the communi-
ty and to individuals ; which sel-
dom fiuls annually to bring sevw
eral to an untimely end by sui-
cide or the sentence of the law i
which unsettles an immense
multitude from the honest em*^
ployments of th^ir station, to mii
in quest of imaginary w^ahh |
and which exposes them to man«
ifold temptations, unfits them for
returning to their usu^tl mode of
life, and often materially in*
jures their circumstances, breaki
^hcir spirits, sours their tempers,
and excites the worst passions of
whiph they are susceptible. In-
deed, the evils, political, moral,
and religious, of lotteries are too
glaring to bp denied even by
those who plead necesnty for
continuing them ; and too nu«
merous to be recapitulated in
this place. C^n it therefore con-
sist with the law of God, ^< Thou
Shalt npt covet," or with the
character of a Christi&n) to con-
cur in such an iniquitous and in-
jurious system, from a vain de-
sire of irregular gain ? Whatev-
er argument proves it unlawful
for two or thri:e men to cast lota
for a sum of money, or to game
in any other wayj much more
strongly conchides against a mil-
lion of persons gaming publicly
by a lottery for a month or six
weeks together^ to th|^ atagna-

S18 On Temporizing in MatteH o/RcligiM. \^ApHli

tion in great measure of everjr
other business : whilst the gain
made by goyeniment and by in-
^yidualst from the stakes depos«
ited with them* renders it as im-
prudent) as it is unful in the ad»
venturers ; for every individual
atakes three to tvro on an even
thanee, if a covetous appeal to
Providence maybe called chance.
(Prov. xvi. 35.) Even Thntinee
^Bcem not wholly excusable, as
they consUtute a Idnd of compli-
cated wager about longevity, to
be decided by Pro\idence in fii-
vour of the survivors ; and must
therefore partake of the nature
of other games of chance. Cov^
eting other men's property con-
trary to the law of love, and en«>
riclung the sundvors, commonly
at the expense of the relatives
of the deceased, are intimately
connected with them : whilst
they lead men into strong temp*
tations secretly to wish the death
of others, for the sake of advan-
tages, which they inordinately
desire and irregularly pursue. In
fine, discontent, distrust, love of
wealth, pleasure, and grandeur,
desire of change, the habit of
wishing, and every inordinate

affectioB, ' are the evils here prons
hilMted ; and we know them Itf
be the sourcesof all othercrimes,
and' ef. man's misery; And
the conmiand requires modeta^
tion in respect of all worldly
thingsv submission to God, ac-
quiescence in his will,' love to his
commands, and a reliance on hiittr
foTthtdaUy supply of all our
wants, as he sees good. This ia
right and reasonable, fit for God
to command, and proftfable fifr
man to obey, the verf temper
and felicity of heaven itself s buif
it is so contrary to the dikposi-
tion of our heart by nature, and
so superior to theoRtual attain*
ment of the best Christians on
earth, that it is very difficult to?
persuade men in general, thai
God requires such per&ction }
still more difficult to satisfy them^
that it is indispensable to the hap*
piness of rational creatures ; and
most difficult of all to convinco,
them that every thing inconast-
ent with, or short of, this u ain ;
that it deserves the wrath of
God, and cannot be taken away,
except by the mercy of God,
thro' the atonement of Christ."*

Philologos.

Sielecttonjef.

THK EFTFXTS OF TEMPGRIZINO
IN MATTERS OF RELIGION,
EXEMPLIFIED IN THE CON-
DUCT OF ERASMUS.

(^Continued from pa^ 424.)

^' There was at this time a
certain preacher at Constance,
who consulted Erasmus by Bot-
zcm, how the rcfonnalion might
bcsi be advanced. .Erasmus an-

swered, that they who ima^ned
themselves to have as g^reat abil*
ities for settling those Christian
truths, which concern all men
and all times, as they had for a
theological compotation, or a lit*
tic scholastic dispute, were in*
finitely mistaken. Truth,* sayi
he, is efficacious and invincible,
but it must be dispensed with
evangelical prudence. For my«

Scott's Comaientariet;

1807 J] OnTcmpdrizmg m Mkixrs Bf^RcRgion. 519

lelff I ao tdbhbr'dirisions, and so
love coticpr^y that I fear, if an
occasion presented itself I should
aooner giv|i;.^up a part of trutbi
than disturb .^he public peace.

. ^ But the ipischicf is^ that a
xnan.capoot |,hus give, up truths
without running into falsehood}
liud ^ssei^ting to things, which
he doth not believe. Fgr a maxi
cannot judge that to t>e rightf
frhich his own reason pronounces
to be fiilses only because over*
bearing persons atta<^ the truth*
with mora v^hemence^ than he
cliooseth to. employ in defence
pf ity and are the majority an4
the stronger party. Besides^
wKjcn such enemies ; to reason
fmd to religion perceive that a
man will not have the courage
to defend his opinions at all ex-
tvemities, which Erasmus con-
fessed to be his own disposition,
they never £&il to take advantage
9f him, to oppress him, and to
tun |iim down, well knowing
that notliing U necessary to ac-
complish their purposes besides
atubbornnei^, clamouri impu-
dence* and yiplencc. And so
spiritual tyranny, being once
erected, would endure forever,
and gain strength and stability.
Con|;x)rd and peace are unques-
tionably valuable blessings ; but
yet n9t to be purchased at the
expense of truth and liberty,
which, are infinitely more esti-
mable than a sordid tranquillity
beneath the yoke of falsehood,
«nd .arbitrary .dopninion. Be-
neath this yoke the Christian re-
public l)ccomcs a mere taction
of poltroons, solicitous about en-
joying the present^ and neglect^
Ing every thing that is laudable
uader the pretext of preserving
the peace. Such would have
)|ceii the present lUte of Chris-

tianity, if the padfic scheme of
Erasmus had been received and
pursued. Divisions, it must be
owned, do much harm ; yet
they have at least produced this
good, that the truth of the gos-
pel, and a Christian liberty,
which acquiesceth only in the
decisions of Jesus Christ, aro
not entirely banished from the
face of the earth, as they would
have been without those strug-
gles of our ancestors. They
have produced no small service
to the memory of Erasmus him-
self, who, having his works con-
demned by .theological cabals,
and mangled by inquisitions,
wliicli struck out the most valu-
able part of his writings, would
have been stigmatized and pro-
scribed through all ages, if a par-
ty had not risen up in Europe
and also amongst his own coun-
trymen, which willingly forgives
him his weaknesses and irreso-
lution, for the sake of his useful
labours, philological and theolo-
gical ; and hath restored to him
a second life and recommended
him to the Christian world, bv
an elegant and faithful edition of
all his works.

^' But let us hear some more
of his advice. ^ This preacher,
says he, who certainly is a wor-
thy man, will do more service lo
the gospel, the honour of which
we all have at heart, if he takes
care to join the prudence of the
evangelical serpent to the sim-
plicity of the evangelical dove.
Let him essay it ; and then let
him condemn my counsel, if he
finds it not to be salutary.'

^* Alas ! experience hath
taught the Christian world, tlmu
this same serpentine prudciioe
served to make falsehood Iriurn-
phant. It was even easy to forv-

520 Extraa fhm M^4 LMmer^s SeMrML tJiprit,

•ee it, iirkee ihb witAifti coitoht'
ed only io submitting to that
Action, which was the mott
powerf\]l afxl the most obstinate^

^' Erasmus «ntertamed somo
hopes, that his old friend and
school fellow Adrian VI. would
do some good as he testifies in
this letter: but, says he, * if I
should be misuken in this, 1
will not be factious^ As Io tbtf
preacher's last question, are we
to abandon and give op tb«
whole gospel? I reply; th«y
may be said to abandon the gos^
pel, who defend it in an improp"
f r manner. Besides ; with what
reserve and slow caution did oar
Lord himself discover hit doc-'
trine V

' ^ All thi» In some sense may
be right ; but then ounr Saviour
never said any thing contrary- tfi
the truth ; and when the time
was come for it, he laid down
his life in confirmation of it ;
which ia more than Erasmus ia
inclined to do, aa he himself
franklv confesseth. It cannot be
called defending the gospel to re-
fer it to the arbitration of a set of
Ecclesiastics, whom all the world
knew to be either ill instructed,
or ill disposed, or both."

We nifiy add in a future No.
a letter from Luther to Eras-
mus in the year 1534, which
sets in a striking light, the dif-
ferent characters of those two
great men.

The foUowin|^ Is taken from a dis-
course entitled, A most faithful
sermon breached befjie King SJvtard
VI. ana his nicst honourable Counseli,
in his Court at Westminster^ by the
Eeverend father jV. Hugh Latimer.
jIn. 1550. It pointedly exposes the
t'fMy of those* who attributed the

of dmxMaiinft sMiiw

Difeirto the pieachiBff «f Ptot(ntaiils<
The orthograpby of the agcf h re-
ttined.

** BvT heite is iKMT an argfitneiil
to prtyve the matter a^^iat ttkt
preachers. Here was ptctehiiig
against covetoustles att the hut
yeare in Lenty and the tieitt som-
iner fottowed rebeffion x JSri^^
preaching agunst corctoasnea
was the canse of the tebelfian.
A goodly argament. Here now
I renienriier'avargumeiit of rnah-
ter AToorrV, wliich he bringeth
in a hookey that he niade ^mst
Bilneyy* a&d here by the way I
will tail you a mery toj. Maii^
ter Moore was once sent in
eomnussion into £entf to hdp to
try out, if it might be^ what wa»
the cause of Goodwin Mmifai, and
the shelfe, that stopped up &nkf-
frieh haven. Thether comeib
naister Moorty and taDetfa the
countrye afore bins, audi as were
thought to be men df experience,
and men that couldin likelihode
best certify him of thai matter,
concerning the stopping of 5biirf-
fpich kaven. Among others came
in before him an olde man with
a white head, and one that was
thought to be little less thanui
hundereth years Me. When
maiater Moore saw this aged man,
he thought it expedient to heare
him say his minde in this rasft-
tcr (for being so olde a man it
was likely that he knew most of
any man in that presence 8c com-
pany.) So maister Moore called
this olde aged man unto him, and
sayd : fether (sayd he) tell me if
ye can what is the cause of this
great arising of the aandes and
shelves here about this haven,

• Bilner wis a Protestant writer, by
the perusal of whose wTitings, Lati-
mer was effected from popery.

1807-]

The N^gro^s Ctrnplamt.

521

the which stop it up that no
shippes can arrive here ? Ye are
the eldest man that I can espie
in all this company« so that if anjr
man can tell any cause of it» ye
of Itkelihode can say most in it)
or at leastwise more than any
man here assembled. Yea for-
sooth good maister (quod this olde
man) n>r I am well nigh an hun-
dreth years olde, and no man
here In this company any thing
lieare unto mine age. Well
then (quod maister Moore) how
9KW you in this matter ? What
thinke ye to be the cause of
these shelves and flattes, that
Btoppe up Sandwiche haven ?
Forsooth syr (quod he) I am an
olde man> I think that Tentcrton
ateepie is the cause of Goodwin
landes. For I am an old man
syr (quod he) and I may remem-
ber the building of Tentcrton Mtec
fUgy and I may remember when
there was no steeple at all there,
and before that Tenterton steeple
Was in building, there was no
tauuiner of speaking of any flattes
or sandes, that stopped the haven,
and therefore I thinke that Ten-
terton steeple b the cause of the
destroying and decaying of Sand-
wich haven. And even so to my
purpose is preaching of God's
woide the cause of rebellion, as
Tenterton steeple was the cause,
that Sandwich haven is decayed.
And is not this a gaye matter,
that such should be taken for
great wise men, that will thus
reason against the preacher of
God's worde ?"

TB£ NEGRO'S COMPLAINT.

Forc'd fix>in home and all its pleMure^
Afric'i coast I left fbrlorn^

To increaae a •trai^fper's treasure
O'er the raging biDows bcffne.

No. 11. Vol, II. TTt

Men from Kagiand bought and sold
me.
Paid my price in paltry gold.
But, though theirs they have enroll'd
me.
Minds are ne^'er to be sold.

Still in thought as free as ever.
What are England's rights, I ask.

Me from my deughts to sever.
Me to torture, me to task.

Fleecy locks and black complexion
Cannot forfeit Nature's claim ;

Skin may differ, but affection
Dwells in black and white the same.

Why did all-creating Nature
'Make the plant for which we toil f

Sighs must fan it, tears must water.
Sweat of ours must dress the soil.

Think, ye masters, iron-hearted.
Lolling at your jovial boards.

Think how many backs have smarted,
For the sweets your cane afibrds.

Is there, as you sometimes tell us.
Is tliere One who reigns on high \

Has he bid you buy and sell us.
Speaking from his Uironc, the sky ?

Ask him if vour knotted scourges.
Fetters, blood extorting screws.

Are the means which duty urges
Agents of his wiU to use.

Haik ! he answers ; wild tornadoes
Strewing yonder sea with wrecks,

Wastinptowns, plantations, meadows.
Are the voice with which he speaks.

He foreseeing what vexation
Afric's sons should undergo ;

Fix'd their tyrants' habitations.
Where his whirlwinds answer— No.

By our blood in Afric wasted.
Ere our necks receiv'd the chain ;

By the mis'ries which we tasted,
Crossing in your barks, the main ;

By our tufierings since you bro't us
To the man-degrading mart,

All sustain'd by patience, taught us
Only by a broken heart.

Deem our nation brutes no longer.
Till some reason you shall find,

Worthier of reg^ and stronger
Than the colour of our kind.

j^ State ofsi^mm^U'Shr^S^ G^MC^

Twnuk an fsnr bOMrtad pow^

Jtei/Mpiwidfy.

it^

^— ^

■H

q^ceOimetttiiL

•l ■

M TBK 8t ATB OT Z.ITBRATUJIX
IV XBW XXOI.AXS.

(Continued from p. 473.)

Iv thtf CoUc^ of IfeW Ettg«
land a change i^ bbtervabtet and
one which will appear of no
small' ttoAieat to- the fiicnda of
sound eradiUon.' The severer
studies have fegatned thai
grotrnd, wfafcfir a number of
years skice^ they were forced to
abandon to that light and frothy
stuffy wbkhi uBder a hundred
namesy oof bbokaeners' shops
were pouring upon the public.
The taste was lately to reject the
study of the language s* and the
mathematics, as fit only for ped-
ants and laborious plodders, and
totally beneath the attention of a
ntan of genius. The student's
library was a strange medley of
extracts, compilations, and a-
bridgementsy plays, travels, and
romance^ which, however they
might have become the chamber
of a line lady, suflered not a lit-
tle, when compared with the clas-
sical dignity of their predeces-
sors. Now the tables are turn-
ed. Scholars may be found who
are not ashamed to confess that
they derive great pleasure from
the perusal of the ancient classics.
It would now be no discredit to
own one's self delighted with
Xenophon, or Longinus, or to
believe that^for accurate vicwi'of

- ■»

« '^ ■ ■ ■ ' ■• >.i

htioiaiiiiMeref .•]ust$caMiit«|

heathoa ntoraU[tf y^pr an e»«ip)ift
•f what the huiqpa ^nind ca» ftrr
tmm% Ciceso staada aimott eatb^
ottt a jAvL Tlie VMhwuatiqb
alaoy. whioh had . hoen .,«KiM
without a dflamg, ,hair^.beci^,ror
called^ aMl enjoy, neaily fbqp
fermcir elevated akoatioB^ Jn
short, a^ very gmt ^fim»t^, ia
visible ia our Us^bter.sewDariea.
^ iej^oiogy from auper&aat to-
solid etadies, from those wji&cb
afefrivolooa and eflfiimiiiate». to^
those which nervetbe man Jar
vigorous action.

It o«g)it not to W |MMd lA
silencer that inforiiMdiMla ba^e
here been set on a more teapect"
able footings than, periuips, in a-
ny other quarter A the world.
The Legiakture» fit some of the
New EngUnd Statea have man"
ifested a truly paternal regard
toward the education c»f all the
children in the . Gonuaunii^.
And so extensively is this bless-
ing spread, that few might nol,
if disposed, acquire a knowledge
snfiicient to transact the ordinaty
businesa of life^ to enjoy much
satisfiiction in the perusal of
salutary books, and to becomt.
useful citizens of a free countij.

We may also congratulate our>
selves that the philosophical jar*
gon, which made so much noise
a few years since, and threatened
to turn the literary and moral
world upside down, has fallen in-
to the most pointed neglect #ri

1807. ] State of Literature ,in Neto Enghind. 523

contenpC. Nobody ncyw reads
those works which were pre-
tended to be ^unanswerable io fa-
vour of the New Philosophy.
Infidels themselves do not trou-
ble their heads about them. As
they were equally unintelligible
to the learned and ignorant, the
e;leTated and humble, they are
qoietly gone into oblivion, with-
oot leaving friends enough to
moura their loss. This might
have been augured to be^ thpir
cndt even in ^he jfull run of their
popularity ; for the ^reat body
of mankind will ncvejr be pre?
vuled iupon, for any considerable
length pi time, to read what they
do ix>t understand, and what af-
fords not the least nourishment
to their minds. Those who ever
did peruse the works, to which I
refer, with much attention, were
influenced by motives very sim-
ilar to those by which Dr. John-
son represents the English pop-
i^lace as induced to read the let-
ters of Junius f viz. ^' that those
who did not know what he
lyieant, hoped he n^eant rebellion .''
The event has been much the
same with respect to tliat species
of poetry, which answers to the
philosophy in prose. The day
of the authors is over; their
magical spell has lost its force ;
and posterity will never hear of
Delia Crusca, Southey, and a
host of other pretenders of less
note, whose names, even now,
It is difficult to recollect. Thrir
memorial hat fieri^htd vfith them.
Attempts of this sort, when
compared with productions of
true merit, resemble meteors,
which, though they may dazzle
children for an evening, lose all
their fascinating glare, when the
sun rises in his strong and beau-
tiful effulgence.

Another change, perhaps as
widely extended through all clas-
ses of society, as apy which I
have mentioned, has been gradu-
ally wrought in tlie public taste
with regard to novels. The
time, we can easily remember,
when these pernicious and cor-
rupting books were almost uni-
versally diffused. The mischief
which they introduced was in-
calculable. Idleness and false
notions of life were always in
their train, evils of no small mag-
nitude ; but not unfrequently
they occupied the mind almost
exclusively, rendered it indis-
posed to serious reflection, and
became subservient to seduction
and impurity, purposes to which
they were but loo well adapted,
Printedon the coarsest paper, with
marble icpvers, they were found in
the cottage ; and constructed of
the most costly materials, they
decorated the libraries of the
opulent. The mechanic and the
day-labourer stole time tp read
them ; the belle apd the house-
maid were equally engaged in
their perusal, except that the one
had her toilet laden with thenu
and the other was not quite so a-
bundantly ii|mlshf:d. They were
even quite a prevalent topic of
fashionable conversation, and ig-
norance of them was counted ig-
norance of every thing delightful.
But now we scarcely sec them,
or hear of thei\i ; they seem
vanished with the dreams which
they contain. If this assertion
be doubted, let the api>eal be
made to booksellers, and no one
will doubt the justness of this
criterion. The correction of the
public taste, in so important a
respect, must be regarded as an
event peculiarly auspicious.

While we remark these altcrt

^^A^ ^im- ^A^Htf^^^ r....l.: r .'■■ ■ ^^A^k r4iM4^Hl/lMidf^ dB^^^^^^A,

■Don nv VM fl^iiBi> ire wqfui laaB^ ^vdm"^^ •mq^iHi^

DotlobeniliBkitiWilar fbecai»' AiMng Aeii iMnMt ypHfaV

MiOortitigMefUfcrdteUMMm dotatr tbewifki ti MnJUmm

vUch pMdoocd^ tbent. Altht^ bavebwa Tiir-iAc«Mwu ikr

cmbhuid Kine-wMiU iMt kin^ ca<i»*Maitia-- 1> wtWt 4> <M

ebdtiniw te i^hite tfaTCrr to itfortdHM ttf 4b# MtMBb «H|

the vltiited uate, vfiidt Kthah' iUtent*}* fatrSnHrfiHMaailt

tfme igopmailed; jttmcovU nprebviiAag' the- fa|lM» 'pH^-

bfUbmeuM bare hoped fefhb' Aees, ttid -wMMdaMM i*-«fe»

a^eedf ft delircniKe, if Tigontn' gfcU; ttc ffmMU» UMIW

vflbrti h«l not been made. X' < Iffcr' KlHUli% IgAM-lfcW -

bottoFKiionit poweriiil vriten 1^! fo^ ^ ■^(>^9^ oflill^iv

bftve arisen, DQ both lidetof the ptootitatheili'iaHnni—i ft^

Atkmic, n chirtti^Mii of trcitft flhWi IM HtqaOf MMitaMMK

■ndrtrtue. Their vorki hkW KKte beel[«tidia]ri*eMf««M»

been extemWelr ipraadln thU' *hb*^ aMitu*^JECaMMi%

coantiT, the aafc of ^tetn hafr fitM pnm bef Wb W^'^lteMvV

i&9 iocMftWd in ■ dhcct priv ugvettrt^gw^i* ttohMM*

IKrttk4l»iuiliUof1fglitai)a0eN cteiWtfr. :>• 6^.db

. . I Ni_ M^' n,^., -11 , ■ ;rr - ■ yV

|M>feS9 of ^^ ipqbttaitfan^- ^

fnifiatiuMtJ^ t^n-thi^M^' mt^tuite* \tx tSn^h pf briiffir
furity Jir jUdct. Miutrattd ^«f. lo ere^ iMtrdietfw-

at tmeieilt aim Atrntmih ^- lAa UkI ealtinted ^lite. 'Hw

tf&ry OM0My> 61^ rV oA^' fblfowh^ cluu»ctef' >f « gfltf)

wCTWfif </ lAeir eleeiim <if t^. loljicr tSmU * AmmiUUe ipcr

,^cn«, Bottoa^. Jufu9, 18Q8.. dmea of - the aBitlur*a talent%

By Jambs Eb»4LL, tt.u. and presents » TO«lBl-ift)tttr«l

■^Bttff- qr t^Jlrtt ckttreAiri (&vout imitation.

^^naoMffl, Boston. MatirOe " i*" itrcngthen Se ttmUfliut tf '

fcFnuidi. 1806. '^ hyfcllo«-du-«M,iia»«ta',berffc*'

— . , being arqualnted iMl tbatiaHar

Few aeriDons are intrai|iiped at, musi be fired Ma alorc of hfi

iqore beautifully * tbin thh. The cwrnn. No mun wkv U net asji;

■iLeUh of He»ekiah'> wlmini irfoi c!ui be r.t fbr i*)Mtec Wfa.

i«mi-n. «lectMfor . text, ^^^T'S «*-SlJ^,J

Iwrly adapted to the author's ■bovU pwen this confidrace, h)

purpose. He nunifests uncom- vonldbeltabl^ to libtue itfc; bccon.'

mon ingenuitf in deriving from '"If ■ V*!^!;. '^* '"'? ^ " P"*'l5

Ihathislorical sketch ^ostim^ i„"^XfS:;v^£*^;5

portant and appropnate hinU be influeneed by * Mfsfd to th« p5.

respecting the present situation lie nwd. He wiB r^ ivpcrtor to.

of our cwuRtryi and tiie difty of fn? '0«>d or f^Hy stteelimaHs, and

enthfed " C&eap Aa^

A UrgepRBortioaoftlic ereellent aodiuefidvall^
«7 Insets,* vasfrdiAdiepcaofthiipianasadiafi

7.3

Mr, Kendall's Sermon.

92»

k; .sufiar himself to become ^he
I or Uie ihitrumcnt of a fjhction.
batriot breast will diidain to bar*

a spirit, tbat would immolate

half of his countrymen with the

ol^ ruling and reigning with the

/Equally ininiicaT wiU he be to
boasted philanthropy, whose co«
1 ftrides to Iratemize the whole
i, are stained with the blood and
lod with the yictims of all its
u His benevolence for his kind
never wage war with his aifec-
Sar his kindred. His friends are
licmis of his country, and he is
nerny to those only, who are at
with its rights and liberties,
lam^iage of his heart is, and the
i is inscribed upon every enter-
!» ** If I forget thee, O Jerusa-
,let my right hand forget her
i^. If I do not remember tiiee,
y tongue clcaie to the roof of

BOttth."

HThen a knowledge of the milita-
t is animated by a spirit of pa-
sm, it wiU seldom fail of bcmjg
npanied with true valour. This
itner essential requisite in the
icter of a soldier. Not that
ige, however, which wotild lead a
vkMy and unnecessarily to ex-
kia life to dan^r. Not that
Jben paasion, which, rather than
« the adversities of life, tempts
a to lay violent hands upon h|m-

Notthat false, impious conr-
vUch under the influence of
■al revenge, sooner than lose
laasure of quenching the fire of
taient in the blood of a fellow
sr, looks to heaven, and chal-
9 Oasnipotence to preserve tlyat
which it has challenged man to

oy But that true bravery,

a» m obedience to the call of ita
ry. iirefers the post of duty,
ugn it be in the hi^ road to
sT and to death| to dishonoura-
light, or dastardly obscurity,
active, persevering valour, that
' sleeps when its countiy is in
sr...is never wf ary in vindicating
ights and defending her liber-
igainst the cncmaGhmcnts and
lation of avarice ami ambition.

magnanimity that clieerfuUy
lees private ease and emolu-

to public security, to national
erily and happineiw. That he-
irtitiide tbat nobly dares to com-

bjt public error .and vice, although it
be at the expense of public favour,
choosing rather to fall m the support
and defence of national virtue, than
to rise on llie flood of national cor-
ruption and wickedneas.

*' This is a noble characteristic of a
soldier. It is sometliing diiferent
from tJiat mechanical courage that is
acquired in a crowd, or from calcu-
lations upon chance. It is something
distinct from that hardihood, which
arises from general insensibility to
evil and to good. However useful
this kind of bravery may be under
tlie direction and mai^agement of a
militar}' despot; yet it is not that
true valour, which excites admira-
tion and inspires the greatest confi-
dence. This is a virtue that arises
from reflection ; from a consideration
of a greater good, than length of
days ; from a belief of an existence,
that can neither be embittered nor
destroyed bv the wrath of man ; from
the hope of a reward for noble and
virtuous actions, more sure and mqrc
lasting than national gratitude or pop-
ular uvour i froui the prospect of a
crown more honorarv and glorious
than the laurels, which the hero gath-
ers in the field of battle.. .more im-
perishable than the marble, on which
IS inscribed the conqueror's fame.
This godlike virtue is the ofl'spring
of religion, and is nourished by piety.
And we have said, that these are not
onJy consistent with the character,
but are the bnchltjest ornaments, tlio
most honourabEe insignia, the safest
and moat complete armour of a aoi-
(lier.

« With these the pious king of Tu-
dah was adorned, and by them also
he was strengtliened. They gave
beauty to his character, and 'energy
and splendour to his actions. We
admire and commend his vigilance
and activity in fortifying his cities
and preparing for resisttance. But
we venerate more his humility and
piety in trusting in the God of Israel ;
ami, in addition to his own exertions,
repairing to the tiironc of the Most
Higli, and beseeching Him, in a time
of trouble and danger, to be llio shield
and refuge of his people. Wc ap-
plaud his wisdom and prudence in
seasonably ciivanixing his forces and
amply furnishing them with instru.
mentacl' defence. Butwearccliarm*

8» 2)rt>'/wAn^tSMMaltA- fl^^M^

«i«m<mlJ, notfccwW i»*h> height thB eiiti of hb «iiMnnc hmAM*
H«Mrmgth<^hiiWdlii NMtn tba 0^irtlMMi*MCMM,h«M9aMit
MMbcr Old dhdiane of hH troop* r wfthMrt » on^- in awMhw mmcj-m)
but in tb« wiadoDi nd iL-ongOi of Mil m in tbk. - Aid if Ui ^afrat'
thM AMN, wliick brhcedi mIvMimi, faMR ami .tfeMdaaUa JWMta .Mtf
MdjMMtek «rrM7. TKhvuthe bin te wkaMV k«^ JM^W ta*
ctanidf/aDMWMnmMtttoUapBo. Mhar ba ■adlthtMd; 4^ na IMV
Bfe.^4wmUMdaiatfnr*iH*c, br bnud af a Mm <MbtM«^ VMl
vUdkWrouMdtlMnitoMihtanee, hMer«but«lMb«lM7«« wMiM
aai taf4Rd then whh andMnited fimiW!' 'lhaaaatkMi.toaMf%'
l*«nrr agdrnt the enoBj. -For' nMm Um* mm b» -Gg^-.^piHf
ibenbeiiwRtrithuthaRwirlihim:'' ikwMba«MmAv«4MB«ain<v^
WM Urn ii an un or lleihi b«' «NvaiWtbt kttlMM«af»a»aa4<
wMiaaU OelAdatn-Oadtobeto' rtM-fca m^viM ]mn(Hm,- mmm
MiBdtoflgktiMrbattfef." a» hM« i ad .W |»: 4riN oii^nMW

atrmem •» iwrfow aM^eel;' J» il'f second disrourRt, the

.MMifdEn^ ^rvofjano/, «,<. «»jefl "f wl'idi la " Enmity lo

fum€linilyaia/iudl9tlufinwn.- Wl^". ihc followiug olycc-

Am tfOrtilim fifttw, JkmUf l'^" " "Uiwluccd, " The gospel

reason, md ytmUfld vtrtvt. " "yWcrious ( but if Cod givc%

BV Jot»p« L^THMr, JD. i). "P™ * revelation, lie will give

Pmm- Xif tht Jint rimrtk im- ^'^'^ S""' " '' '^"''' **" *""*"'

ITw SfiringJUU. WoreNtett' "*** "J^" "1'"^'' l""^ Doctor

iMiahThofiUiJTui. iBOft. ■ "^J^**

T»TthewtlK>rofthe««r- SSSTeSIIrfllfJi*^

noM ii a mu of goiiiu, U ele- pHmmimfvaa Mtnaaa into it,

SUM vritcr, and a wcH iaformed w<U eontun «qBM tUnfa, wUcfa. tW

»iBf, the jrablic are idrcady »««1M>'« •■&»*• on ^nntko ii

conriDcrf by uadsniaMe proof. SdSSS-S'SUbto S 2?^

Betidn a Luvc DUoberor ain. •«M^rcbUiM>iic«a : I^TaSS,'

gle diacetiraca, three vohimet of dskoM evciy tUaf.iviileh «n ate, m

ienBonahadobtuaedancxlcntiTe **■ ^S*^ tli«Hi^«i of nituc eea-

citciilttion, before the publico- »fW"M.g«eat«B|diiiacrut«Ua w"^

^ofthatttHderreview Attbe ^ TJ^^^H^^J^

Doctofaageanacceaaofrcputa- ptcMwe, a^ ferekoovli^Qr Co<

noDianot ordinarily to be ex-' weMUWaplimUe, Mtbedoatr^ef

pected ; but eren in thia reapect tlto T>rinilj. Ilio ooniKxion of bodj

he win loae nothing by the pres- ^" ""."^ "»-*" ■>• ■VMerimia. ••

tbe uiqomrf' the divine and bunm

nous, and maay of them pecut- Moriilpic« in Mpportin^ ourfraaa,

iarly inicrcstin^. From thefirat diicctuyour motioni, and orenvlitw

■ermDn, " On the folly of Athe- ?"' •"*«>■ » •• M"»e»riJi»I>Ie, •■ ib«

i»m,"we mak,:tbc foUowinc «- J"",'^,'^™'!*^^'^'? '"•"inT'-l

. 1 * to tlie teiaper, and Mawtuir na lo tbe

tract.

"If it were true. tbM there ii no
6«<1, what evidence cmi the AtheUt
)!»-«, tluit he sIkUI not exist and be

p.v», thai nc tli»U not exiBt and be ,«,, m the M.unectioti of the A»d
iiuwrMble after de.Ui i How came be aft« feir bodioa .re mingM wiS
" WliaUvrr w the dirt. 1^ «if>wm inject ftTrtQ^

1B07.] Dt. Lathrop*s Sermons. 527

l»euiM ve find in it doctrines, which world, a much greater number of

we cannot comprehend, we shaU not sinners, thaii of saints ; and it is not

long retain natural religion, whose credible, that a merciful God will

doctrinetf are quite as iiicontprehen- doom to misery so great a proportion

sible. £rery man who pretends to of his intellij^ent creatures."
believe any thing about religion, must ** But do >ou seriously tliink, that

believe tlie eternity, omnipresence, the number of siii'icra is a reason,

foKknuwle<]ge and universal provi- why God will not punish any ? If it

dbncc of God ; the existence and im* is, then tlie greater the number, tlie

mortality of a rational mind united to stronger the reason for impunity.

mortal body ; the creation of man And consequently l>y promoting .vice.

fay the imroe«liate power of God ; and }'ou ad<l to the general safety. I lioi>a

iHir continual dependence on him for you will not act on such an opinion.

life and breatli, and for all our abili- Though the numl>cr of sinners le

tiaa and pleasures. Without a belief ever Sf> great, and tlieir combinations

•f these graml truths, there is no ever so strong, the wicked shall not

foundation for religion. Butife\'ery go unpunished. If sin indulged in

thing, mysterious is, for that reason, the heart, and practised in the life,

incredible, these must be discardecl not only deserves punishment from

with the mysteries of the gospel. The the justice of God, but tends to niis-

faifidel, who cavils at the latter, will er}' m its own nature, then the number

■at long spare the former." of sinners is no security ; for tliis v^ ill

To a sermon from these neither lessen sin's demerit, nor ar-

wohIs, Thou art goad and dost ««t its tendency. Though thousands

^ J \ I -iL .. * . *!. should, at tlje same time, be afflicted

ISood; teach mc thy statutes, the ^.^i, ^' p^„f^i disease, not one ^. ill

author has given the following fcel his own pain alleviated by th»

title, God^s goodness the hope <if aufferinga of the rest. Vice is' the

the penitent ; but no security to disorder, as well at tlic guilt of the

the finally imfienitent. In this •oul ; and the disorfer is Uie same,

-. r ftu^ ^^ I whether many or few arc infected

sermon some of the popular ar- ^^^^ ^^ ^^J „,„ tormented >vitU

guments m favour of iiniversal envy, malice, pride, ambition, and
salvation are answered with great avarice, is still tormented, thouf^h
clearness and energy—- thousands of others may indulgf)
** Tou should always keep it in the same passions. You may as well
mind, that wickedness tends to mis- expect tliat a general famine will sat-
tiT, and must, if retained, finallv ter- isfy ever}- man's hunger, as expect
minate in it. The question, there- that general wickedness will prevent
fore, is not so much concerning God's each one's miserj*. Vice will operate
immediate execution of punishment like itself in every one, who habituaU
on sinners, as concerning their bring- Iv practises it ; and every one must
li^ misery on themselves. If vou bear his own burtlen. If numbers
continue in your sins, and die in your cannot turn vice into virtue, then
Impenitence, "know ye, that vour sins numbers can be no defence against
wifi find you out, and your iniquities punishment. If it lie just to punisli
win fall upon you"—" His own ini- one sinner, it is just to punish ten,
quitiesahallUkethe wicked himself; or ten thousand. The number of
he shall be holden in tlie cords of his sinners alters not the justice of the
•Ins.* It is absurd to start cavils procedure. Human government may,
against, and study evasions of the di- on reasons of state, sometimes spare
vine threatenings, unless yon can an ofiemling multitude ; but th.-se
prove, that a wicked and 'ungodly reasons cannot operate with the De-
fife, followed with a hanlened and ilv. His iwwer is as sufficient to
Impenitent death, is, in iU nature, punish many as few. Though Xha
consistent with glorv and happiness, whole human race should rebel, his
Some, I suppose, will say, " If we are throne stands firm. He needs not the
to judge of men's characters accord- sen'ices of his crr^aturcs ; and if h^
Ing to the tenor of the gospel, there did, the same power which cnai. i
li, and probably e>er has been in the those who now cxirt, could suppl) by

Xlr« sMthfOfrM' mtftMtik

Uf^

m iMkw cKttiM At place of *B who

• -fai til ages the origin of eTil
geema to have been a subject of
l^rpleung inqoirf. No pointf
perhapSf in philosophjr or metan
phf sicsy has been more painfullx
investigated ; but the difficultiea
attending it have not diaappear>
ed. With regard to thia sub-
jcctf Qod hoidetA back the fact ^
Mm tkronCf and •fireadeth m clmii
afion it. Dr. L. has brieflj treat-
ed this subject} in a disoours^B
which has this title , Tkt mn»
and nd^eritM rf men^ not Ood^
doing9j but their own.

On the question of God*s po^
itive effciencjr in the productioA
at moral evUy our author, in
agreement with t^e divinea df
the synod of DorCt and a brge
majority of those, who have beeni
considered most orthodox, enif
braces the negnUve. He suppo*
ses, that it implies no contradict
tlon, that God should communi-
cate to man the power of origin-
ating some of his volitions. On
Ibis subject) we offer no opinion*
We only express our wish that
men on both sides would be care-
ful not to misrepresent the senti-
ments of their opponents, and
would govern themselves and
seek to influence others by fidr,
scriptural reasoning. How va-
rious soever may be the senti-
ments of our readers on the
question, they will agree, it is
believed, that the discourse of
which we are speaking, is writ-
tui with candour and ingenuity.
If the Doctor cannot satisfy, he

seems resolved not to offend.

" On the queition concerning the
Introduction of evil, vtt need go no
farther, and Yre com go no farther,
than our Saviour has gone. He sava,
** The kingdom of heaven is likeiied
unto aman, tr(to sowed good seed hi
hii field ; uid while men slept un ear

wMBt,aad

dM>. 8e *e seffSnli of IW*

■oe war fsad aaad Mli|^
ieldr F*Ma«iMosttealiBtl|ktM*l
flfo Mun to vDsm, an eacsirff bafla#Bfe
fhit.* to <he exjirtatiflMref Jhaar
Mbl Jt^ wf, <• tte Mdls%
woffMft tbsaoDd ssad svt Ike

OTeaevtBe ■agoomi Bat laa-
aie the diMreii es 'the wWbm eas f
As enesBV^ tdbsft mw^bC tihefl% is 1^

evB| eSir uirdg6ia'ittntfflHtf^"saB

■W VIV IHPBlrlBP ■■■• W Sin^B*

Itod'tiha' hbassMdar Jialtiiil Itaa*
9ssssi)^ that Ids I

#liersHiis easn9»Mt«|bMdp4rlMr

■e became so

OB so fair anr toeeaiioai lave

ed tfaevi Ihiiher oaUi^ ai^^fed*' Her

il^d na pieBS vnanit,becaBsai»pBia

needed ^besud. Witlitlds|isarf'

vaoti were ftdly satlAflad. tt'iMM

be weB, ttat we shwiji » wlaaii e#

f««|t Itonmiistad ibeiis^'*

Ttie Mlowi»gi m^H^yf^^
fierentaiibiect«ia BoiDamiiiQii aiie^
cimen of fine writiac*

<« Here we need tbf wirissitudwef
dsjT and ni||ht Ibc Isbonr and rat..
The U||;fat is sweet, sad m pfeassslt
thing it is for the ejes to behold t^
sun. Tbeaightttboi^fimMinbiels
repose, ii, however, aglsosB^ season.
The g^m we eodeamMT So dispif
by artifiipisl liafats. B«t inhea^ee
there is soaeeaof acsndlspftrtihssf
is no night there t and no need of the
sun* for the glorjr of the Lord dom
lighten it, and Jesus is the Q^
tlfereof. Here we have our seasoas
of aorrow and attction. Our joyp
are tranaient. Oar brl|^ andfaif^
dajs are miemiptod with dark Ma
stormy nights. Our smiling and
eheerfol sons are obsenred by aeovU
ing and angry douds. Death is
stalking aiomid— we see his fiighm
fbntatepSy we hear his hollow voiee.
We tremble for our children sad.
friends ; we mourn the lose of brefk-
ren and eompinlons ; we have no ae-
eoritv for our most pleaung connci»
ionii we -are .doomed to sofier tha
aiyUsh of their dissolution. Inhes^

1867.]

Lathrop^s Sermons.

529

to thiBga will be new. AU friend-
diip tliere will be the onion of pure
ina immortal mindi in disinterested
beneTolence to one another, and in
tapreme lore to the all glorious Je-
liorah.''

In the sixth particular of in-
itruction, suggested by the story
of the importunate friend, p. 215,
are many vafuable thoughts ; but
their connexion with the subject
u less obvious, than could be de-
sired. The close of the sermon
js very impressive, and calculated
to melt thebackslidin^ Cliristian.

** Remember, my Christian friends,
the kindness of your youth, the love of
your espousals, when you went after
Christ in the wilderness. Remember
yeur former fears and distresses un-
der a conviction of your sins. Rc-
nember what earnest applications
vou made to your Saviour, and what
Icind answers, in due time, you re-
ceived. Remember what comfort
yon felt, when you could call him your
Saviour and friend, and could appro-
priate the evidences and tokcnb ot'iiis
bve. Remember your i'ornicr zeal
fer his service, and your professed
de^cation to him. Has your zeal
languished, and your love waxed cold ?
Remember, how >-ou have received
and heard ; how you have resolved
and promised \ and hold fast and re-
pent.**

"IfMAJwrf treat with indifference
the-caHs and invitations of tlie Sav*
iour : >*et iHio would expect this from
/0V^ IMyonnot promise tliat }ou
irould be hoiine*s to the Lord, and that
aU your works, like the first fruits,
dmild be consecrated to him \ What
faiiquity have ye found in him, that
yoir should depart from him and ^ alk
after vanity ? I beseech you by tJie
nercfes of Christ, by your own expe-
rience of his mercies, and by tlie
promises^ which you have mode, tliat
jaa present yourselves living sacrifi-
ces,* holy and ai*ccptMbie» which is
jjour. reasonable service."
' The twcnty-first discourse is
entitled, ^' The pernicious ef-
fects of an inflamed tongue."

The ioti^ue w ojirty &c. Jumes
ill. 6. BishopLatimer saidof Jo- • q^ r^-;*„^% .-IL«- /.'-^^^v ;.
tMi 8 message to the Nmevitcs, /ore king Edwardttk, 1550.
No. 11. Vol.11. Uuu

" It was a nipping sermon, a
pinching sermon, a bitinj^ ser-
mon, a sharp biting sermon."*

We know of no language more
descriptive of the discourse un-
der consideration. Ti.c reader
may judge by the following spe-
cimen :

•• There is one obsen'ation more,
which, ihoujch not mei.tioned l.\ (ur
apostle, yet uatuvklh ariseb fiom cur
subject; namely, tf.at this jr.fciiial
heait, which usually sets ilie tciigue
on lire, and rendei-s it very voluble
and loquacious, sometimes causes a
•well and stiffness, which is accom-
panied by a tullen taciturnity. This
symptom, though not so exten8i\ely
mischievous, as the inflammation,
which we have described, may be :i»
painful to the patient, and as vc xutious
to the bystanders. We read c»f some ,
who were brought, by their friends,
to our Saviour to be cured of tlieir
dumbness. Whether this (himbncss
was caused by the impotcnc-jr of tlie
or^an, cnr l)y the wilfulnesf of the
mind, it is not said. ■ But whatever
might be the immediate cause, tiit-ic
was a satanical operation at the I>ot-
torn. The pntienis are expios^ly
said to be " possessed of tie devil/'
to have a •• dumb spirit." And
" when the devil was cast out, the
dumb spake.*'

Few authors manifest a more
productive genius, or more ex-
tensive theological information,
than Dr. L. His mind, in no
degree enervated by years, still
displays its rich, undiminished
treasures, to the improvement
and joy of believers. His ex-
cellence, as an author, appears
in his descriptive, practical, and
devotional performances ; rather
than in those which are contro-
versial. Though it ought to be
acknowledged^ that the sermons
he has published against Deism
and Atheism are potent and irre-
sistible in point of argument.

530 Letters from the Missionaries in India. JiJpfilj

Hit sr3rle, though not perfectly his ftyle is a complete model ;

free from fuults, possesses, in a there are few works, which arc

high degree, that case, perspicu- better suited, than this, to regu-

ky, and force, which are so es- late the taste of young men, who

sential to pulpit oratory. Tho' contemplate the ministry, and to

we cannot say of' Dr. Lathrop, form them to a manly i impres*

nor perhaps of any writer, that sive, and divine eloquence.

Beiigiouie( 3[nte{(igcnce.

amcBXT coMMVKJCATxoNs raoM and to participate witSi^ dcEght in

INDIA. tlioM Ikbours of each other which

** Our Magazine hat never, probahiy, have fur their object the gloty of the

heeti Mr vehicle oj intelligence more Kedccaier aDd uie welfare of man-

interetting anU pleating, than that .kiiul.

Vfhii'h \oiU befttund in the foilt/wing Tiiese ideas have aeldom beeii

fifiges. No one vtho puttetsee any more fully impressed oa our miiuLt

•ituature of the Chrittian spirit can than when we heard of that instaiKc

Jail to rejoice, vahen ne tees that thtf of CUrUtiau liberality and attachment

/{<}/} Scriptures, the vford* of eternal to the cause of tlko Redifcmcr, which

tife, are ukdy sow to be translated you have exhibited in aid of the

into all the inost important and rx- tfanidjition of the $acred Scripture*

tensive languages of. the Mast, and to into the languagea of the East. £m-

he read by the vtany miUions of wen |ployed- in a part c^f the globe so re-

vaho inhahit that most populous par- moic from you, and personally un-

tion (^ our globe. Those of our UHtu- known to most of you, j^idge what

trytnen vhiu iiave liberally cootribuied ■ Wrere our feelines when we heard

to promote thi» benevolent enterprise, that you'had» wilnout the least solici-

viiil receive some additional pleasure tation on our part, inttrested your-

iu reflecting, that as. the sun of revc- selves in so effectual a manner, in

lation rose in the Hast and pursued . that arduous yet delightful work, in

his course till this Wentern vtorldsoas which the Lord has bidden us enga&;e

enlighteiiti by his rays, so they have ibr the sake of his people yet to be

been, in a Ttieasure, instruviental in gathered from among the heathen.

rejlectiv.g bock his beams to the region . For this* display of Christian |^-

un vthicn they had' first damned, but laathropy wo entreat you to accept

frorm vihich they had been long and #ur Warmest thanks, not merely on

'iixournfidly ti'it/uirtiiaji." As. Mag. oor own behalf, but In behi^ of those

heathens, who, tliough at present un-

To the Citristian congregations in the- conscious oryour compassion towards

United States ^ %\iho have contributed tlicm, shall, nevertheless, bless YOU to

their ai'ltuviards the translation of all eternity for having thus contributed

the SacrcJ Scriptures ititu- the Ian- to unfold to them, the pages of evcr-

guages of tite Kast. huting truth.

DBARI.Y linLovKD BRETHREN,- 11 Will gi've you jil^asure to hear

Among tliose principles iniplantcd that tiic Loixl has so smiled upon thi*

in the hcail by the Holy Spirit, none work,. as to enable us to put to press

is more amiable, more fully demon- versions of the Sacred Scriptures in

strative of our being made partakers fi\-o of the caste;ii ianguagcs, the

of the divine nuturc, or produelivc of Sliunscrit, tlic UindoosUiannee, the

more happy elTeets, tlian that of Bengalee, tlic Maliratta, and the

Christian love. Thi;; removes alldis- Orissa ; and to go forward in prcpar-

tance of place, overlooks all poculiru*- ing versions in five more of these lan-

itics of name and rh^nonination ; and guag^s^ the Chinese, the Persian, the

unites in the firmest bonds all those Telinga, the Gugui>atle, and the hin-

wlio serve the bame Lord, causing guages of the Sciks.

them tu bear each otiier's - burdens. In. this laborious and extensive

1807.] Letters from the Missionaries in Jmiia.

vmk, we tlcriw Tcrj* great cncour-
iilgement from the . countenance and
4iipport of our dear Chrihtian breth-
ren in America, as Mxrll as in Eu-
rope ; and -m-e hejf kave to assure
you, that everj' degree of Riipport af-
fofftled shall he npplicd to the fiir.
tberance ^rf tlic M-nrk in the most
fiuthful and economical manner.

We ocmskin, dearlv beloved bret^i-
reiiy moat aftectionatcly yours in our
/common Lord,

W. Carey, J.CiiAim,
J. Marsh MAN, Josii va Howe,
W. Wakd, Wm. Rom.vson,
R. Mabdo.v, Feltx Carey.
J. Bxss,
JUigtion-lwuse, Seramporc^
Ocf. Uth, mjf).

Xxtract f}f a Letter from the Misiiotf
ariet to Capt. Wicket .
—•'Think, dear brother, what tlie
king of Zion has done for India, since
Tou first, in 1799, brought out mis-
sionaries ; not merely by .our means,
but in a variety of ways : %rhat a pro-
cres^ in the tnuislation and distribu-
tion of the word of G<id into so many
languages spoken by so manv millions
of men; howmanythousamlsof mis-
sionary tracts have gone all over Hin-
dostan, how many naiives have been
baptized, and some lamlcd safe in
fflor\' ; what a'broad foundation laid
lor-tlie ^ture exten.sion of the gospel j
what an inrrcarc of missionai*}'
strength. Ef)iscopal, Independent,
and Baptist, beside the number of
native iUneriints. How emphatically
true respecting India, « Bchohl, the
fields are already white for the har-
vest.** Let this be acknowledged as
aconstant and infallible proof that ymi
bave not run in vain, neitlicr laboured
}n vain.

To Mr.yoteph J^astl/urn, rUladdphia.

DEAR BROTITER,

Captain Wickes tells me that I
sm a letter in your debt. Excuse this
omission, of which, indeed, I was not
conscious. Our dear captain can tell
▼ou how fidl our Iiands are. I have
fceen reading a proof now, till my eyes
smarted so tnat I was induced to throw
myself ou the couch to rest them. I
now begin to write to you.

By this voyajje of our dear captain,
we have received in comfort two
brethren 9nd their wives : and we are

row eleven missionaries. Ex( cf 1
brother Chamberlain, wo art-, u1m\
all at Scram|K)rc. You know the
English company don't like the Hin-
doos to be comerted, and it is a pj-^t
of their charter that thcv m ill not
do any thin^ to change their relig-ir.n.
They, also, allow none (excej)t bysul^
ferance) but their owji sen-ants to set.
tie in the countrv. We have hcin,
also, lately prohibited by the p^vi vn-
or from intcrferir>g with the prijiuH-
ccs of the natives, either by preach-
ing, distributing tracts, sending out
native itinerants, &c. In shori, the
governor said, as he did not attem|'t
to <listurb the prejudices of tht- n.i-
tives, he hoped we should not. Tims,
if we were toobc\ this request, in its
literal meaning, we must give up
CUP M'ork .•dtogether, and ir.stead i>f
waiUir^ fresh missionaries, we ini;:!it
reship those we already have. Wwx it
is impossible to do this. We axoid
provoking the government, but we
dare not give up our work at the com-
mand of man. We have written
liome on the subject, and sought re-
lief from these painful restrictions,
but what will he the result we know
not. In the mean time our junior
brethren are pitting the languages,
and as soon as we can place them in
separate stations, we ^^hall. At pres.
cut the go.spel sound has .spread so
extensively that we have now ni<»re
inquirers than we have in general
Dnr native brethren, too, arc not idle.

The school, translations, printing;-,
college, See. &c. ai"e concems so
weighty that there is no ap])caran(e
of tlie governor's n^rietion at tlje
Mission-house. All is bustle here,
morning, noon and niglit.

This IB the time for you, American
Christians, to pray for the Seramporc
mission, for God only can open to ns
an efTectual door. " He opcncth nnd
no man shut teth."

•* r^r when- his •ervaati hav« hit r%\jv \f* rl'ad,
Niir rtr^s, niir oioantalni cm thHruMim.' tn<vc<t«-,
laternal i>ower« an' ■IIlhi u tiua<Hl,
H«v«n,nr*Ji, and hell endalm, thi« U Itie Son of <;'h1. •'

Brother Wickes will give you all
the news about us.

I am, my dear brotlier, yours very
cordially, W. Wauo.

Seramjiore, Oct. 15, 1806.

l^Some obitruetiont are made to the ex-
trtimu of the mUti^nariet by the gov-

532 Letters from the Missimaries in India* Z^prii^

emmental agent* in Mia, TheprC'
ceding letter viill serve to explain the
nature and cauie rif these obstructions.
Some of our readers may need to he
informed that Serampore, fifteen
W4les only from Calcutta^ is a Danish
settlement, vthere the m,issionaries are
both protected and encouraged in their
^Dork, and nhere the " mission houst^
is erected. Captain Wickes being in*
fortn/ed that the m,issionaries whom
he last took out m.ight nieet vaith
something unpleasant if he landed
tJiem at Calcutta^ to vbich he vtas
hound, carried them immediately to
Serampore. The British superintend*
ant xorote to the Danish governor of
Serampore^ inquiring abmtt the mis'
sionaries, ana vfhether he considered
them as under the protection of the
Danish government. The Danish
gcnernor returned the folhviing an'

To C. T. Martin, Eiq. Magi$trRte.

SIR,

I have been favoured with your let-
ter of the 13th instant, informing^ me
that Messrs. Chater and Kobinaony
two missionaries recently arrived at
Serampore in the American ship Ben-
jamin Franklin, had, among other pa-
pers, produced a certificate with my
signature, stating that they reside at
Serampore imder the protection of the
Danish flag*, and in consequence there-
of you wish to be informed at whose
stiggt'Stion, and under whose patron-
a 'c, these gentlemen left England, or
ivliether thcv have come out under the
promise of protection fn)many person
en the part of his Danish majesty.

With regard thereto I beg leave to
inform von, that some vears bark, and
at a time when several members of
the Baptist society took up their resi-
dence at this place, the former chief,
now deceased, colonel Bie, reported
to his superiors in Europe their arriv-
al, and that an additional number of
them might l>e cxiH'cted hcreaficr,
requesting, at the same time, ]>ermi»-
sion for them to stay, as they appear-
ed not only to be good, moral, but al-
so well informed men, who, in many
respect*, might be useful to this set-
tlr'mcrit ; upon which an order was
issued to the chief and council, dated
Copenhagen the 5th of September,
1801, not only granting full permis-
sion for them to establish themselves

here, but alio to protect them, bo(
doubting but they, as good citi»ni,
would pay due obedience to our laws
and regulations.

The certi6cfte' grnuyted bjr ne is
founded upon this high order, and as
Messrs. Chater and Robuison wm
represented as bdoogioK to tlie mar
sion society (which is reuly tiwcase)
I have acknowledged them u sech,
and extended the protection to them.
The persons alleded to, can, there-
fore, not be considered as reftigoes ot
poor debtors, merely under a tempo-
rary protection, but must be looked
upon as countenanced snd protected
by his Danish majesty himself» as
long as they continue to livie in a seU
tlemeqt subject to his crown, and ue
found to pursue only their respective
professions, i^thout attempting inno-
vations, which X, from their aniform
good conduct, have reason to expect
will never be the case. •

I have the honour to be, Idc.

Extract of a Letter firom the Misshit
ones to Robert Ralston^ Zsq* dated
Serampore, Oct, 16^ JQ06.

ITKRT DEAR SIR,

We have heard with gratitode of
the generosity of several individuals
respecting the procuring and forward*
ing benevolent aids to the trans-
lations of the word of God. We have
also heard of your many personal exer-
tions to promote the subscriptions
throughout the United States.

VeiT dear Sir, we feel ourselves in-
capable of expressing our sense of
these many marks or Christian love.
We doubt not but the g^at Head of
the church looks down with peculiar
pleasure on tiiese disinterested proofli
of love to him and his cause on earth :
and we hear him saving (of you and
a great many) of the distinguished
friends of tWs his cause, *• Verily I
s.iy unto you, they shall in no wise
lose tlieir reward." We know, Sir,
you do not work for reward ; but the
approbation and smile of Jesus are
belter than life itself; and this is our
joy, that those who express their love
to us, for the sake of the cause in
which we are engaged, so far as it is
under tlic mllucnce of the divine Spir-
it, shall be rewarded, though we are
not able to do it.

Captain Wickes, who, when here,
is alwa}-s one of us, will communicate

Obituary.

533

U oiir state, internal and ex-
, Tile cause is makings V^^K'
vaf^ we are constantly taught
• not by might, nor by power,
Jie Spirit of Jehovah.

Robert Ralstox, Etq.

«AR SIR,

kind favour I received by Mr.
of the Bainbridge, and your
bjr the — , giving- an account
Iner sunx of two thousand dol-
lerously coUected in America,
purpose of assisting us in the
ion of the word of God into
item languages. I need not
t this and what we received
Btinbridge, shall be faithfully
to the purposes for which it
(t. A public Jetter from our
lody will inform you what we
ready done, aad whai we are

t a mercy it is that we may be
ed to do any thing for Christ,
t he docs not reject us and our
1 too.

e no need to say miieh about
irs, because our dear friend,
Wickes, will inform you of
n, much better than I can do
uig. Suffice it to say th&t the
r pod is gradually going on,
finance days occur without
Idition from among the hea-
Jid inquirers frequently come
fferent parts, some of whom
r seek, but find. We have met
me obstructions from govern-
R'hich arc to us Iiigiily afflict-
It, I trrist, a gracious God will
U these things to work together
dly for the furtlicrance of the

e are some very encouraging
■s in Calcutta. Till our public
ing was slopped, there was a
ody pf the natives daily attend-

ing on the gospe! ; mnd since the pro-
hibition, some Armenians and Portu-
guese have taken so decided a part on
the side of the gospel that one of them
is fitting up a part of his house for the
express purpose of having preaching
in it to the Hindoos, and anoUier house
has been, also, opened by another
man through their suggestion. These
are circumstances which give us great
encouragement, and will, I hope, be
the occasion of gp*eat good.

How it ncjoices my heart to hear
such good tidings from America. \
find there are still very glorious dis-
plays of divine grace in many parts,
and that the greatest part of those
awakened in Uie late remarkab^ re-
vival, turn out well : nothing wdl so
efie^alfy silence all objections to the
word, as the suitable conduct and
conversation of those who were the
subjects thereof.

I am greatly pleased with the ma-
ny attempts to spread the gospel
through America, by itineraiKies and
missionary excursions. The journals
published in the Magazine were to
me a treat indeed. I hope that the
spirit of missions will increase a hun-
dred fold throughout the United
States.

Pray has a mission to St Domingo
been evjcr thought of ? It is a very &-
sirable thin^ that the inhabitants of
that extensive island should hear of
and know him, who can make them
fm indeed.

- - - Cease not to remember, at a
throne of grace, the cause of the Re-
deemer in India, and one who is jfourt
ver}' aflTectionately.
Calcutta^ 28rA Oct\ 1806. W. C abet^

(l5* Further extraeU from theie
interetting iettert V)iti be frtMented m
our next Number,

£)bituarg.

\PHICAI. SKETCn pF THE

REV. DR. STILLMAN.
UEL SriLLMAN, D. D. WAS

Philadelphia, Feb. 27. 1757.
s educated at an academy in
ston, S. C. where he was or-

dained in Feb. 1759. The same jtwt
ho took his degree at Philadelphia
College, and settled in the ministry
on James' Island, near Charleston,
S. C. Obliged on account of his iU
healtbi to quit that place in about

53i Biographical Sketch of Dr. Stillmon. \Aprily

eighteen months after his first rcsi-
cU^ncc there, he removed to Bordcn-
tpwD, N. J. where he continued two
years, supplying tu-o different ronjyre-
^tions. Afterward he visited N<^u--
£ng^l.ind» and having officiated nt the
Second Baptist Church in Boston
about one year, was installed over the
First, Jan! 9, 1765.

Dr. Stillman was hy nature endow-
ed with a goo<l capacity, and an un-
common vivacity and (quickness of ap-
prehension. His feelings were pecUr
liarly strong and lively ; which gave
energy to whatever he did, and tmder
the influence and control of religious
principles, scr\'cd to increase and dif-
fuse his eminent piety. To tliis con-
stitutional ardour, both of sentiment
and action, which led him to enter
viiA Am 'tshole tml into <'vci^ object
which engaged his attention, he uni-
ted a remarkable delicacy of feeling,
and sense of propriety, and such
spnghtlinesB and affability in conver-
sation, such ease and politeness of
manners, and at the same time, such
a glow of pious Kcal an<l aflcction, as
enabled him to niingle with all ranks
and classes of people, and to dis-
charge all his duties as a Christian
minister, and as a citizen, with digni-
ty, acceptance and usefulness. The
lively interest he appeared to take in
whatever afiected the Jiappinc.ss (»r in-
creased the pleasures of his friends,
the gentleness of his reproofs, and the
gratification he seemed to feel in
commending others, united to Jiis so-
cial qualities, endeared him to all
who knew him.

The ijopularity of apveaclicr com-
monly declines with his years. Dp.
Stillman, however, M'as a singular ex-
ception to tliis general remark. He
retained it for upwards of 42 years,
and his congregation, whicli, upo;i his
first connexion v.ith it, was the small-
est in this town, at the aj::c of 70, the
period of his death, he left amongst
the most numerous.

As a minister of Clirist his praise
was in all the churches. For this
great work he was prepared by the
grace of God in liis early conversion,
and a diligent imppovmcnt ot'hi.^ nat-
ural talents in a course of theological
studies under the vlirection i)f the late
«*\r#;llent Mr. Hart. He embraced
wliur are denominated the dutinj^uixh-
inj^ dnctrin'f of the ^o^pcl^ or the dnc^
trt:m ^ff.^ii*'f9 as t!;i-y hi c |ummtd up

in the AtMemhl/s SharUr Catcehhm,
the doctrines of the Rcforn^imt
which were held very precious, as the
tniths of Scripture by the fathers of
New.EngJand. These doctrines he
explained and enforced with clear-
ness, and with an apostolic zeal and
intrepidity. He opened to his bear-
ers the way of salration through a
BiviNE K^DBCMEv. Though anad-
vocate for Christian candour and liber-
ality, he was no friend to modem re-
finements in theology ; but viewe4
tlieir progress with deep concern, and
opposed to it vigorously all his clo-
mience and influence. He considered
these reiinements as ctm^erou* to pure
and undeRlcd religion, and subx-ersive
4^ Christian morality, lie felt a deep
concern lor the interests of Zion. His
heart mourned at her Repression, and
exulted in her prasperity.

Dr. Stillman was fa\-oiired bv the
Anthor of his being, witli a pleasant
and most com manding\*oice, the very
tones of which were admirably adap*
ted to awaken the feelings of an audi*
once ; and he always manag^ it with
great success. His eloquence wa.« of
the powerful and impressive, rather
tlian of the insinuating and persuasive
kind ; and his manner so strikingly
interesting, that he nei-er preached to
an inattentive a'ulience. Ami even
thosf», who dissented from him in re-
ligious opinions, were still pleased
With hearing him ; for they knew
his sincerity — 'hey knew him to lie a
\!;imi\. man. Tlicn^ was a fervour in
his prayers, that seldom failed to
awaken the devotion of liis hearers j
for, ctmtin^ from the hearty it failei
nut to reach the heart* nf others. Iri
his sermons, he was animated and pa •
thetie. His subjects were often Jtu:^
trinnf^ but he commonly ilediu i*<l
practical inferences from them, and
every one acknowledged his givat
usofe.lness. He addressed not only
tlic understandings, but the hearts
and feeling"* of his hearers. He was
an exfftriwtntal preacher, laid open
the deceitfolnessof the human heait,
exhibited the various trials and com-
f )rt*5 of Clirstians ; gtiided tliem
in the way to eternal life, and led the
way,

in the chamlK?r of sickness and
aflliction he was always a welcome
visitor. So well could he adapt bis
conversation, as to comfort or to can*
tion, soothe or to awaken— just as the

1807.] Biographical Sketch of Dt. Stillman. 535

cue seemed to require. And if he
administered repnuif, it wu3 done in
so delicate and mild a manner, tbat
it oftcner conciliated evtecio, than
created offence. In his prayei'h with
tiie 6icky houever intricate the oc-
ca:iiou, he was aiwa)s both appropri-
ate and ]iij;hly devotioiial. So emi-
nent wa^ hin chai'acter lor piety, and
so universally uas he beloved, that he
waa oltcn culled to the kick and af-
flicted of ditiercnt denominations.
How many woumled hearts he has
bound up, and from liow many weep-
ing eyes he has wiped the tears au ay ;
how many thoughtless. sinners Ivc was
the means of awakening ; and how
many sai4its lie has edified and built
up unto et emal life ; how many wa-
vering minds he has settled, ajul to
kow many repenting sinners his words
administered peace, can be fully
known oidy at the great day.

The integrity of Dr. S.'s character
was such as produced universal con-*
fideDce in him. Expressive of this
was his election by tlie town of Bos-
ton, as a member of the State Con-
vention, for tlie formation of the State
Constitution, in 1779 i as aUo for the
adoption of tlie Federal Constitution,
hi 1788. In this last body he deliv-
ered a very eloquent speech in its
support ; and was considered, at the
tiipc, as having contributed much to-
wards its adoptiiin, and confirmed
many members in its favour, who
were previously wavering u])oii tlmt
question. To that constitution, he
ever after continued a firm, unshaken
irieiKl, and a warm approver of the
administrations of Washi^'Gton* and
Adams,

V In 1789, he delivered the town
Oration on the 4th of July, in which
Ike also higldy celebrated the virtues
of tlie Father of his Country.
■ The University in Cambiidge con-
{erred on him the honourary degree
of A. M. i» 1761, and the College
of Rhode Island gave him a diploma
ofD. D. in 1788.

To his church and people he was
particularly attentive, and suftered
Bo calls of relaxation or amusement to
interfere with the conscientious dis-
charge of the smallest professional
duty. His duty was always indeed
his delight, and nothing in his mind
av«r stood in apy sort oi* conii>etition
witJi it.

Uis domestic character was in per-

fect unison with the other parts of it.
Of husbands, he was one of the luost
kind and accommodating ;— of par-
ents, the most ailectionate and en-
dearing.— It pleased the Author of
Wisdom to visit him with peculiar
trials. In the course of a few \ cars
he was called to bury *even of his
children, all adults, and some of tliem
with families ; yet such was his confi-
dence in the perfect wisdom of God's
govenunent, that he was always ]}a-
tient and submissive, and his mind
lost nothing of its lively confidence
and clieeiful hope«

His habit of body, through life, was
weakly, and he was not unused to
occasional uiterruptions of his minis-
terial labours i yet he sun-ived all his
clerical cotemporaries both in this
town and its vicinity. It was his con -
stant prayer tliat" hif life and hit use-
fulne94 might run paratleL** In this,
his desires were gratified. A shghc
indisposition detamed him at home
tlie two last Lord's days of his hfc.
On tlic Wednesday following the
second of them, without any previ-
ous symptoms, he was suddenly at-
tacked, at about 11 o'clock, A. M.
by a paraUtic shock. At 10 at night,
having received a second stroke, he
grew insensible, and at 12 expired.
Could he have selected the manner of
bis death, it had probably been such
an one as this, which spared him tlic
pain of separation from a flock he u as
most ardently attached to, and a fam-
ily he most tenderly loved ; a scene,
which to a person of his feeling nuiui,
notwithstanding^ all his religion, must
have occasioned a shock. On tlie
Monday following, his ivmains were
attended to the Meeting House,
where a pathetic and ap]'«i*opriate iii*»>
course was delivered on the occasion,
by tlie Rev. Dr. Baldwin, pastor
of the 2d Baptist Church in thia town,
from 2 Tim. iv. 7, 8, to an immensely
thronged and deeply affected assem-
Llv ; afler which his remains wci'e
carried to the tomb, amidst the re-
grets of a numerous concourse of peo-
ple, who crowded around his bier, to
take a last look at the urn, which con-
tained the relics of him, who once to
them was so dear, but whose face
they now should see np more. His
loss will h)ng be felt, not only by his
own immediate Society, but all his
other numerous friends.

T*As niemcrj of the juH /- bles:id

536 To Correspohdems. \^ApriL

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

The Biographical Sketch of the Rev. Wm. Coorva* has- come to hand and
■hall appear next month.

We have received the Reraarka of' CofiditlM*, oDthe Extract from Sennc-
bier'» Histoid' of Literature, [see Panoplist for Sept.] which contains an ac-
count of Calvin's treatment of Servetus. Thia respecuhle correspondent will
excuse us if we decline publishing his objections in the manner in which they
are brougiit forward. Were they reduced to a concise and specific form, and
accomp>anied by proper references to authorities, we could have no objection
to their admission ; as truth is our object. Were we to admit the whole
communication of CandidM, aait now stands, it would still be a question, wheth-
er we are to submit to tiis authority or to thae of Sennebicr. EspeciaUy
when we consider, that the extract from Sennebier,^ which we published,
received the sanction of tlie late learned Dr.- Erskine, who was intimately con-
versant with ecclesiastical history, and with European literature.

We readily admit tlie correctness and pertinency of many of the remarks
of Candidu*. Witli some abatement in respect to the characters and conduct
of the first Reformers, we could subscribe to die following obsen-ations.
** It cannot be contested that the Reformers were pretty generally," we should
say, in too frequent instances, ** actuated by a blind, intemperate zeal against all,
whom they suspected to be enemies of the gospel of truth, and embraced too
oflen, improper methods fur its support, uhich by tlie more candid and Chris-
tian sentiments of our day, are disapproved. Caivin too was a son of Zebedec.
Francis Davidis also cxperieBccd, that even Socimu was, in this respect, not
more tinctured with the meek doctrine of our humble Saviour. It becomes
us to state historical facts fairly \ then we may try, as far as truth will allow,
to lessen their faults, who greatly sinned tlwough ignorance. Let the parity
of our doctrine and lives be their severest condemnation, and the mouth c2f
unbelief shall be stopped forever.*'

The following are pertinent and fbrciUe obnervationsof Candidas, intended
to ex|x>se one of the pleas of Sennebier in favour of Calvin. ** Had Sennebier^
tfi extenuate Calvin's guilt, fairly acknowledged this instance of human weak-
ness, and expatiated on Calvin's piety; on his eininent services in the cause
of Christendom ; on his elegant, learned writings ; on that masterly piece of
composition, his preface, and I had nearly said, unequalled dedication to Fran-
ci:i I. ; on his modesty,^ as a divine interpreter, and his disinterestedness ;
had iic even concluded with his panegyrist fieza, that Calvin kft us in hi* life
ami death an cxatnplej xohich it tooM wore easy to aiander than to imitate; had
Sennebicr delineated, with few strokes, the turbulent sjiunt of democracy rank-^
ling in every breast at Geneva, Calrin'shigh authority in that cit>', witli his
uncontrolled power in tlie chureli, as President in the assembly ot'ihe clcrf^
und ecclt'siaslical judicatory ; had he shown this reformer exa.spcruted by
the virulent invectives of his haug;{ity antagonist, and urped his irritable tcm^
per unused to brook opposition, he might have induced bis readers to deplore
the frailty of Calvin, and to avert thoir eyes from a foul spot in such a bright
character. But what friend of Calvin can bear with patience Senne)>ier*s plea t
**Calvin*s situation was delicate. The Catholics accused him of dangerous
errors. Had he ren^ned an indifferent spectator of the proces» against
Scnetus, tliey would hare pKinounced him a favourer of his opinions." •» Had
Servetus escaped, his gross and abusive charges against Calvin uxMild have
appeared to be well founded." If Calvin's conduct will admit no better apolo-
gy than this, his character, we freely gnint, deserves to be stigmatiaed.

If, aflcr the foi-egoing remarks, CundiJus shall feel disposed to form'ardua
his remaining com niunicatiuns on this subject, they slialt be treated uHth the
respect due to their author.

Z. on Cliristian Zeal, aiui the Biographical Sketch by Theophilu9 shall ap-
pear next month.

Our other currcspomknts shall be attended to a*) fast as thft limits of our
work will admit.

THE PANOPLIST;

OR,

THE CHRISTIANAS ARMORY.

No. 24.]

MAY, 1807. [No. 12. Vol. II

OStograpf^s.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE REV. WILLIAM COOPER.

A PASTOR OF TUB CHUBCH IX BRATTLE STREET, BOSTON.

The early years of Mr. Coop-
er were distins^uished by presa-
ges of that eminence, which in
future life he actnally attained.
A vigorous mind, intense aj)pli-
cation, and an ardent thirst for
knowledge marked Iiis child-
hood. Blest with a religious ed*
Tication, he exhibited, even at
this period, hopeful evidences of
piety ; evidences which bright-
ened with his years, till all who
kn«w him were convinced that
the grace of God had taken pos-
session of his heart. At his fa-
ther's death, his lovely and af-
flicted mother found in him a «on
qf consolation indeed. His ten-
der and sympathetic attentions,
in this trying scene, were min-
gled with a aerioufmetts^ which
gave them a double value.

His progress in the branches
of knowledge usually taught at
school, was rapid. But the /?/-
ble was his chosen companion ; '
and with the greatest assiduity,
he stored his mind with its sa-
cred truths. He had eaVly set
his heart on being a minister of
Jeau3 Chriat ; and from this
chdice he never Swerved.
No. 12. Vol.IL Www

At seven years old, while
hearing a sirrmcn of Mr. Col-
man, with whom he afterward
was colleague, he was so attract-
ed by the eloquence of his man-
ner, that he went home with a
determination to read like him ;
a circumstance, which drew from
that venerable man (who surviv-
ed him, and preached on his
death) the following affectionate
and humble remark. '* I ouijht
to thank God, (says he) if I have
served any way to form him for
his since eminent pulpit ser-
vices, and in particular, his meth-
od of preaching Christ and Scrip-
ture. So a torch may be Ut at a
farthing candle J^

Mr. Cooper's youth, thoii3;h
passed in the midst of temptation,
was exemplarily pure. He was
grave, but not gloomy, nor aus-
tere ; discreet, but not precise ;
and cheerful, with innocence.
Study was his recreation. He
accurately discriminated, and
ardently cultivated those branch-
es of science which were most
useful and important. Every
literary pursuit was sanctified by
prayer, and every human acqui*

533 Biographical Sketch of Rev. Mr. Cooper. [ May,

sition rendered subservient to tlic
kaowlcagc of God and relig-
ion.

Thongh lie entered the desk
young, It was not without the ad-
vice ol the most eminent min-
isters in Boston. Tiicir expecta-
tions were high ; but they were
exceeded- lu the opinion of tlie
nblest jixigcs, hi» tirst exhibi-
tions stamped him wiih the
ctiaracicr ot an uccou»plii»lu;d
and eminent prcaciier.

The Churcu in Brutlle street,
of which he was a member,
soon chose him, with great
unaiiimiiy, as^ co-paslor witu the
Reverend Mr. Colman,allerwaid
D. L/. The ordinatiuii, which,
:wt Mr. Cooper's reiiuest, was de-
ferred Tor .1 } eat, was solemnized
May '23, 1716. From tuis peri-
od to that of his death, his muw
istcrial gills, graces and useful-
ness seemed regularly and unm-
termiitiugly to increase, and th©
more he was known, Uie more he
w.is esteemed, loved, and hon-
oured, as one who eminently ful-
filled tlie ministry which he had
received from the Lord Jesus.

As a preiichtr he Nvas miif/tCy
in the Hcn'/iiurtfty and contended
earmatly for the faiik ouce lUUv-
cfrcf to the MainiH. He was an
able and zealous advocate lor the
ilisiinguisliiuLj docirines. of the
gospel. ChriHL, th« iiliJia and
cmci,m of the Bible, was ever tho
prominent object in his. discours-
es. On the docirhitu of ^raccj
he insisted much ; considering
them as not only constituting the
sole loundalion of a snmer*s hope,
but as exl ibiling the cai-iial aids
and incentives to holiness of
heart and life. Hence his preach-
ivA was /iracticafj as well as evan-
gei'ic. It inculcated obedience

upon Christian priDciples, and b^
Christian arguments.

Hia sermons were composed
witb cait: ', easv and natural in
method ; rich in important truth;
plain, but not grovelling in style ;
solid and argumentative} yet ani-^
mated with the spirit of devotion.
They were calculated ut once to
enlighten the mind, iiuppcas the
conscience^ and warm the heart.
Ill oxi)laining the profound and
JubKme truths of the gospel^ he
had the singular felicity to be in-
teiJigible to tt^e ignoranti instruct
tive to the well-informed, and ed-
ifying to the serious. In prayer^
he renuirkably excelled. Al-
ways ready, always serious and
aninuk^.ed, with a mind stored
with scriptural ideas*and express
aions, and a heart fired with de-
votion, he settXDed to converse
with his God, and bear along hisr
fellow-worshippers to the \try
gate of heaven. He had a voice
at once powerful and agreeable,
an elocution grave and dignified ;.
while a deep impression of the
majesty of that bbixg whose
mercy he implored, and whose
B^essageshe delivered, was visible
in his countenance and demean-
or, and added an indescribable so-
lenmity to all his performances.

In his discharge of pastoral
duties, he was exemplarily dili-
gent, faithful and afiectionate.
His preaching being very accep-
table to othei' congregations be-
side his own, scarce a Sabbath
passed in which he did not
, preach both parts of the day ; in
addition to which, he frequently
performed at stated and occasion-
al lectures.

Nor were his abundant labours
in the gospel without important
and happy cficct. God was pleas-

1801,] BiograpJiical Sketch of Rev. Mr. C^per.

559

jcd to grant the desire which was
AeareBt his heart ; to make him
an instrument <>f saving good to
.many, who loved and revered
him at their spiritual father,
H« was an eminent instrument
and promptqr.of the great revi-
val of reitgioD whic^ took place
•toward .thi^ close ef his life.
With a heart overflowing with
joy, he declared, ,that %inct the
jyear 1740, more f'.f>fil& had aomcf
iimeMCome to bimin concern abota
Ihtir aoul» in one VfeeA'^ than in the
precetUng tnnenty^four i^ars of Mb
ndttiMtry, To these applicants,
he was ^ most judicious, aAec-
•Cionate .counsellor and g^ide.
Some, indeed, stigmatised those
xcmarkable appearances as nothr
jng better than delusion and en-
jthusiasm. Nor did Mr. Cooper
himself fail to bear a decided tes-
timony against the spirit of sepr
Aration, and other irregulariticf
which mingled themselves with
Abe religious conunotionsi in
aome parts of the land. Yet,
nobly .disregarding human cen*
^ure imd applause, where he
thought the honour of God was
concerned, he invariably declared
his persuasion that a remarkable
yfovV of divine grace was going
on. The numerous instances
which met him, in his ov^n circle,
pf persons affected, either with
pungent and distressing convic-
tions of sin, or with deep humilif*
ation and se]f-al;>horrencc, or with
ajQdent love to God and man, or
with inexpressibii; consolation in
religion, perfectly satisfied him
that the presence and power of
the divine reprovkr, saxctifit
%VL and COMFORTER i^s among
them.

In the private walks of life, he
displayed the combined excelr

lencies of the gentleman and
Christian. In conversation, he
was equally entertaining and in-
structive ; and while he was
courteous and kind to all within
his.sphere, he was.especiuliy val-
ued and endeaeed in thereltitions
of hnsbaiul, iather, must«r and
fiiend.

fie .lived in great affection and
iiarmony with his colleague,
.serving with him as a son with a
father- "If iu any particular
point,-'* says that great and j^ood
man, ^' I could not act witli him,
^et he evidently appeared to mc
ito act, as he professed — as of sin-
cerity, in the sight of (>od, and as
his conscience commanded him.*'

In the sermon occasioned by
Mr. Cooper's death, Dr. Colman
^expresses himself in this re-
markably affectionate style :
>' This I can truly say (as I said
in tears over the dear remain^,
on the day of interment) that had
I the like confidence of my own
flctual readinets to bt offered^ I
would much rather, for your
sikcj and the churchee through
the land, have chosen to die in his
stead, might he have lived to my
years, and seryed on to the glory
of God.''

Mr. Cooper was truly an lion-
our and blessing to his country.
Scarce any minister was more
psteemed and loved by his breth-
ren, or by the community at
large. In the year 1737, he
was chosen by the Corpora-
tion, president of Harvard Col-
lege ; but when the vote was
• priisented to the l)oard of Over-
seerSf he declined the honourable
trust. Near the period of his
death, his reputation for piciy
and learning was rapidly extend*
iag, and severa) divines of th(*

540 ShtchbfRn. TAomak Wiitwrih. [.

first character in Cngland and bridge, waa born at SoqM

Scotland sought hts correapond- He was so weak In tM

enc^. * . month of his life, that he Hi

His dissolution was sudden and en orer for dead ; but byl

unexpected to his friends, but derful phiTidence was oumi

probably not to^iniAelf. He had den recovered. While «

frequently espreased his expects- bridge, he gained grect'ii

tion of an early death. Imme- by his colfoge exereiifc^

diately on his lyeing seized with 1653 he was ihced in the fi

an alarming complaint, « . his of Newington Butts. In'li

church, anxious for his Tahiable tlement here, it was renMi

and important life, spent a day that the parishioners wei^

in humiliation and prayer. The ed into two parties, and \

aaaembly waa numerous, and ^mcaney both went with tM

deeply i^ected ; ardent ftuppli- titicms to Westminster,''^

catiiina,ming|edwith many tears, knowing the other's miari

were offered to Him who is able he was the person pitckedc

to saTc. But. the tiqie was at by both. Here he not^

!hand when he aauat be removed preached constantly, but m

'.o that better world,fbr which, by ly taught from- house tm I

lis illustiioua piety, and vmwear He gave Bibles to the pdi|

ned diligence in his Master's expended his estate, as m

•7ork, he was now mature. time, in works of charit^li

The nature of his illness de- them ; and it pleased '' tt

')rlved himt in great meaaure, give him abundant succeai

•30th of speech atid reaaon. Yet in 1660 he resigned thelM

in some lucid intervals, 'lie was Mr. Meggs, who preteai

enabled to declare that ht Tfjoteed be the leg«J rector. Mr.^' Y

in Godhia Savicmr ; i^nd likewise worth however did not Httt

to signify, by raising his hand, less*; for beside his leeltti

in reply to questions which wer^ Saturday morning at Sf:

proposed to him, that he cheerJuU thoHue's, and for some tii]

iif resigned A/« aftirit into the Lord's day evenings, wm

hands of Christ; that he had Monday nights at St. Mavgs

the 'fieace which fiaues under- (where he had a great tonc<

standings and couid leave his dy^ of hearers) he was chose;

ing testimony to the ways qfGod, the parish of St. Lawrence.

He departed December 13th, was also a lecturer of Sa«
1743, in the 5Qth year of his age. Baptist. He was indeed at
tenderly mourned by his bercav- traordiftary man ; of ain|
cd family and congregation ; ability, judgment, and pi
sincerely regretted and highly wholly devoted to God } an
honoured by the town apd the not care for convei-sing: witli
whole c'ommunity. Z. • rich, unless they could be

% ^ vailed on to be free in set

charity. He would reprov

SKETCii OF REV. THOMAS jn any person of whatever r

WADSwoRTH. lj„t ^.ji^ much pnidencOf

Thokas WAnswoRTH, M.A. with great candour, whiel

Fellow of Christ's College, Ca^- took pains to p'^*omote in ptii

1807.] Sketch of Rev. Thomas JVadsv^arth. 541

Eif |br which end he often gave this
f j rule ; ^^ If a good sense can be
>\ put upon wliat another say$ or
K' does, never take it in a bad one."
^' He was always serious^ though
frequently cheerful, and was re-
I markable for sanctifying the Sab-
' Inth. It was his usual practice,
for many years, as soon as he
was out of his bed on the Lord's
day, with a cheerful heart and
yoice to sing part of a psalm or
hymn, or to repeat the acclama-
tion of the heavenly host ; ^^ glo-
ry to God in the highest ; on
earth peace, good will toward
men ;" in order to put himself
into a spiritual frame for the
work of the day. In his family
his heart was grcatJy raised in
singing psalms. He used often
to say to his wife and other rela-
tives, ^ Don't you find a sweet-
ness in this day ? Certainly it is
the sweetest day in all tiie week."
He was mighty in prayer, and
often admonished his friends to
watch for opportunities to seek
God in private. In all his rela-
tions he was greatly beloved and
singularly useful.

When he was ejected, the la-
inentations of the people would
have nncltcd any comjiussionate
heart. At their desire, he
preached privately to one con-
gregation at Newington, and to
another at Theobalds, by turns,
without Uking any salary from
either. He afterwards had a
fixed congregation at South wark.
His charity to his distressed
brethren in the ministry was
great. He made collections for
them both at Southwurk and
Theoliulds, havinjj a singular fac-
ultv for disposing his heaix-rs to
give liberally. When in perfect
health he was thoup^hliul of
changes 9 and often prayed that

Cod would prepare him and his
for sickness and death. lot*
many yeara he performed hiti
hard, but pleasing work, under
distressing pain from a stone in
his reins, which at last brought
him to his end. After prtJ^ih-
ing his lust sermon, he endured
a week of extreme puin night
and day, in which he possessed
his soul in singular patience.
When his pains were sharpest,
be said, ^^ I am in an agony, but
not a bloody one ; what arc all
my pains to what Christ under-
went for me !" The evening be-
fore his death he was asked* how
he did ; he answered, " I have
been uiider a very sharp rod, but
it was what my heavenly Father
laid upon me ; for he has said,
i an many aft I lovcy I rebuke and
chafiten.* This is a paradox to
the world ; but everlasting arms
are under me ; and, I bless God,
he hath taken all the terror of
death away from me.** To Mr.
Parsons, his fellow lalx)urcr^ he
said, all my scllVrightcousncss I
disown ; and trust only in Christ,
hoping I have a gospel right-
eousness." When those about
him pitied his agonies, he re-
peated that texl, " the heart
knoweth its owu bitterness, and
a stranger interniecldlcih not
with its joy.*' " Vou know what
my pains are, but you know not
what my consolations arc l)h,
how sweet will my ^lory and
triumph be after thcst.- sliarp
pains!" When his rtluti-jvis Avept
about him, he was clisploased)
sayinj;, " What ! ai*w yon trou-
blw-d, that (icxi is Ci^Ii:!.^ lu>:nc
his children ? If you tb.ink 1 ar'
afraid of death, yon ii^isUilve :
lor I have no fear oi deaiii upoi
me." Under his sharpest \isn\^
no other language esicapecl hi:

542

Sketch of Rev. Thomas Goiige.

IMay,

lips, than this ; ^ FatKer, pity
thy child.'' He died on Lord's
day, Oct. 29, 1 696, aged only 46.

SKETCH or REV. TBOMAS
OOUGE.

Thomas Gouge, M. A. of
King's College, Oxford, vas sob
of the craineiit Dr. Williaiu
Gouge. After taking his de«
grees, he left the university apd
his fellowship, being presented
tp a Hying in SuiTy, wherjc he
continued two or three years,
and then renioved to St. Scpuir
chre's in London, in 1638, a
large and populous parish, in
ivhich with solicitude and pains
he discharged all the duties of a
faithful minister 24 years, i. e.
till the actof uniformily in 1662,
Beside his constant preaching, he
wras diligent and charitable in visr
iting the sick ; npt pnly minis-
tering spiritual cpunsc) and com-
fort to them, but liberally reiicvr
jng the necessities of the poor.
Every morning through ^he year,
he catechised in the church,
chiefly the poorer sort, \jrhp wer^
generally the mobt ignorant, and
especially the aged, who hac)
most lcisui*e. To encojur^ge
them to come for instruction, he
once a week distributed money
among them ; but changed the
day, to secure \\iw coiisiunt at-
tendance. Tiic pi^«»r, who were
able to ea;*ii their own living, he
set to work, buying hemp and
flax for them to spin ; paying
them for their wcvk, and selling
it, as be could, amoiif^* i)is friends.
Jn this wav he rescued many
from idleucbs, poverty and vice.

His piety towai'd God, the nec-
essary foundation of all other vir-
tues, was grciit and exeirji)Uiry,
yet stiil and quiet ; miuh nv)ve

in substance, than in show. It
consisted, not in finding lauk
with others, but in the due gor-
emment of his own life and sc-
tions ; exerching hiTmaeif aiwatn
to have a cQiuciencCf void of of"
fence tovard God and man ; in
Vhieh he vas such a proficient,
that, after long and familiar sc-
quaintance with hiixi, it was not
easy to discern any thing in htm,
that deserved blame. Such wis
his modesty, that he never ap-
peared, by ivord or action, to put
any value upon himself. In re-
gard to the charities he procure
ed, he would rather impute them
to any, who had the lea&t con-
cern in obtaining them, than as-
sume any thing to himself.

When he quitted his living at
St. Sepulchre's, upon some dis*
satisfaction about the terms of
conformity, he forbore preach-
ing, saying, ^* there was no need
qf him in London, and that he
thought he could do as much
good in another way, which would
give no ofl'ence." Afterward
however he had licence from
some Bishop to preach in Wales,
when he took his annual journey
thither ; where he saw great need
of it, and thought he might do it
with gi*eat advantage among the
poor, on account of his charities
there. He was clothed with
humility, and had in a most emi-
nent degree the ornament of a
meek and quiet spirit. His con:
vei';iution wasaffaljleand pleasant.
A wonderful serenity of mind
was visible even in hih counte-
nance. Upon all occasions he
ai)pearetl the same ; always
clieerful, and always kind ; ready
to embrace and ol)lige all men :
and, if they did but fear God and
v.ork rijrhteousness. he heartily
\q , ed them, however cU^tapt Irom

1807.]

Sketch of Rev. Thoinas Gouge.

543

bim in judgment about things
less necessary, and even in opin-
ions, that he held very dear.

But the virtue, which shone
the brightest in him, was his
charity to the poor. God blessed
him with a good estate, and he
was hberal beyond most men in
doing good with it. Tliis in-
deed he made the great bmincMB
^f hi% life ; to which he applied
himself with as much diligence,
as other men labour ut their
trades. He sustained greut loss
by the fire of London, so that
(when his wife died, and he had
jiettled his children) he had but
l50/. per ann. left; and even
then he constantly disposed of
100/. in works of ch:inty. He
possessed singular sagacity in
devising the most effectual ways
of doing good, and in disposing
of his charity to the greatest ex-
tent and best purposes ; always,
if possible, making it serve some
end of piety ; c. (f, instructing
poor children in the principles
of religion, and furnishing grown
persons, who were ignorant, with
the Bible, and other good books ;
strictly obliging those, to whom
he gave them, to read them dili*
gently, and inquiring afterward,
how they had profited. His or-
casional relief to tiie poor was
always mingled with good coun*
sel, and as great compassion for
their souls, as their bodies ;
which, in this way, often had the
best effects. For the last ten
years of his life, he almost whol*
ly applied his charity to Wales,
where he thought there was most
occasion for it ; and he took
great pains to engage others in
his designs, exciting the rich, in
whom he had any interest, to
Works of charity in general ;
urging them to devote at least a

tenlh of their estates to this
use.

When he was between 60 and
70 years of age, he used to travel
into Wales, and disperse con-
sidei*able sums of niunov, both
his own, and what he collected
from other persons, among i.m
poor, labou;nng, persecuted min-
isters. But the cliief designs of
his charity were to have poor
children taught to read and write,
and carjfuUy instructed in the
principles of religion ; and to
furnish adults the necessary-
means of i*eligious knowledge.
With a view to the farmer^ he
settled in Wales three or four
hundred schools in the chief
towns ; in many of which wo-
men were employed to teach
children, and he undertook to
pay for some hundreds of chil-
dren himself. With a view to
the lattery he procured them Bi-
bles, and other pious and devo-
tional books, in their own lan-
guage; great numbers of which
he got translated, and sent to the
chief towns, to be sold at cusy
rates to those, who were able to
buy them, and given to such as
were not. In 1675 he procured
a new and fair impression of the
Welch Bible and lilurpfV, to the
number of 8000 ; one thousand
of which were given away, and
the rest sold much below the
common price. He used often
to say with pleasure, that he had
two livings, which he would not
exchange fi)r the greatest in Eng-
land ; viz. Christ*^ Hosfiifaly
where he used frequently to cate-
chise the poor children ; and
Wales, whither he used totrnvcl
every year, and sometimes twice
in a year, to spread knowL'dgc,
piety, and charity.

While Mr. Gouok was doing

On Christian Zeat.

[A/^V

all this goocfi he \tas persecuted
even ill VValeS) and cxcommuni-
catcdy for preaching occasionally,
though he had a licence, and
went constantly to the par«
ish churches and communicated
there. But, for the love of God
and men, he endured all difficul-
ties, doing good with patienee
and pleasure. So that, all things
considered, there have not been,
since the pnnittive times of ChrH-
tianity, many among the sons of
mei>. to whom that glorious char-
acter of the Son of God might

be better applied, that " he ivent
about doing good." He died
suddenly in his sleep, Oct. S9f
1 68 1; aged 77. His funeral ser-
mon was preached by Abp. Tillot-
son, from which the above ac-
count is principally extracted.
Mr. Baxter says, ^^ He nercr
heard any one person speak a
word to his dishonour, no not
the highest prelatists themaelvesy
save only that he conformed not
to their impositions."

Ortok.

]aeiigtou0 Communicatioiur.

0:9 CIXSISTIAX ZEAL.

Few subjects in religion have
been viewed in lights so diverse
and opposite, as that of zeal.
Some seem to consider it as con«
stituting the very essence and
sum of all goodness ; l)ie/o«;.'-
dailon of Christianity, and its su-
perstructure too. Ochcrs I real
every kind and degree of it as so
much fanaticism or hypocrisy.
While a third class afitct to con-
sider it as a thiuc; indifrrcnt —
innocent perhaps — Iah yet a
mere afijuiidagv^ or rather tu-
creacence of Christianity ; su-
pcrriuous, uniiu])ortiiiu and usj-
less. To ncillitr of llii'se opin-
ions does ihe word ofCiod afibrd
any countenance. It fLiilhfully
warns us that there is a zcul
which is lalsc and noxious. And
it informs us that there is a };en-
uine and holy zeal, not indeed
BO properly constiluliuK a dis-
tinct virtue by itself, hut rather
pervading the whole spirit and
character of a Christian, and pro-
ducing the most useful and love-

ly effects. It may not be unini'
portant then to inquire into the
nature, properties and obligatioDs
of truly Christian xeal.
- Zeal is opposed to torpor and
indifference. It may be denomi-
nated an ardour and impetuosity
of mind ; or a lively, vigorous,
Mowing state and exercise of its
affections. From this general
deiinition it appears that zeal is
either virtuous or criminal, bene-
ficial or noxious, according to the
object and the mariner of its ex-
ercise. By Avay of ascertaining,
therefore, the nature and qual:-
tiesof thatzeal which may proper-
ly be styled Christian, wc will
consider it as a /icnto/ml duty,
and as a duty we owe to the
cause of God, and to the best in-
terests of our fellow men.

It hHs been justly remarked
that true zeal, like charity, be-
gins at home. Its prime office
is to connect what is wi*ong in
ourselves ; to see to it that our
own hearts be right, and our lives
exemplary. -Its most velicmcnt

On Christian ZeaU

545

ion should be directed
our own sins ; its most
s efforts, to our own
tion and improvement.
: man be much concerned
salvation of others, who
sss of his own ? Can he
ly grieved and pained for
iins, who is little affected
; own corruptions, follies

tian zeal has a place and
e in every other Chris-
ice and virtue. It im-
tenderness and ardour to
e ; a strength and activi-
:h. It renders reverei;ce
ly fear more awful ; and
ngs to the Christian's pi<*
ires. While it infuses
nto penitential sorrow, it
igour and confidence to
Dd sublimates joy in God
Alport and triumph.
% likewise an important
id use in every act of de-
It will lead us, in pray-
K)ur out, not words only,
'out breathings, intense
and, as it were, our very
o our Father in heaven,
e, it will fill us with a sol-
id delightful sense of his
\ excellencies, and infi->
iried benefits. In confes*
wiU melt our hearts into
»us and unutterable grief.
cause us to enter the
*y longing for .God^ as the
\tethfor the water brooks.
j>gage us, while we hear
Htate his word, to hunger
bread of life, and thirst
recioQs waters.
ler, genuine zeal, if we
it, will opei*ate in the
ation of our sins and cor-
h and engage us in a
»f holy obedience. It will
resolutely to filuck out

Vol. 11. X X X

right eyesy and cut off right handsf
if these be the occasions or in*
sti*uments of transgression. It
will inspire and fortify us for the
painfiil, but necessary work of
crucifying thejlesh^ tvith its affec*
tions and lusts ; of mortifying our
earthly members ; of keefiing un*
der our bodies^ and bringing them,
into subjection ; yea, it will arm
us with courage and resolution
to fiuU down strofig holdsy and
cast every firoud imagination into
the dust. It will not permit us
to indulge our ease, as long at
we haVe one base passion un"
sulxiued ; one criminal propensi"
ty unmortified. Here is one
capital trial of the genuineness
of our zeal. Are we engaged
and anxious to reform, not only
a sinful world without us^ but a
world of iniquity within us I
Does the habitual e^emplariness
of our temper and conduct de-
clare that our love to holinessi
and hatred to sin, are genuine
and impartial ? Are our lives as"
siduously filled up with dcM^ to
God, and active beneficence to
man ? Do we not only walk hum*
bly with our Maker, but do just*
ly^ and Iwe mercy^ to our fellow
creatures ? Are we rich in good
works ? Do we abound in them ^
Do we soliTe,as that an important
chasm would be realized, and
the best interests of society sus"
tain a shock, should our exer-
tions cease ? Alas I that is but a
spurious zeal which spends itself
in complaints of the badness of
the times, and the degeneracy of
the age, while no substantial ex-
ertions are made to increase the
sum of virtue and beneficence^
and while of course the com-
plainer himself is but a cumbemr
(f the ground^ a nuisance in so-
ciety.

5i6 On C/iristian Zeal. \^May^

In a word, if we ha\^ true self out principally in retirement.
/cull we shall be solicitous to find He is far from that Jebu-Iike
ourselves making daily progress spirit, which delights in nothing
ill holiness, and approximating so much as the display of its own
to a thorough meetness- for goodness, and calls to a sur-
heavenly glory. We shall not roundkig world : Come^ tee my
be satisfied with any past attain- zeal for the Lord. His inward
nicntS) sup|)osed or rcul. V/e feeling^ art often nmch strongrr^
shall anxiously lof/ aside eve- than he is disposed the world
ry weighty and every easily should know. He has many a
besetting aiTiy and run with fia- tender, and almost overwhelm'
frencej alacrity and fiertteverance^ ing sensation, which he can de-
the race set before w*. The jxisit only in the bosom of his
nearer we approach to our hea- God .

vcnly crown, with the greater As the result of this sincerity,
ardour shall we spring forward the Christian's zeal will be uni-
to embrace it. What a pattern Jbrm, There is scarce any thing
of this sublime ambition, this sa* which so strongly marks and
cred zeal, was tlie venerable distinguishes- the real child of
Paul, who, in the midst of as God, as a certain symmetry of
great attainments in reiigion, as character. The most refined
perhaps ever fdl to the lot of a and subtle hypocrite cannot imi-
mortal, expresses himself in this tatc it, and seldom^ so much as
huniUe language^ Brethren, I attempts to do so. Such ai'e of*
count not myself to have afi/ire^ ten full of apparent fervour in
hendcd ;. but this one thing I do ; those perfonnances in which
forgetting the things which are there is little self-denial, or for
Oehin^^andreaching forth to those which they have a present re-
things which are before^ I fircss wai'd in the applause of their
toward the nmrk for t/ie Jirize of fellow-men. But in the mean^
the hig/i calling of Cody in Christ time, secret duties, mortifying
Jesus, duties, those which are hard to

Respecting the aeal thus im- flesh and blood, are either totally
perfectly described, it may be neglected, or very inconstantly-
remarked that its distinguishing and superficially discharged. Far
characteristic is aincer/ty. Its difTcrent is the sinecrtf and zeal-
proper seat is in the soul ; and ous Christian. What he is in
thence it difl'usts itself through the closet, he is in the world,
the conversation. It is. opposed What he appears in the world,
to nothing so immediately, as to he is in the closet. Wherever
that coldness, or lukewarmness he goes, he carries with him a
of heart, in the things of G(»d sense of God ; and this sense of
and religion, wliich alasl is nat- an ever-present and heart -search-
uial to depraved man. lis sub- ing Deity is more than a thou-
ject is, in the view of the oni- sand witnesses to engage him to
niscient and heart-searching Jc- all duty, and deter him from all
ho\"ah, what he a/i/iears to be, to sin. He is conscientious and in
his fellow creatures. As an ev- earnest in every thing which hi?;
idencc of this sincerity, vthe Master in heaven has enjoined.
Christian's zeal will often act it- He does not suffer the duties of

Practical Remarks en the Decalomc.

547

to set aside those oC
nor the duties of mo-
rm a pretence for neg-
ose of devotion. He
'jd and practical respect
liviue commandments,
ns from all sin. He
mat If from allfilthines^
ah and sjurit.

be added, tliat the
I zeal is not a ti*an-
I dura hie thing. T h us
irikingly distinguished
3 flaraing a/i/:caranccs
jss which ofien dazzle
. The religion of hyp-
y be resembled to the
ct to which Solomon
the mirth of fools. It
cravktin^ of thornn uri'

It makes much noise
; not un frequently far
Q the religion of the
ible Christian. But it
er. And its poor, de-
ssessor relapses into
;s& and security ; per-
flagrant, soul-destroy-
. Ah, how wretched
lOn which is thus sur-
ut the Christian's zeal
ring tlarae. ^t is kin-
Y the Spirit of the liv-
, whose veracity is
0 fltrf'CC pile good tvork
s mercy begins- Nor
he blasts of temptation,
lail it in this unkindly

suffered to extinguish
ahall live evtn here,
•st out with renovated
: in heaven ; till the
iristian feel transported

pure ardour of " the
aph that adores and

ibject shall be resumed
ued in a future number.

TKACTICAL HEMARKS ON THE
DECALOGUE.
(Concluded from iiagc 518.)
When tlie univei'se was a
vast, uu formed mass, involved in
disorder and xlarkness, God said,
'« Let there be light ; let the wa-
ters be divided from the waters ;
let dry land appear ; let g.rass
grow tor cattle, and herb for the
use of man." The command
was eftectual. A beautiful sys-
tem arose, fitted for the conven-
ience and happiness of tl\e end-
less variety of creatures which
were produced. The word, so
effectual in this instance, is not
less effectual in others. " Thou
sluilt have no other gods before
me i tliou shalt not make unto
thee any graven image ; thou
shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain ; remem-
ber the Sabbath day to keep it
holy ; honour thy father and thy
mother ; thou shalt not kill ;
thou shalt not comnjiit adultery ;
thou shalt not steal ; thou shalt
not bear false witness ; thou
shalt not covet." The com-
mand has not returned void.
We cannot calculate the efficacjr
which it has had. It Iws opposed
the general progress of irreli-
gion and immorality. It has re-
tained thousands of thousands in
the pure worship of the true
(;od. It ha3 mollified and hu-
manized thousands of hearts.

This subject admits not the
same prool as other subjects.
But let it be a little varied, and
the conclusion reverts in all its
strength. Suppose that God
had not meddled with the affairs
of mankind, and that they had
been left to do, without restraint,
as they thought fit. The con-
sequence no doubt would have
been an utter contempt of i*eli-

34iB Practical Remarks on the Decalogtie. [3£iy,

gion, and such abandoned and
violent practices, that our earth
would have looked like the hab-
itation not of men, but of devils.
Happy fpr us, that God has in?
terposed. The present state of
the world is bad indeed ; but
without the divine interposition
it had been infinitely worse.
iEIis command has hitherto op-
posed, and does still oppose the
superfluity of naughtiness. And
the time shall come, when it
shall bring into existence the
new heavens and the new earth,
wherein righteousness will dwell.
The moral law requires a sby
ber, righteous, and godly life ;
|>ut this law is part of the Old
Testament ; — that part, in which
the morality of the Old Testa-
jnent is summed up. Hei'e the
friends and the enemies of that
part of revelation ought to meet
in investigating its charactcrisT
ties in a moral view. A candid
investigation must end in its far
vour. Why then do enemies
say, the Old Testament teaches
every thing that is bad ? Did
^hey ever read the decalogue ?
Is it thence they dcfh'e their sen-
timents ? Surely they read with
jaundiced eyes ; they judge
with perverted minds. The fact
is, they keep clear of the deca-
logue. To bring this into view
will not answer their ends.—
They find an order in the Old
Testament utterly to destroy the
inhabitants of Canaan, This
they magnify into an order en-
couraging rapine and blood.
But it is to be considered that
there is something peculiar in
that order. The Canaanite^
were very abandoned sinners,
and particularly infamous for
idolatry, by which a standard was
erected against God's throne.

It was detem^ined, that the foir
ly and wickedness of such
wretches should be fully exposed.
The Israelites were used as the
instruments of Providence for
this purpose. TheiF deitmc-
tion might have been effected by
femine or pestilence. In either
case pone could have objected.
The crime incurred the punish-
ment ; and must God, tq satisfy
the capricious humour of
thoughtless creatures, confine
himself to this or that instnir
ment ? May he not use one na-
tion to punish another ? By do*
ing so in this instance was not
an important end answered?
With what face could the Israel-
ites be idolaters, after they in-
picted death upon the Canaanites
for that same crime ? Besidesj
the Israelites v^ere in^roediate*
iy under the divine conductt
and had been so for (brty
yearSf ' The command given
them was .expressly directed
against a nation that was in-
corrigible. This instance may
guard the nations against idola-
try, but can never encourage vi-
olence and murder.

The failings of 8onie«good
men, and the crimes which
they committed, are also brought
forward in sti*ong colours,and the
inost perverse advantage taken'
of them. David's behaviour is
particularly marked, as counte- \
nancing barbarity and lust. But
are David's crimes recorded with
approbation ? Did they not tor-
ture reflection ? Were they not
repented of, and publicly confess-
ed ? And were they not visit-
ed with divine severity ? The
infidel mistakes the scrip-
ture, and on' his own mistakes §
grounds the vilest' aspersions,
buch attempts excite our pity

Original Letters.

549

tiOD. It is in
making an im.-
luch perverted
: deaf adder be
the melody of
lunatic be con-
caponing ? The
)d scofters is in
lesperatc. It is
t we unfold the
od's M'ord, and
twcrful encpf^y.
y the doiibtl'ul,
le wavering, a
ed.

all we say of
the source of
ho contaminate
ing in a pure
throne of God ;
drinking those
ing for thirst ?
^ of those, whose
ristianity is dis-
; name of phi-
e zeal rises to
oofirm by oath
known for the
that the Scrip-
sition, contam-
lie and unwor-
pden eyes to
hear, or hearts
not their hearts
their ears dull
e they not clos-
:st they should
;yes, and hear
ihd he convertr
aid heal them ?
earl under their
ith savage fury
rhofn it is held
Such men de-
Turn with ab-
their doctrine,
with tl^^ir con-
God.

I of unbelievers
J. It is a bea-

con announcing shoals and
rocks. Practise God's com-
mandments. Let his law be %
light to your feet an<) a lamp to
your way. Me^tate thereon
day apd night. Avoid fhe coun-
sel of the ungodl^) the way of
the sinner, and the seat of the
scornful. Become as little
children, yielding yourselves in
an unreserved and cheerful
manner to the mercy, protection,
and guidance of your heavenly
friend. Then you will be
established in the faith. The
rain, the flood, and the wind
shall do you no injury. Your
house, founded upon a rock,
shall withstand the severest
storm. PuiLOLooos.

ORIGINAL LETTERS FROM hV
AGED MINISTER TO A YOUKG
pXUDENT XN DIVIKITY.

My dear &>,

I SEE with pleasure that writ-
ing is easy toj^ou : I hope it
will be jfB much so on divine
subjects' as any other : And you,
probably, will have less need of
hints upbn method of sermon-
izing, than most others. Still it
may be safe to look over what
has been written on the subject
by several authors^ And I
know you will indulge me loa
few thoughts which are now
present with me, whether they
have or have not met you else-
where.

Yqung gentlemen who come
with diffidence to composing
pennons, are apt to be afraid of
not finding enough to say : And
that fear often occasions their
continuing too long on the 6rst
branch or branches of their text^

5JD

Original Letters.

m^>

«|id of consequence not doing
jusdcc to the last) and to the im-
j^rovemcnt. To avoid thisy a
flcheme of outlines, which looks
through a whole subject^ and
through Ae improvement) pro*
misea to be uaeful. It will as*
silt our thinking faculties. It
will thus be seen what ideas will
rise naturally under each head {
vhat scripture passages* or oth*
er, valuable illustrations or en«
forcements, may be introduced
with a^^ntage, here or there :
And some adjustment may be
madO) in the setting out« of the
/iTQpwrtionM of the several parts
of the discourse. Perhaps one
of the first objects in the arrange-
ment of a sermon, is to propor^
tion it justly.

But the primo object, of which
we must never lose sight, is to
communicate the great truths of
God in a manner which will best
commend them, as such, ^ to
every man's conscience,** and
best impress them according to
their nature.

Let the text then originate
the sermon, and ffictat^ general-
ly, all its sentiments. Let this
bt; visible from first to last : For
the good effect of a «diacourse
greatly depends on its both be-
ing and appearing to be scriptur-
al. If this does not appear, it is
either neglected as wanting au*
thority, or it is received as the
word of man, and therefore not
to the purposes of religion : for
religion is buiit upon faith in God,
not faith in the wisdom of men.

Having taken up, then, some
sacred theme which comes home
to men's bosoms, and their im-
mortal interests ; let us be sure,
in the first place, that we under-
stand it correctly. If there are

doubts, exapiine the originals
consult tho best commentators.
With particular care exiimTiie
the coaaexioB ; and the occasion,
as the case may be, on which
the words wore spoken i for
these, in general, are the best
expositors. Every parC should
be understood; but thc( id«aa»
which are most prominent) and
which were principal in the in*
tendon of the sacred writer)
should be the leading ide^is of
the discourse. GeneraOy) the
impression from the first raid*
ing will determine which the/
are : And generalW) the expecta-
tion of sensible hearerS) from
the first reading in public^ wiH
be raised accordingly.

The <dd distinction of ventaj^
rei^ and vfritoM ioti^* is a s^miy
ble one, and should alwa^))e iwr
membered* The sounded dciCf^
trine should never be preacli«|
, from a text which does ifot coo^
tain it : fi^r irtM is dishdiKmred
when broughtln out of place.

Beside pondenng what our
theme contains, it is good to col*
Icct) as the time will allow, all
the principal ideas on the saine
subject, which arp sc^ttercd^ere
and there through the Scriptures ;
whether they go to ^explain or
illustrate, to confimi or enforce;
it. I am every day more coor •
vinced that great use should be
made of the concordance) upon
every great subject ;•— as likewise
of marginal references ^-4o com*
pare scripture with scripture, and
so be confirmed in its true mean-
ing ; to see the harmony of its
parts, upon every great subject,
and therein a stronger proof of
its gre^ Original ; to see at the
Slime time, tlie variety of lights
in which the same great truths

• Tr>iO\ TcA^ MijQi >^^ \s!«55x volXkix.

1807.] On the First and Second Resurrection. 551

are presented. By this they are
understood the more fully ; and
you acquire a habit of thinkiny^,
aft once more enlargt;d, and more
correct. By this you are soon
n:lieved of the anxiety above-
mentioned. You are furnished,
in the setting out, both with varie-
ty and abundance of matter, and
such as Tou are sure is of the
very best kind :— so many affec-
ting^, so many sublime objects
brought to view, and ail in a man-
ner perfectly corresponding with
their nature ; sentiment, argu-
ment, illustration, address, and
turn of' thougiit, all such asjHs:
who knew what was in man , has
himself adapted to impi^ess the
consciences and hearts of men.
How proper is it that we should
in this way come continually to
the Holy Oracle, to know what
we are to say, and in what man-
ner ! And when together with
the authority, the majesty, the
impressiveness, of the Scripture
itself, upon all great subjects, we
take a serious view of the state
0f our hearers, old and young,
we are then most likelv to un-

derstand and feci our subject,
and treat it properly. Let us
not &il, however, to implore the
help of the Great Teacher, in
every line of it.

The way is now prepared for
sketching the outlines of a ser-
mon, according to the hints
above given ; arranging the
heads, and the leading thoughts
under each, in asnatural and lucid
order as we are able. After this,
it is best of all if some good por-
tion of time can be taken, before
we sit down to write, in review-
ing those outlines over and over,
contemplating the particu^ ideas
which ought to fill them i^P^per-
haps minuting some cjf the

best : And this interval seems
the most proper for reading ub!c
and pious authors on the same
subject. I hope tliat a high es-
teem of such will be ever main-
tained ; but servility is ahvavb lo
be avoided. I wish iheretore
that the general plan of discourse
may be first sketched out ; and
as many i>articuiar ideas :!s n.u-
urally oc:cur to our oun bc.t
contemplations, without any oili-
er leading than that of holy
Scriptui*e itself. After this let
us read at large^ as we have liiOe,
and with careful attention. Per-
haps we sluill find souic of our
idenscorrected, valuable addition-
al thoughts suggested : possiblv
some useful amendments of our
general plan. Of all let us avail
ourselves. But let all be nat-
uralized ; and still the sermon
will be our own, and will appear
to be, as all our performances
should. And who knows but
this unbiassed and unfettered
manner of setting out un a sub-
ject, provided it be humble and
prayerful too, may carry you in-
to some ideas " which great men
have overlooked ?"

Here I must close my paper,
and perhaps may resume the
subject hereafter.
I am, &c.

Beta.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE AC-
COUNT OK THE FIRST AN1>
SECOND KESUBRKCTION ; REV.

XX. 4 — 6.

In adverting to the future
state of the church, it is of
some importance to ascertain,
what is meant by the first res-
urrection. Many, and some of
them persons of note for
learning and (iiety, suppos;.* that

3S2 On the fint afid Sgcartd ReMrncnotL t^^i

during tbe Uioustod years, itf
wbicb Satan is to be boundi
Christ will feign personally and
visibly upon earth, and fbat th«
newly raised saints and martyrst
wbicb shall be raised at the bt"
ginning g)f the thousand yjars^
which is the first reaiirrection^
will form his principal ministersi
and reign with bins in glory.

This opinion is principaHf
grounded on the literal meaning
of ReT. XX. 4-t-6. ^ And 1
saw thrones, and they sat upon
them, and jndgment was given
ujito thbm \ and I saw the souk
of them, that wefe beheadedf for
the witness of Jtsusi and for ibil
word of God, and which had not
worshipped the beast, neither hsa
image, neither bad received bit
mark in their foreheads, 'Oior in
their hands ; and they lived and
reigned with Christ a thousand
years. But the rest of the dead
lived not again, until the thou-*
sand years were finished. Thia
is tbe first resurrection. Blessed
and holy is he, that hath part in
the first resurrection ; on such
ihc second death hath no power ^
but they shall be priests ^ God
and of Christ, and shall reign
with him a thousand years.**
In favour of a literal interpreta^
tion of this passage I find it urg-
ed> that the most plain and ob-
vious sense is always to be un-
derstood, as the true sense of a
text ; and that, as the literal
sense is the most obvious, so it
ought ever to be esteemed the
true sense, unless in cases,
where the connexion of the dis-
course, and the common use of
the phrase in other places, show
it to be used figuratively. But it
is said there is nothing in this
passage to induce us to put a
figurative meaning on the first,

any morey thn oir tlie jpcond

resurrection.

3. Though it be adttottad t&«l!
the book of Retelafioir h a vcrf
figurative and aqralkal b6dkf
and that H ia nany dmes tery
diflkdt li^ btf certain, whcii tbci
literal seaib is the tree wnaejl
yet it ia plain, ihaf ^we camiol
nnderstaiid the tecoad resur-
rection, aad the gieneral jm^^
QieBt in a figuratilte acnae. Bu^
if thefiiM reaurrepdoo it to be
nnderstood figwatiYehr, ao most
tbe fecond^ 'If the mt resur^
rection iaUr be nnderatood oft
general rerivalof relifpeii, then
the rest of the dead amat mean
tbe spiritually dead, or tbose
who aball remun nnoonverted
after, the .first reaurrection.

■ ■ . *

Consequently wr mnat bdieve
tlHiH all tiioaey who renaatn un-
converted, after that firat reaur*
rection, must remiuii eacoovert^
ed, until the end of the ihouaaad
years, i. e. that, pll uncenverted
adults, and all children bem dur-*
ing thatperiod, muat die in their
sins. This ia justly viewed, aa
a great abaurdity ; and, if it be a
necessary consequence of the
opinion that the Qrst resurrec*
tion is a spiritual ' resurrection,
certainly the literal meaning
of the passage ought to be pre-
ferred.

But however this opinion
may be sanctioned by the namea
of many eminent both for learn-
ing and piety ; yet the reasons,
adduced in support of it, appear
to be more ingenious than solid.
Good reasons may be given,
notwithstanding all that is urged
to the contrary, for understand-
ing the resurrecUon, mentioned
ia thi^>assage, rather in a fig-
uratixv than in a literal sense,
and for believing all circum-

On the First and Second Resurrection.

551

onsidered) that the fig-
» in this instance, the
iotts sense.

Uowed on all hands
iiB passage ought to be
id of a literal resurrec-
le saints and martyrs,
\ only passage of Scrip-

which that truth is

And, as the pro-

rts of Scripture speak

J about the future

the church, particu-
it the millennium, it
It very strange that so
i part of it as the resur-
f the saints and mar-
the personal reign of
;K)n eai^h, should not
>e expressly mentioned,
» much as once alluded
r other part of sacred
lis, it is true, is of it-
ifiicient objection ; for,
sre is a plain, unequiv-
18 saith the Lord," one
ress testimony is a suf«
indation for our belief
particular doctrine or
t whether this be that
testimony, or whether
g^e may not be under-
i figurative sense, in a
ectly agreeable to the

style and manner of
g events of a similar
dall now be a subject of

lerstand this passage, it
iry to ascertain, what is
the first resurrection ;
lose, that have a part in
ho by the rest of the
> are to live again at the
1 of the thousand years,
before. Let it be ob*
hat the martyrj^who
1 lor the witnes^W*' Je-
the rest of the dead,
iro sorts of slain per-

lo. 12. Y T y

sons of opposite characters, who
are spoken of in this and the
foregoing chapters. For a long
time the enemies of Christ and
his people had been in great
power, and persecuted his fiuth-
ful followers ; putting many of
them to death. To these Johii
has reference, when he says, *' I
saw the souls of them, that were
beheaded for the witness of Je*
sus and the word of God, and
they lived and reigned with
Christ a thousand years." Of
their thus living again he speaks,
when he says, " This is the' first
resurrection.** By the rest of
the dead we are to understand
the hosts of enemies and perse-
cutors, who had received the
mark of the beast and worshippled
his image, and who were slain
by tlie sword, that proceeded
out of the mouth of him, that
sat on the white horse, 1. e. of
Christ. In the same manner, in
which the martyrs, who had
been slain for the witness of Je-
sus, were to live again, during
the thousand years, were the
rest of the dead, the enemies and
persecutors, who had been slain
by the sword of him, that sat up-
on the horse, to be raised at the
expiration of that period, when
Satan was to be loosed out of
his prison, and go out to deceive
the nations, which are in the
four comers of the earth, Gog
and Magog, to gather them to-
gether to battle. It is not sup-
posed that by the living of *^ the
rest of the dead,*' at the expira-
tion of the thousand years, we
are to understand that the old
enemies and persecutors of the
church will be literally raised
from the dead, to compose the
armies of Gog and Magog ; but
the evidence in jGivour of a liu*

554 Ofi the First and Second ResurrectUm. \^Mayy

ral resurrection is e<iiiaUy strong and destroy the satBts* Both

in the one case, as in the other^ the returrecttoo of the saiots and

The presumption therefore ia^ roartyra at the Gommeacement

tltat hoth refer to a figurative of fehe millenniun^ and thai of

resurrection, a resurrection of the vest of the dead At the cloie

tlie cau9ff^ not of the individuals of iti seem, even in this chapter,

engaged in it. In this vast ar* to be plainly distinguiilied from

my of enemies, which waa. ta tlie hteral i^eaurrectiony which is

compass the camp, of the sainca^ representetU as taking place» nol

wnder Gog and Magog» not the at the end oi' the thousand year%

bodies, hut the souls of the rest when Satan was to be loo^edi hut

of the dead, of tlie remnant who after the final overthrow of Gog

were slain by the nrord of Christ, and Magog, t^c laat enemiea of

weretolive agaiiM:>tiointhepre- Chriit. Thia literal reaiurec*

ceding period, wherein Satan was tion is describlKl from vev. 11th,

bouhd, not the bodies, but the to the end of .the chapter. This

souls of the martyrs were seen isr represented* as a reaurrec-

by John, as living and reigning tion* not of the aouls« but of

Avith Christ. ik)th the one and the bodies of noen ; not as the

tlie other were to live and reign, resnrrectjion of one dass only,

not in- their proper persona, bat of ali charactera and descrip*

but in their respective sticces- tions.

sors, who would be actuated by Taking the whole passage inta
the same spirit^ and make a vieM% to explain both the first re-
part of ^c same body witti them- anrpection and the living of the
selves. After Satan was boand, Best of the dead figuratively aeema
John in vision saw a race of men< agreeable to the tnoat obvious,
of the same character and spirit natucal sense. *^ I saw the souls
with the ancient martyrs, and in of them that were beheaded, and
reality their genuine successors, they lived and reigned with
making a part of the same body, Christ a thousand years," is a
iu whom the cause, for which mode of expression no where
they had sufiercd, revived and need, unless it be here, to denote
triumphed as really, as if they a literal resurrection of the body,
had been all raibed from the Nay, it is so unlike the mode of
dead. But, di»ring this per iodr expression, used, in other places
tiie enemies and persecutors of of Scripture, where a resurrec-
Christ and iiis cause lived not tion of the body is inlend<^, that
again ; they had no successors it is scarcely reasonable to sup-
openly to espouse their cause, pose l\\c same thing to be
and carry on the warfare against meant.

Christ and his peoi)le. But af- I'he reasons, why a figurative

tcr this happy period, when Su- sense of this pitssage is prefer-

tan shall be let loose again out of red, will appear in a still strong*

bis priion, a race of men will er point of light, if we consider

arise of the same spirit and tern- -that the representauon of the

per with the ancient enemies reviW of a sinking cause by a

and persecutors, by whom one resruWcction is a figure, very

more attempt will be made to commonly used in Scripture,

support their cause, and di&tress The resurrection of the dry

1807.] On the First and Second Resurrection. 555

bone% of which we have an ac-
rountf £zek. xxxvii. has a pri-
siiary reference to the restoi-a-
don of Judah and Jerusalem
from the }kd>yionish cajptivity.
But in this the fi^ire of a resur-
rection is represented in quite as
strong term«9 as in the |)assa^e
under consideration. *^ Thus
saith the Lord God, behold, O
my people, 1 will op^n your
graves, and cause you to come
out of your graves, and bring
you into the land of Israel. And
ve shall know that I am the
l^ordf vhen I have opened your
graveS) O my people, and brought
you out of your gi-aves." Un-
der a similar figure Isaiah
prophesies deliverance to Israel.
*• Thy dead men shall live, to-
gether with my dead body shall
tliey arise. Awake and sing, ye
that dwell in the dust, lor thy
dew is as the dew of hei*bs."
Tumipg from sin to God is fi*e-
quenthr represented by this fig-
ure, £ph. y. 14; Col. iii. 1.
The same kind of resurrection
is intended by our blessed Lord,
John v. 25. John the Baptist is
also called Elias, not because
he was the identical person of
Elias, risen again, but because
he went before the Lonl in the
spirit and power of Elias, and
was therefore, in a figurative
sense, Elias risen again. The
reception of tlie Jews into the
church of Christ, when in the
latter day they shall turn unto
the Lord, is also spoken of un-
der the same £gui*e, Horn.

xi. 15.

The resurrection of the wit-
nesses, at the end of the three
davs and a half, was noi n literal
resurrection of the same i||cntica1
persons, but the resurrection of
A race of men engaged in the

same cause, and possessing the
same spirit. Egypt and Babylon,
the ancient enemies and opprcs<«
sors of God's people, do alter the
same manner revive and Jive
again, during the I'eigii of tiie
anticliristian lx*ast ; Rome bciiijL^
called Egypt and Bahyion, be-
cause in idolatry, wickednesb, op-
pression, and persecution ul'
God's people, she is the succes-
sor, and actuated hy the saiue
spirit with these aucicnt cities.

The description of purticulur
events in language, borrowed
from others, to which they b-jur
some striking resemblance, is a
very natural figure, aud one very
frequently used by tlvj sacred
penmen. Thus our Lord de-
scribes that dreadful caUi&trophe,
the destruction of Jerusalem, in
figures, borrowed from the con-
summation of all things ; and
the teri*or of the pagan enemies
and persecutors of the church,
u[>on the downfall of paganihiu
and the elevation of Christianity
to the imperial throne, is descnl>
ed in figures, borrowed from tiie
terror of the wicked at Christ's
second coming to judgment.
Rev. vi. l3-wir.

Scripture is universally allow.
ed to be the best interprcler of
Scripture. In the application of
this rule of interpretation, the
best method is to explain dark
and obscure passages by such, as
are plain. We have several very
plain accounts of the resurrec-
tion and general judgment in
the New TesUment, to wliich it
will be very diflkuit, if not im-
possible, to reconcile the doctrinr
of a literal resurrection of the
saints, or even of the martyrs at
the commencement of the mil-
lennium. The most particuKir
account, which Christ himkcll

556

On Sdf'Aefutaataiki.

ffifcs of Ihift loleBiii 0f€iit| is Id
Matt. JOBf. ait to the cod*

TbU oocoont is phtnly iocoii?
Mileiil with the idee of » liteiml
vesnrfectloii ukl e peteoiud Teigii
of the MiBtt with Chritc» to
muiTTOMrt bebe^'the conwiiii-
mitMMi of ell things.

Aoeording to Paul^ sccoaot of
tiioTesiirtectioiii 1 Cor. xt. they
thet are Christ's will be msed at
his second Goming to jadgmenty
and not before. At the soimd
of the same titnnpety bjr wliich
the dead shall be rused^ the saints
then IiTine will in a moment) in
the twinhniig of an ejoy be €hang<>
edy and become inoorraptlble)
like the newly raised saints.
But is not this account of the
resurrection totally inconsistent
with the opinioQt that vast nam-
becsy eren all the martyrs at least*
will be faised at the beginning of
the milleni^mny and auide equal
with the angel% and reign with
Christ in ghxry $ while aH the
saints living at tlmt timet as well
as the Tast multitadest who will
be bom and coovertcd) during
the thousand years of unexam-
pled sjuritual prosperity, are to
die and remain in their graves
until the end of the world. An
account of similar importt and
equally inconsistent with a literal
resurrection and personal rcigUi
we have 1 Thess. iv.

From these considerations and
others which might be mention-
ed, it appears both more rational
and more scriptural, and even
the most obvious sense of the
text, to understand the first re-
surrection in a figurative sense,
and that the millennium will be a
spiritual, and not a personal reign
of Christ upon earth.

ox iXLV-ACfttAxin'AXCB.

Taa knowledge of tmiaeiwin
k important, becaoie withootit.
We sh^l never talEobar proper
plaoes, nor gate a eight of dor
obligsitipM. l*hi^ knowledge is
alvniys a fruit of lolemnly calk;
ing dursehes to an neeountt and
of carefhlly watching the exeN
eisef of our mnids. Who 'does
JMft JmoiTt tl|at two perxons may
iir many years lif« hi the' same
neighboortHibd, snd yet be xo tot
attentive to each otherj «s never
to form a paithBidnr' aoquahit-
ance ? Tiiey may t«adily i«cog-
niiEO eaveh other^^^oUMe an4
vWm / and at the sane time, in
SSI inoiportant sense, vsmaiii
«frsagert. Eqnaliy suppoasble
is itt that a peraoiimoy live, in
tffia vrorld, a.'very great strangei*
Co hiwneffl He may be busily
employed, aH his ds^ and may
eveh disthigiush hlsasctflbr his
exevtlens to obtain ceilahi ends,
wiiich the world vomf call kudsr
ble ; and yet never 4raltivate an
acquaintance with his cnm heart.
With all his fiune for woridly
wisdom, he may have ne^ected
to call himself to an account, as
a candidate for eteniity ; and, of
course, when summoned to ap-
pear before his Gcd, he may
find himself awfully deficient in
that kind of knowledge, which is
the most important.

It is manifest, that they whQ
yiew themselves, as they ought,
find time, notwithstanding all the
cares of this busy and ensnaring
world, to call home their wander-
ing thoughts, and to commune
with their own hearts. In this
way, the yo»^^K/ in every age
have Q|>tained a sight of their
own vileness. Their seasons of
retirement and meditatioa per^

1807.}

On Self Acqumntance.

557

AODs of this description have
highly regarded. If| through
unfaithfulness, they have neg-
lected these seasons^ the conse-
quences have always llieen pain-
ful. They have become, as it
were, afraid of themselves.
They have felt that kind of em*-
barrassmenty in renewing an ac-
quaintance with their own
hearts, which is felt by two perr
aons, who, (or a great length of
time, have neglected each otlier.
Conscious of having become
strangers, they know not how,
at first, to use freedom.

To observe seasons of retire-
ment is a compliance with the
duty, enjoined )>y our divine
Teacher, of ^ entering into the
closet and of shutting the door. "
The object of such retirement is
pieditation, prayer and self-acr
quaintance ; a privilege which
has been sought by the true
friends of God in every age of
the world. Of the patriarch
Isaac we read, that ^ he went out
to meditate in the field at the
even-tide.'' Jacob, under his
troubles, was alone, all night,
wrestling in' prayer. David, as
appears from his writings, was
pften employed in thinking on
his own ways ; or in reviewing
his life and examining his heart.
To such precious seasons he
alluded, when he penned the
following words, in the 77th
Psalm : '^ In the day of my
trouble I sought the Liord : my
sore ran in the night, and ceased
not: my soul refused to be
comforted. I remembered God,
and was troubled : 1 complained,
and my spirit was overwhelmed.
Thou boldest my e) es waking :
I am so troubled that I cannot
'speak. I have considered the
dayaofold> the years of ancient

times. I call to remembrance
my song in the night : I com-
mune with mine own heart ;
and my spirit made diligent
search." And in another Psalm :
^ I thought on my ways,and turn-
ed my feet unto thy testimonies.
I made haste, and delayed not,
to keep thy commandments."
Had not this* pious man, amidst
all his cares, reserved some
time to commune with his own
heart, he would have lived and
died, like most other men, a
stranger to himself. At the
close of an active^ and laborious
life, he might have taken up the
sad lamentation, Thry made we
the kcefier of the vineyard* ; but
mine owti vineyard have I not
kept.

But, we have a brighter ex-
ample than that of David, or of
the patriarchs. The Saviour of
the world had his seasons of
withdrawing from the multi-
tude, who thronged around him
to hear his instructions, and even
from the disciples who composed
his particular family, that he
might commune with God and
his own heart. This he viewed
an important part of his duty,
and, by his example, he has en-
joined the same on all his
friends.

The hours of retirement
and self-examination, which have
now been represented to I)e so
important, will, however, fail of
being impoitant to those who
observe them, unless thev are
rightly improved. At such sta-
tions, we must have Gud*s holy
law in our view. Can we weigh
our characters, without havnig
recourse to some standard ? The
great standard, or test of charac-
ter, is the divine law. Evrry
character is viewed by ^h«i

558

On Self-Acqu<ufitanee*

I-ftfar,

Sturdier of hearts to be bad or
Mod| according to thU standard.
This, therefore, we ought to car-
Tjr with us to our closets, and
places of retirement. Into this
w^ ought careivilljr to look* as in^
to a glass, that we maf know
what manner of persons we are«
The law, in all it^ strictness and
purityf should be impiinted on
tiur minds. Uow expressive of
a strong attachment to the di-
vine law are the following words
of Davkl. ^ O how lore I thy
Jaw ! it is xaj meditation all the
daf." It appears that the law
was his deUght, not because he
ea^pected to obtain salvation bj
it| but because he saw it to be
holy. He loved its perfection
and purity. Though by this
stand^rdy he stood condemned.

Jet he was inclined to weigh
imself by it ; and the more
^thfuUy be attended to this, the
greater sense he had of his own
imperfection and vileness. He
saw the commandment to be ex^
ceedingly broad. With all this
the experience of the apostle
Paul perfectly corresponds. " I
had not known sin (said he) but
by the law : for I had not known
lust, except the law had said.
Thou Shalt not covet. But sin,
taking; occasion by the command-
ment, wrought in mc all manner
of concupiscence. For without
the law sin was dead. For I
was alive without the law once ;
but when the commandment
came, sin revived, and I died."

From the united testimony of
these inspired men, David and
Paul, we learn that all, who have
been brouf^ht to sec themselves
to be sinnc^rsy have gained this
knoHiedge by lookiiifj^ into
(jod's holy law. Many, doiiht-
IcbS; have theii' seasons of re?

tirement and m^filitiaiH vfa»
remain ^exceedingly ig:iiorBiR of
themsclr^s, because when they
bsre entered their doaets^ tbef
have always neglected to takf
Am divine l«w with then^
Were they now tn do thu,
and to be fiiltbfiil in omn-
pariDg thcapdres witb this
standard, their imagined mttaior
ments in religion might possibly
vanish like the morning dew>
before the rising son ; ~and tiiey
might tremble as king Joaiah
did» when he besrd the words
of the book of tho bw, which
had long been k»Btp While men
suffer theipaehrevin be ignorant
of the l«w» they fipei very wholes
and practically say, that they
stand in no need of a physician.
To obtain a knowledge of our«
•elv«8^ we muat al^ carefotty
liompareoiir feefingsand prnc*'
ticn with the requirements of
the jrouM* The gospel, it i$
true, '». goad neWs tt> ainnera.
But, does it promiae uny good tQ
sinners, who remain imftenittnt ?
Does it countenance men in
their Hm ? No ; the re^uircT
ments of the gospel are strict,
and, like the law, which we have
been considering, tboy try the
hearts of men. The language
of the gospel is, ^ He that be^r
Heveth ahall be saved.'* An in*
finite £ivour is here promised,
on a certain condition. The
condition is, that we renounce all
dependence on our own strength,
acknowledge durselves to be in
a helpless and hopeless condi*
tion, and that we embrace, with
our hearts^ the allrperiect rights
eousncss of Jesus Christ, With*
out that faith, which implies all
this, wliat benefit are we to ex«
pcct from the {gospel ? None at
ail; for thp gospel, considered

1607.]

On Self' Acquaintance.

VA an overture of God to fallen
men, threatens as Well as firom-
u€9. Therefore it is added,
^* he that believetb not shall be
damned.*' A preached i^ospel,
mishnproTed, will leare men in
a state an hundred fold more to
be dreaded than that of the hea-
then.

Besides ; ■ the gospel presents
to us many crosses, which we
must daily take up, or lose our
•ouls. Speaking on this subject,
our divine Saviour said, ^^ If any
man will come after me, let him
deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow me. For who*
soever will save his life shall lose
K, and whosoever will lose his lift
for my sake shall find it."

With these views of the gos-*
pel we should enter our closets,
and soltaanly ask ourselves, as in
the presence of God, whether
wc have complied with the con-
ditionsb If, on examination, we
find that dur laith is not of that
kindf which leads to purity of
life, and which influences us to
^sit the fatherless and widows
in their affliction, and to keep
ourselves unspotted from the
world, what does it profit ? If
we find, that our religion does
not consist in sell-denial ; if it
does not make us feel interested
in the honour and glory of the
divine Redeemer ; if it does not
make us prize the worship of
God in his hou&e, in our fami-
lies and in our closets; what
important end do we expect will
be answered by it I The gospel
is represented by its divine Au-
thor to be a test of character.
Men are to know themselves by

coming into the light of it
Tlierefore it is written, " Kvery
one that doclh evil hateth the
light, neither cometh to the
light, lest his deeds should be
reproved. But, he that dovth
truth, cometh to the light, that
his deeds may be made mani-
fest, that they are wrought in
God."

If the wicked obtain any con-
viction of their mined state, it
must take place in consequence
of comparing themselves with
the pin*e oracles of God, with
the law and the gosfiel. And if
Christians are brought to have
any just sight of their many im-
perfections, to lie low before
God, and to feel the necessity of
struggling against sin, they will
attain to this, by retiring from
the worki, and studying the
word of God with self-applica-
tion-, and with particular refer-
ence to the state of their own
souls. Convicted of the great-
ness of their danger, and of the
magnitude of their wants, they
are constrained to cry for help,
as the publican did ; not men-
tioning their own good} deeds*
but saying, " God be merciful to
us sinners." No longer do they
say in their hearts, that their
farms, their flocks, their mer-
chandize and their eartlily com-
panions call so loudly for their
attention, that God must be put
off, and eternal concerns dis-
pensed with ; no longer do they
say, '^ To-morrow shall be as this
day, and much more abundant ;**
but, they make haste, and delay
not, to l^eep the divine cum'*
mandments.

11.

660

On the AtonethetU.

{May,

•N THA DOCtRINB OV TI^E A-
TOKSKENT.

Iq a Series of Letters tb a Friend.
(Continued from page SIS. J

LETTER in.

^« Doctrhe tUuttrateJ^ proved, and
defended frmn ScriptUrc,

tlXAR 9lky

It ts asserted that^ wlieif
Christ is said to have borne our
griefs and sins, the word in the
original sometimes si^ifies
merely to take away. We need
Sot then imaf^tne that our sins^
giiilt, and punishment were laid
6n him, or borne by himy but
only that he freed us from
Ihem, or took them away from
ut.

I answer, though the word
here used may sometimes bear
the sense here mentioned ; yet
Socinus himself owns that the
phrase, bearing' of aina and 9or'*
roitvsy commonly means bearing
tjheni, as a burden is borne, or
suBcripg under them. This is
evidently the meaning of the
threatening, which so often oc*
curs in Scripture against trans-
gressor, *^ He shall bear his in*
Jquity." Grotius, one of the
most learned critics, suys, that
hi the language of the Scrip-
tures, bearing of sins always sig-
nifies bearing the guilt or suffer-
ing the punishment of them. \
cannot find that it ever has a dif-
ferent meaning. That the phrase
is to be so understood in this
place, is plainly intimated and im-
plied, when it is said, '' The Lord
laid our iniquities upon him** This
heavy burden, which would have
crushed and sunk the world, was
laid upon him, that he might
btar it, and so free u^ kotaW

The prophet fcai alfo declared^
that this vras his meaning. Hav'
ing said of Christ, ^He hath
borne dot grie£h*' he adds, ^ and
carried our •omoiM ^ and after-
wards, ^ He rittH JQttiiy many,
for he tfhaU bewr thdr iniquities."
Here a diflferenl word it used id
the Hebrew [sabal] which always
signifies to Carry a looui. Christ
carried our aorrowa and iniqui-
ties, when he was woimded,
bruised, and chastised or pun-
ished for our sins.' St. Peter al-^
so says, that ^ He bare our sins.'*
(the guilt and punishment of
them) " in his owii body on the
tree.*^ He freed us from the
burden of ohr gtrih by taking it
upon himself^ ttd making sst-
isJbction for it on the cross.

But the words of Matthew are
Objected, who speaks ef Christ's
healing the sick, as a fulfilment
of the words of Esaias, ^' Him-
self took our iiifirairiities, and
bear our sicknesses." Christ
did not transfer the diseases of
the sick to himself, but healed
them ; and so took them away.
This shows how the words of
the prophet were understood j
and applied by the evangelist.
I answer ; the words of the
prophets are in the New Testa-
ment sometimes applied by
way of allusion, or accommo-
dation, to events, which the
prophets did not primarily and
chiefly mean. Dr. Clark ac-
cordingly observes, that, though
the original meaning of Esaias
is the same with that of the
apostle, when he said, ^^ Christ
was once offered to bear the sins
of many ;" yet the words of the
prophet might also be accommo-
dated lo Christ's healing the sick,
%nd in tha,t sense be said to be
IvsX^W^^i^t verified. Besides, it

1807.]

On the Atontmmt.

561

should be considered, that
Christ's suffefings have obtained
for us our temporal, as well at
spiritual mercies ; our bod-
ies, as well as our souls, are heal*
ed by his stripes. His weari-
some labours in going about to
do good and heal the sick, and
his tender compassion for them,
might also, in some sense, be
termed his taking and bearing
their infirmities. All the suffer-
ings in his life, as well as at his
death, were for our sins, and
were a part of the price, by
which all our mercies were pur-
chased for us.

The words of the apostle,
which have just been mentioned,
are a strong proof, that the bur-
den of our sin and guilt was laid
or charged upon Christ, and
borne by him. ^ Christ was
once offered to bear the sins of
many ; but to them that look for
him, he shall appear without sm
unto salvation." When he was
offered as a sacrifice, our guilt
was assumed by him, the punish-
ment, due to us for sin, was in-
Dieted upon him, and borne by
him. But at his second coming
he will appear without ain ; tliut
is, without bearing our sins, as
when he was offered or sacrificed
for them. Christ was always
without sin in himself. But,
when he was offered for us, the
burden of our guilt and punish-
ment lay upon him. But by sat-
isfying the penal oblii^ation, he
was under, he freed himself from
this burden ; he bears it no lonj^-
er. So that at his second com-
ing he ^viIl appear, not only with-
out sin in himself, but also with-
out bearing the guilt and punish-
ment of our sins, as he did, when
he was offered, a$ a sacrifice for
them. This seems to be the ob-
Vol. II. No. 13. Z z z

vious sense of the ajlostle's
words. What could have been
said more fully in point ?

This last passage, which we
have been considering, sugj^ests
to us another important topic of
argument, often mentioned by
the apostles ; and that is, that
Christ suffered and died, as an
atoning sacrifice for sin. '• He
gave himself for us an offering
and sacrifice to God. Christ our
passover was saj[:rificed for us.
Through the eiernal Spirit he
offered himself without spot unto
God. Once in the end of the
world hath he appeared to put
awav sin by the sacrifipe of him-
self."

A sacrifice has been defined by
some, *' a thing devoted to God.*
But the most important, essen-
tial, and discriminating prop-
erties of an atoning sacrifice
are wholly left out of this defi-
nition. Both the Hebrew and
Greek word for a sacrifice signi-
fies a 9lain victim. In sacrifices
for sin the shedding of the blood
was necessary. Without it there
was no remission. A sin -offer-
ing: was a victim slain, and offer-
ed to God, to make atonement
for the sins of the person, for
>\ I'.om it was offered, that so his
sin might be forgiven, or not im-
puted to him.

In these sacrifices under the
law the victim was represented,
as substituted in the plate or
stead of the peraons, for whom
it was sacrificed, and their sins
and guilt were represented, as
transferred to the victim, which
must bleed and die instead of the
sinners, in order to make atone-
ment, and obtain forgiveness
Tor them. The sin, the crimin.
ality, the fauU> vra* wcn^^ xxw^sj^,.
ined\.o\>e Vulo^^ o^ ^qtcoa\\\t\\

5C2

On the AioncmenT.

IMay,

chti'd V) the vktim ; but the
guill and the punishnjcnl, be-
lunj^iiig to the transgressor, were
represented in a type, as trans-
ferred to his substitute, who is
therefore said to bear the ains^
that were typically laid upon him.
Sc!e Levit. xvi. Here was a
striking representation of vica-
rious guilt and pdnishraent.

Now, what was represented in
the typical sacrifice, was done in
truth and reality in the sacrifice
of Christ. Thouglv our sins
were not infused into hioi;
though the blame-worthiness,
implied in- sin and insepai*able
from* it, was not communicated
to him, nor was God displeased
with him ; though his beloved
^n was never more tho object
of the Father's coQiplacency,
than whva be was offered to bear
the sins of many ; f ct the guilt
and punishment of sin, the obliga-
tion to satisfy justice, by bearing
the curse of the law, was trans-
ferred ; assigned ti» him, and tak-
en upon himself, as ovir sponsor,
and thus, as Paul says, He Jiut it
away, or abolished the penal
bond, which we were under, by
the sacrifice of himself.

To eva<le this argument, it has
been said, " that Christ is term-
ed a sacridce ior sin only in a

figurative sense, and in allusion
to the levitical sacrifices." Kut
what reason have wo to give any
credit to unsupported assertions ?
We may say with more reason,
that the expiatory sacrifices un-
der the law were such only in a
figurative sense. For they were
but figures, shadowy or typical
representations of the sacrifice of
Christ, the only true, real, and
substantial propitiation. " The
c/octnne of the aposV\e>' ^vj^
Bishop Butler, " Va pUtvA^ \.Vw\^^

that tlie legal sacrifices were al-^
lusions to the great and final
atonement to be made by the
blood ef Christ, and not that this-
was an allusion to those.** The
priesthood sacrifices and atonc^
inents ef the law were but fig-
ures of the priesthood sacrifice
and atonement of Christ, who
was the substance or original,
of which the others were only
patterns, or typical representa-
tions.

There were indeed eucharis-
tic sacrifices, er thank offerings.
These might be unbloody. In
allusion to these, Christians are
exhorted to ^ present themselves
to God living 9acri/ice* ; to oflfep
to God the sacrifice of praise,
which is the fruit of their lips^
giving thanks to his name ; and
not to forget to do good, and com-
municate, for with such wcriji'
ce» God ia well pleased." But
the nature and design of these
aFe entirely different from aton-
ing sacrifice.s. The sacrifice, by
which Christ made atonement,
necessarily required the shed-
ding of his blood, and bearing
our sins, and the curse of the
law, on the cross, Without this
our guilt must still have remain-
ed upon us.

We have the testimony of the
apostle Paul again to the point
in hand, ^^ God hath made Christ
to be sin for us, who knew no
sin, that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him."'
The expressions arc figurative,
but the general purport of the
passage seems obvious enough.
To this purpose " God made
Chriftt to be htnfor i/t," the guilt
and punishment of sin were laid
upon him, and borne by him in
owe ^\.^^d^ tAoug/i he knevf no sin

1807.]

On the Atonement .

563

made^ or become " the righteoua'
ne08 qf God ;'* that the right-
-eousness of Christ, which is the
righteousness of God, might be-
come ours ; given and imputed
io us by God, that so we might
•be accepted, as righteous in
him^ by virtue of our union to him^
or by the merit of a righteous-
ness inherent in hiniy but placed
to our account.

If this be the meaning of the
4.ext, it is a direct and decisive
testimony, that our guilt was
transferred to Christ, as the
ground of his sufferings ; and
Chat we are justified by his right-
eousness im/iuted to us.

But many take the apostle'-s
meaning toiM:, that God made
"Christ to become a sin offering
for us, that we might be justified
by his righteousness. Now it
has already been observed, that
the sin oflering is fepresented,
as bearing the guilt and punishr
ment of the person, for whom
it was offered. Therefore Christ'-s
being a sin offering for us sup-
poses, and proves* the imputation
or transferring of gur guilt to
him.

Farther ; the Scriptures teach
us that we are reconciled to God
by the death of his Son ; that we
haye redemption through his
blood, the forgiveness of sin ; that
the Lord imputeth not sin, but im-
puteth to believers righteousness
without works of their own.^ow
it seisms inconceivable, that the
merit and death of Christ should
be any reason .or motive with
God to be reconciled to sinners,
who had offended him, unless it
be considered, as a satisfaction
for their oftunces. The death of
Christ turns away God's anger
from sinners, or prevents their
piXnishment) though justly de-

served, because God's holiness
and justice, his love of righteous-
ness and hatred of wickedness,
and his regard for his own rights
and honour, and for the interests
of his kingdom, are as much ex-
ercised and expressed in the vi-
carious sufferings of their spon-
sor, as they would have been ia
the punishment of sinners. If
those moral truths (as some
«peak) which are manifested in
the puuishnumt x)f the guilty,
are manifested in as strong a
light in the sufferings and death
of Christ in their stead ; then
Xhe punishment of the guilty no
longer appears to be necessary.
Nothing stands in the way of
their being pardoped, and of their
recovering peace with God. But,
unless Christ be considered as
the sponsor of sinners, making
satisfaction for their sins in their
titead (which evidently supposes
that their 'guilt or penal obliga-
tion has been transferred to him)
how can it be reconciled with our
deafest and surest notions of the
justice of God, for him to inflict
-on Christ the'punishroent of sin,
the curse of the law, for sin, for
<iur idny when it was not suppos-
ed to be due to him for any sin
in him, or imputed to him. This
•seems so far from declaring the
righteousness of God, that to mc
it appears inconsistent with right-
eousness, and destructive of the
foundation of all moral truths. I
must frankly own that I cannot
conceive, how the death of Christ
can be a reason or ground of
God's being reconciled to us, un-
less it were considered, as a sat-
isfaction of divine justice for our
penal debt ; nor can I conceive,
how our debt could be satisfied
for by the sufifering of our spon-
sor, luilcssour obligation to make

564

Ch the Atonement.

IMof,

penal tutisbctioQ, (in order that
. the ends* for which the punish-
ment of UD is neceatarjr, may be
answered) were transferred to
Christ ; that is, in fewer wocdS}
unless our guilt fttvt imfiiUed to
him. If those, who deny such
imputation, can rationally or in-
telligibly make it appear, that
God's lore of righteousness and
hatred of sin are expressed by
his treating his own Son, as if he
had been a sinner, by inflicting
on him the curse of the law,
which ia dne only to ain, when it
is auppoaed, thia there was no
ain or gu'dt charged upon him ;
and that this is a good reason for
God*a beinf; reconciled to sin-
sera, showing him to be just
in justifying them ; we will
veadily attend to them. But, I
must confess, this is beyond my
weak understanding.

But we are told that the Scrip*
tures do not say that God is re-
conciled to ns, but that we are
reconciled to God by the death
of his Son. God shewed him-
telf reconciled to us by sending
his Son, to reconcile us to himself.

I answer. Though God was
not reconciled to sinners pre-
viously tio his appointing the
Mediator, to make atonement for
ain ; yiet he had a kindness, a pi-
ty for them; was willing lobe
reconciled to tliem in a way con-
sistent with his own honour and
the interest of his kingdom.
And he sent his Soni to do what
was necessary to prepare and
' open a way for their being par-
doned, and received into his fa-
vour. This he did by bearing
the guilt and punishment of
their sin, as their sponsor.

Nor is there any weig^ht in the
observation, that the Scriptures
do not say expressly that God is

reepncilad t* ua fay Ghriat. Rut
in the common language of the
Scriptures, our being- recimculed
to God meant the aame thing.
When Paul aaya, we arc rec^
onciled to God by the dinth
of his Son, he evidently meanai
what he bad expreaaed in the
next fbregoiiig verae, thkt we
are justified by hia blood* And
he has again expteined our re^
eoociliation to God, aa importuig
hia not imputing our suna to usb
^ God was in Chriat reconciling
the world U> himself^ not impot*
ing to them their treapaasea,'* In
the aame manner the phfraae ia tt
be understood* when the lords of
the Philistines, ^leaking of Da?
Vid, aaid, ^Wherewith ahouid
he reconcile himself to hia Ma»T
ter,'* L e. recondle Saul to him,
regain his &vour, ^ should it not
be with the heads of theap men V*
The word bears the aame sense
in Mat. v. 34, ^ When thoa
bringeat thy gift to the altar»and
there rememberest that thy
brother hath ought against thee ;
leave there thy gift before the
altar, go thy way, first be recon-
ciled to thy brother," i. e. recon-
cile thy offended brother to thee.
The word bears the same mean-
ing also 1 Cor. vii. 11.

It has been observtd before,
that we were redeemed, or ran-
somed from death by Christ, by
his blood, by his dying for our
sins^ receiving the wages, the
just punishment of sin, for our
9tmy bearing the curse of the
law in our stead > which neces-
sarily implies that our guilt was
transferred to him, and borne by
him.

It may also be added, that
since the wages of sin, or the
curse of the law, was not due to
Christ on his own account, it

1 807.] State of Literature m Hew JSt^lami. 565

«4KNild be eofa^xwrj to oor clear-
est notioos of jastkeY for him to
bear the curse and punishment
of our sins, unless our guilt, or
penal bond, had been taken upon
himself. If it be said, that Christ,
though not subject to guilt,
might yet justly bear the curse,
aince he was willing to bear it ;
I answer, Christ was willing to
be our sponsor, and as such to
make satisfoction for our sins,
for whicji he became responsible.
But he was not willing to suffer
the punishment of sins, the guilt
of which was not imputed to
bim. Nor ought any one to be
willing to be punished for sins,
for which he is in no way respon-
f ible. For no one ought to be
jwilling that injustice should be
done. If we should suppose a
person willing to suffer punish-
ment, which was on no account
due to him ; this would not ren^
der the inflicting of such pun-
ishment less unjust, but it would
render the sufferer accessary .to
the injustice.

In short,. I cannot see how the
sufferings of the Son of God,
the Holy One and the Just, suf-
ferings greater, than man ever
endured, can be reconciled with
the justice and goodness of God,
or declare his righteousness in
the forgiveness and justification
of sinners, or answer the ends,
for which punishment of sin is
necessary, or be any reason, why
God may forgive and be recon-

ciled to ainiiert ; unless we ad»
mit, what seems to me to l)c the
plain, obvious doctrine of the
Scriptures, that our guilt, our
penal obligation, was taken xiyton
himself, and that he suffered for
our sins, and in our stead* pun-
ishment equivalent, in the divine
estimation and acceptance, to
what was due to us for sin.

I have now, dear Sir, exhibit-
ed as plainly as I could, what
seems to me to be the scripture
doctrine of the atonement. 1
have endeavoured to express my
ideas intelligibly, and with pre-
cision. My proposed brevity
would not allow me to enlarge
in illustrating the proofs, which
have been adduced, nor to intro-
duce several other topics of ai^
gument. This, I imagine, was
not expected, nor desired. I
know there are shrewd objections
to this doctrine. But, if it ap-
pear to be agreeable to the
Scriptures, a Christian need not
be much moved by them, though
he should not be able fully to
solve all difficulties, by reason of
the weakness of his reason, and
the narrowness of his views.
But a brief answer to some ot
the most common and conside-
rable objections, I have met uitiu
may be attempted, perhaps, in
another epistle. In the mean
time I shall remain your friend
and humble servant, with much
respect and affection.

A ChrUticm of the Ancient School.

S^i0tzllmt(nifi.

pv THE STATE OF MTERATURE takcn placc, Wear a favouraMe

IN NEW ENGLAND. aspcct. Thcrc are many thinjj^s,

(ConcluJcdfron^p. 524,. J ■ however, Icss promising than

We have seen that some of could be desired. Science may

the changes, which have lately even in this fuvonred country be

State qfHterattire in Nero England. ZMqyj

HQiTOunded with cjr]h:«8S9 rather
than decorated with myrtle^ or
with laurel. She may weU
mourn that so m^j obstacles
ure yet to be overcome, that
BO many advanti^Sy as might
here be enjoyed) should be
neglected and despised ; that
in a land remarkably blessed with
Inspect to soil and climatey a land
proverbial as the dwelling place
of liberty, she should be slighted
when put in competition with
the most unworthy pursuits^ and
the basest gratifications. Thus
reflecting, we are insensibly led
to inquire, why the interests of
learning are not in a more fa?
Tourable state.

Might I be permitted to use
language moderately figurative^
I should say, that the first thing
under this head, which strikes an
tibserver, is, that the religion of
the country is exceedingly unfa?
irourable to literature^ This may
appear an odd assertion ; but I
trust it can be shown, that the
god, who is the object of this re-
ligion, is a being the most sor-
did and base, and that he has the
complete possession of the hearts
of his votaries. His name is
Mammon. Though covered
with some disguise, and denying
his real name, bis footsteps are
every where traced, and his wor-
ship every where offered, In
the mechanic's workshop, behind
the merchant's counter, in the
farmer's granary, and the law-
yer's office, no less than in the
sumptuous edifice, and the more
princely dome, his altars are
erected ; to him daily sacrifices
are made ; to him matins and
vespers are chanted ; to him ma-
ny a fervent prayer is indited by
the heait, if it does not esca]>e
(he lips. Scarcely the image on

the plain of Dura received Moni
implicit homage, or more un*
qualified adoration. There cer-
taioly were Three Worthies, and
there probably were many hum-
-ble aqd unnoticed Jews, whodis-
vdained to bow down- to the gold*
en gpdrt so noW| it 19 to be fao-
■ped, there are some exceptions
to the |irevailtng system of idohi-
try ; an idolatry which is totally
at war with the liberal expansion,
and the vigorous efiforts of a free
mind; i^hich paralizes every no?
•ble attempt, and extinguishes the
^re of genius.

To speak in plainer language,
that state of society cannot be &-
'VQurable to the interests of sci-
ence, in which money is sa gen^
erally considered the great es-
sential of excellence, as it is at
■the present time in this country.
Since the revolution there has
been a remarkable influx of
wealth, and as remarkable an in-
crease in elegance and taste;
taste, I mean, in eating and drinki
ing, and in destroying time. He,
therefore, who can appear to be
the richest man, will find little
difKcuIty in gaining notice and
honour. It cannot be expected
that there should be many world-
ly inducements to sedulous stu-
dy, and the prosecution of diffi-
cult attainments, when the for-
tunate speculator, or even the
lucky gambler, can appear in
society to much better advan-
tage, Und receive more universal
attention, than the most finished
and laborious scholar. It has
even become a maxim, that if a
younp; man of a liberal educa-
tion has no more flattering pros-
pects with respect to money,
than others who have not enjoyr
ed his advantages, he has gained
nothing as a recompense for his

1807.] 5"^/^ of Literature in New England.

567

time and labour. It is true that
all men do not join in this estima-
tion. Those who are possessed
of judgment and principle rarely
agree with the world in its opin-
ions. But t speak of that as a
maxim, which is so received by
mankind in general. Nor arc
talents always buried under this
discouragement. The pen of a
Jplmson sometimes ransoms its
owner from oblivion and con-
tempt : It sometimes raises him
on high at once, and gives him,
from his elevation, to command
respect with silent, yet irresisti-
ble authority. But how many,
possessed of similar menial en-
dowments, sink before they have
opportunity to display their pow-
ers, merely because that favour
and support, which is due to
merit, is denied them, and trans-
ferred to coxcombs, and block-
heads.

Nearly allied to the love of
money, and a thing which springs
from its indulgence, is extrava-
gance in living ; a trait in the
general character, which is also
very injurious to the cause of
learning. That this has increas-
ed to an alarming degree for a
number of years past, is a mat-
ter entirely without debate. It
is known and lamented, by every
sincere friend to his country, and
to. happiness. The fashion in
this particular throws many ob-
structions in the path of knowl-
edge, and encumbers the travel-
ler with many difikulties. Num-
bers of those who, from their
kabits of industry and economy,
and the necessity of improving
their advantages, would bid iair
to become the best scholars, are
not un frequently discouraged
from attempting to procure a
public cducatioi)^ on account of

the unavoidable expenses attend-
ing it. For the same reason,
many, when they first enter from
the College into the world, with
the hope and design of pursuing
science, find themselves obliged
to abandon their books, and be-
stir themselves with not a little
activity to acquire property suf-
ficient to maintain a decent ap-
pearance among their fellow
men. It is also to be regretted,
that at the same time that ex-
travagance is encouraged, ex-
treme parsimony is used with
respect to the means of educa-
tion. Many a father would
grudge a petty sum to be laid
out in books, tvhile he would
think his son acting a manly
part, if ten times as much were
spent in costly dress, or frivo-
lous amusements. No spirit
which exists among men is so
niggardly, when money is to be
expended for any good purpose,
as the spirit of extravagance.

On the heels of profusion al-
ways tread dissipation and vice.
That these are the enemies of
all laudable endeavours, needs
not to be proved. , Yet these
baleful evils have stalked over
the land with a giant stride, cap-
tivating and enslaving the youth,
the fiOMcr of our country. It is
owing to the firm resistance,
and the paternal watchfulness of
good instructors, that they have
not ruined the more important
seminaries, even in New Eng-
land, where the most manful
opposition has been made. Pleas-
ure and study can have no un-
ion ; thev cannot even coexist
in the same person. By pleas-
ure is intended that ro\ind of
sensual gratification, and that
affectation of happiness, so com-
mon amoT\^ V\\\i \i\w\sVi ^ •^'^>^ ^"^^

568 State of Literature in li^ew E?igland. [ May,

licentious, which have conspired
to usurp so deceitful a name.
The mind which has once ac-^
quired a fondness for riotous
mirth 9 and which has conde-
scended to degrade itself by un-
worthy indulgence, cannot relish
a confinement to faithful appli-
cation, nor endure the stillness
of academic bowers.

Some inconveniences of no
small magnitude arise from the
infancy of our country. Litera-
ture has here never been pursu-
ed, as the employment of a
whole life. I'hat a young man
should addict himself entirely to
scientific pursuits, regardless of
pecuniary concerns, would be
esteemed a thing entirely new ;
and many of his acquaintance
would be ready to cry out, that
he was beside himself. Indeed,
few who have any desire of learn-
ing could possibly afford to live
without some productive busi-
ness. Scarcely does the stu-
dent begin to make progress in
the labours of the mind, before
he is interrupted by the deficien-
cy of his purse, and diverted
from his contcmphitcd advances
in learning, by the near approach
of the horrors of penury. Tlie
time is much to be dcJiired, when
individuals, who are fond of stu-
dy and retirement, may be pos-
sessed of such a competency, as
to leave the get tin j>; of money to
others, and devote themselves to
science entirely ; or when pri-
Vv»te munificence s!»all have
made provision for the encour-
a^;ement and support of those,
who are disposed to be useful,
without enj;aj$inj^ in the bustle
of t!?c world. Then may our
rountiy produce mev\ tvot suf-
fej'ing in a com\>amotv \n\\\\

the first of the human race^
ifi indeed, we cannot, in a few
instances, now make that boast,
under all our discouragements.

The circumstances which
make it necessary that a stu-
dent should leave his books,
and engage in active life, lead
him into such habits as almost
of course preclude him from any
farther prosecution of his studies.
There arc some such exceptions
as Dr. Johnson, that eminently
learned civilian, of whom Con-
necticut may well be proud. But
it is much to be wondered at, if
the mind, which has been em-
ployed in drawing declarations,
and making out fee-bills, for
years, should be capable of ex-
panding so as to delight in the
higher branches of learning.
Those who are eminent in a pro-
fession, are usually crowded
with professional business ; and
those who are not, are obliged
to submit to inferior drudgery.
In either case, the man seems
too much trammelled to think
of excelling in scientiRcal pur-
suits.

Besides, there is little encour-
agement to literary perform-
ances of our own countrymen,
after they are accomplished.
Perhaps not a single meritorious
work of genius, written by an
American, has met with a
liberal patronage in the United
Stales ; though the vilest pro-
ductions which Europe disgorg-
es, have been purchased vith
avidity. While this is the case,
il cannot be strange that, rjither
than strive after excellence,
where there is so much reason
to despair of obtaining either
honour or support, young men
'i\v»v\^ ^Y^l \\v^Tcyv:.lve8 to pur-

1807.] State of Literature in NeV) England. 569

suits of belter prospect, in
which, though their talents may
be hidden, they can keep them-
selves from poverty and want.

The spirit of the times may
also be seen in the slender sup-
port which is given to instruc-
tors of youth. It is not an un*
common thing for music mas-
ters, mountebanks, and dancing
masters to receive triple the pe*
cuniary support that is given to
young gentlemen of the best
hopes and most unblemished
characters, who have spent all
their property in gaining their
education, and who have under
their care the children of the
ablest, and every way the first
men of the land.

An opinion has likewise crept
abroad, that whatever is not
dazzling, is to be regarded as of
little importance ; an opinion
not only groundless and false,
but very unfavourable to useful
and patient investigation. If we
search for men who have most
extended the boundaries of sci-
ence, and who have performed
such essential services, as to de-
serve the appellation of benefac-i
tors of mankind, we shall not
find them among those who
made the most noise and uproar
in their day, who glittered and
dazzled for a time, and behaved
as tiiough, like Atlas, they bore
the heavens on their shoulders.
It is not an unsound maxim of
Horace,

" Ai/ 9ine tnaffno
Vita labore dedit mortalibus**

" Human life has granted no-
thing to men without great in-
dustry." Those trees which
are to stand for ages, are slow
and impcrceplible in th^ir

growth, while the mushroom
springs, and withers, in a day.
Constant and persevering ex-
ertions in the cultivation of the
mind, as in that of the soil, sel-
dom fail to produce some cor-
respondent effects ; while the
desultory efforts of those, who
make haste to be eminent, are
without force, being made with-
out any well digested plan. Yet it
is common in this country to ri-
dicule that industry in literary
pursuits, by which every thing
valuable is attained, and that at-
tention to common things, and
common sense, by which men
are principally benefited. A
striking instance of this, is the
manner in which a very valuable
member* of the community
has been treated by some of his
fellow citizens. That the gen-
tleman, to whom I refer, has ren-
dered much assistance to the
youth of our country, no person
will have the injustice to deny ;
& surely it reflects little honour on
any person to stigmatize endeav-
ours to make the education of
youth easy, as a pursuit unwor-
thy of the most exalted talentSf
and the most benevolent heart.
It is by attending to the things
of ordinary life, that Count
Rumford has performed such
acceptable services to the world.
I shall mention but one more
cause unfriendly to learning,
though the catalogue might
easily be enlarged. It is the
influence of party politics.
Such is the unhappy state of
our country that the clamours of
partisans excite more attention,
than the calls of utility, or even
of necessity. There is now

• Mp. Webiter.

Vol. 11. No. 12.

A A a a

570 State of Literature in JVew England. {,Majfy

found to be a summary way of
risiiifj into consequence. It
sccmi that wisdom to decide^
uiul vijjour and integrity to exe-
cute, arc not now numbered a-
mouf;^ the qualifications of a pol-
itician ; but they are supplanted
by confidence to assert, and im-
pudence to persist. The can-
didate for distinction joins him-
self to a party, or, in more phi-
losophical language, to a sect,
and labours without hesitation
and without respite, to make
himself acceptable to the people,
or the great men under whose
banners he enlists, or both. If
assiduity and zeal could insun:
^success, he would be little likely
to meet with disappointment,
lu the mcun time, his passions
take side, and carry on through
affected regard for tliC public,
what he at first engaged in
through motives of private in-
terest. Thus the vigour and
sprightliness of youth, instead
of being improved in such a way
as to be useful to mankind, and
pleasant as well as profitable to
t!ie possessor, are wasted in
frivolous debates, and local an-
imosities. Not to mention,
that a mind under the influence
of passion and selfishness, di-
minishes as to its capacity, and
becomes less and less capable of
being wiseFy directed, till its
powers are spent in bootless
conflicts with enemies whom it
would be no honour to vanquish,
or in the service of men, who
Lave little regard for the instru-
ment, if the end is accomplished^
In this enumeration of
things favourable, and of those
unfavourable to literature, in
New Enghmd, it has been my
intention to vem;ivV; u^ou those
only which urc ijan\c\i\^\\v ^V

scrvable at the present time.
There are others which have
operated ever since the countrv
iVas settled. Such for instance
is that prominent one, tlie au-
spicious, influence of tl^ clergy ;
whose geuend aiid uniform
character has been that of
friends to freedom of opinion,
and of every thing which tends
to increase real knowledge.
Bat the time would not permit
a particular discussion of all the
topics which present them*
selves.

On the whole, then, it seems,
that there is little encourage-
ment offered to the student in
this country. Save the tranquil-
Kiy of his own mind, the con-
sciousness of having improved
hi« time as he ought, anjd the
hope of doing some good, he
can have little to stimulate him
to action, or inspirit him in his
arduous undertaking. These
motives are sufHcient, it is ac-
knowledged, where, on account
of external circumstances, they
are not debarred their natural
influence ; but, among men in
general, something more strong-
ly felt, and more easily grasped
at, is needed.

To tell what remedies may
possibly be applied, would re-
quire experience and informa-
tion which the writer cannot pre-
tend to possess. There appears
no difficulty, however, in de-
ciding, that a change in the pul;-
lic opinion, with respect to the
importance of learning, must
take place, before any very salu-
tary alteration in common prac-
tice can be expected. Till this
shall be done, it is hard to say^
wh;it subordinate changes may
be wrought, and what smaller
\xsX's^xv\a.'?M^ V^aiued. Witb.out

1807.] Stiife of Lhcmiure in New England. 571

-dispate, there is wealth enough
in the community to do all that
-can be done by liberal endow-
«ncnts. Whenever men shall
feel as generously dispoiied to-
wards colleges, and the votaries
of science, as they ivow do to-
wai'ds theatres, and parties,
learning will be encouraged, and
the labours of the student amply
remunerated.

After the cursory view which
bas been takeTi, it is a natural
subject of inquiry, what are the
duties especially incumbent
upon the friends of science, in
order that her interests may be
best x>*onioted ? To this pur-
pose it would probiU)ly have no
small efficacy, if they were uni-
formly to exhibit themselves as
the friends aiKi advocates of vir-
tue. The truth is, that num-
bers among llie great body of
mankind are not a little afraid
of learning ; St perhaps, if the af-
fair is can vasscdi their suspicions
will not be found entirely desti-
tute of plausibilKy. They have
seen splendid talents, and high
literary attainments prostituted
to feed scliish^H'ss, to pamper
pride, to Hatter wealth and pow-
er, to corrupt and destroy man-
kind. They have seen the mind
of man, that of Mr. Hume for
instance, irradiated by genius,
and enlarged by study and con-
templation, labouring to invali-
date evidence, and obscure truth,
to " darken counsel by woi*ds
without kiiowledge," and to en-
velope the whole moral world in
gloom. They have seen the
same mind em))loyed, in excit-
ing and stimulating the passions,
and in extending the means, and
improving the manner of their
gratiikation. They have seen
reason dcthroned> virtue depress-

ed, and every evil lust exalted to
uncontrolled dominion. Even
poesy, a nymph of celestial ori-
gin, they have seen made sub-
servient to the basest purposes,
and the most unhallowed pollu-
tions. All these things, it is
ti'ue, can be proved to be abuses
of what is a real blessing : but
ought not the character of learn-
ing to be retrieved from the in-
famy which wouldf not unnatu-
rally, cling to it, from the con-
duct of its professors ? And
ought it not to be a matter of
special attention? that it should
be practically shown to be fii-
vourable to peace, harmony, and
love among men, and sincere pi-
ety towards God ]!

There is another practical in-
fluence, of no small importance
to the happiness of our country,
which literary men may possess.
1 refer to the influence which
would result from vigorous ex-
ertions to support and preserve
the institutions of New Eng-
land. In this secluded corner
of a corrupted world, the seeds
of happiness were sown by exil-
ed Christians, of whom the East-
ern Continent was not wortl^y ;
and by the goodness of Provi-
dence the seeds took root, and
produced a plentiful han'cst.
Here liberty and law have walked
hand and hand, shedding around
them a shower of blessings.
The man who can assist in repel-
ling the dangers which threaten
the destruction of these things,
will confer a high obligation on
mankind.

The spirit of infidelity and of
hatred to the truth has been long
lying in wait to lay sacrilegious
hands on all that wc liave most
reason to esteem precious. As
to the triumph of party^ it l^ ;vll

572

On Sdf'Decept^

C^,

of little «g;nificance9 when com-
pared with the importance of our
■choola, our chttrches, tlie &mi-
\f infttmction and subordination
which have prevailed, and the
general manner% which cannot
hare a more happy designation
than that of steady habits. Tho'
these have been made a subject
of reproach by our enemies, let
us count them our glory. While
possessed of these we need not
for the deprivation of liberty.
There is also something truly
noble in being engaged in de-
fence of truth. Such a champi-
on, as a Wilberforce, claims an
elevation in the view of judg-
ment and conscience, compared
with which thrones and diadems
are the dust of the street

Before this subject is dismiss-
ed, I would mention one induce-
ment which young men have, at
the present time particularly, to
engage with ardour in the pur-
suit of literary knowledge. It is,
that they may be fitted for use-
fulness in the world, and yet re-
tain the situation of private men.
The state of politics in the Amer-

ican Union is lameotdde, and the
prospect lamentaMe, &r as the
eye can reach. The prevalence
of intrigue, and of electioneer-
ing for public office, will of itself
preiieiit the most worthy per-
sons, in ordinary cases, from be-
ing elected. And tlie most nat-
ural result of the process is, that
the tenure of office should be
irksome to all who are possessed
of firmness and integrity, snd
sought only by those who can
barter conscience to the highest
Udder. The clamours of party
threaten in iiiture to drown the
voice of wlsdomii and the most
vociferous bawler is likely to be
esteemed by many as the most
meritorious man. In such times,
when ^ the post of honour is a
private station," it is the part of
nrudence steadily to maintain a
ibndnese for private life ; to re**
tire with books and frieods, and
make it the constant design to
be actively, though silently, en-

eged in somethmg which may
nefit mankind.

C. Y. A.

^eiectioniBf.

ON SSLr-DECBPTION, FROM THE
CASE or JOHN THE BAPTIST'S
BEARERS.

When John the Baptist
preached repentance, we are in-
formed in Scripture, that ^' Jeru-
salem and all Judea, and also all
the region round about Jordan,
were baptized of him, confessing
their sins." Each individual of
this vast multitude, made, in
words at least) the due confes-

sion of his iniquity. How came
it to pass that repentance and
confession of sin were at this
time so general among the Jew-
ish people I The doctrine of re-
pentance, it seems natural to
suppose, must at all times be un-
popular ; for to repent, even in
the lowest sense of the word, im-
plies an acknowledgment of
having done wrong : and is the
bulk of mankind disposed to this
admission ? Surely men may be

1807.]

Peter^s Repentance.

573

converted to any sentiment more
easily than to this. Let us then
inquire how it prohahly came to
pass that so great a multitude
made profession of repentance.

There is a certain fashion in
religion. Men follow the
stream. Does an extraordinary
preacher appear? How many
fiy to hear him^ and (what is
more remarkable) how unani-
mous are they in his praise 1
They will hear perhaps the roost
obnoxious truths from his lips^
and will become professors of
thof^e doctrines by which they
themselves are condemned.
For they feel complacency at
the thought of agreeing with the
preacher, and do but imperfect-
ly consider wliat he says : they
do not at least perceive all tlie
bearing of his doctrines ; they
do not follow it out into all the
pmctical consequences to which
it leads. This unquestionably is
a common case in our days ; and
probably this also was the case at
the time of the preaching of the
Baptist.

But did John compliment
with the name of true penitents
the multitude of persons^ who
came to be baptized by him, and
to confess to him their sins ?
Was he satisfied with having a
large audience ? Did he judge^
that because they heard him
gladly, they were therefore par-
doned and accepted by God, and
were true disciples of the Sa-
viour ? Far from it. He sharply
rebuked many of these professed
penitents ; for, " when he saw
maTiy of the Pharisees and Sad-
ducees come to his baptism, he
said unto them, O generation of
vipers, who hath warned you to
flee from the wrath to come ?

bring forth fruits meet for re*
pentance.'*

We may deduce from this pas-
sage a most important lesson.
We may learn from it that bap-
tism is nothing — that confession
of sin is nothmg—i-that the pro-
fession of repentance is nothing,
unless there be added fruits meet
for repentance. Though a man
should have eyes which stream
all the day with tears ; though
he should talk much of his base-
ness and unworthiness ; though
he should profess the same faith
with the sincerest saint ; though
he should at the same time talk
most earnestly of forsaking his
sins ; nevertheless if he does
not in truth and in fact forsake
them, he is nothing. It is not
the proftsnon qf refientance
which is required of us ; but
fndu meet for rejientance.

Ch. Ob.

VERSBS FROM THB ARABTC.

(By Ibrahhn Ben Adharn .)
Religion's gems can ne'er adorn
The slimsy robe by pleasure worn.
Its feeble texture soon would tear,
And give tliose jewels to the air.
Thrice happy tJiey who seek tli' abodo
Of peace and pleasure, in their God !
Who spurn tlio world, its joys de6j)ise.
And grasp at hliss beyond Uic skies.

petkr's repentance.
I, ONCE a rock, became a wavering^

reed.
And though forewam'd, tlirice my

dear Lord denied.
He tum'd and look'd — my heart o*cr-

whclm'd with shame,
In bitterest anguish for his mciTV

cried.
The bruised reed his mercy uoiild

not break,
But hastened to nic early from the

grave ;
And twice he bade me feed his sheep,

and prove
That I did Jgvc him most wlio most

forgave. itV. Miu. Ma^.

574 Genuhie Religion the best Friend of the People. \^Mays

BebietD of "Btas publication]?.

A TRACT.

Genuine Religion the best Friend
of the People ; or the inftunice
of the goafielj when knoivn^ be*
Heved^ and exfierirnced, upon
the manners afid happiness of
the people » Intended as a prop-
er present from the rich tothp
poor^ and from ministers to the
families wider their charge, liy
Archibald Bonar, a. m.
Charlestown. Howe. 1807.
pp. 48.

The review of a tract may be
thought a singularity. Hut wLieii
"wc consider the extensive cir-
culation and influence of this
species of publication, and how
exceedingly adapted it is to com-
municate instruction, we judge
it of sufficient importance to
merit the most respectful notice
of reviewers. Many a cumbrous
folio might be named, which is
far less valuable, and less filted
to do good, than the pamphlet
now under review. One of the
arguments, by which the present
Bishop of London recommends
the distribution of tracts, has
much weight. " It appears, says
lie, that this is the very mode
made use of bv the adversaries
of our religion, in order to un-
dermine and destroy it. They
consider small tracts of infideli-
tv^ as the best and most effectual

•

metliod of dissemin;!tin^ irreli-
gion among their readers and ad-
mirers ; and acoordinjrlv, have
employed their talents in com-
posing, and all their industry in
dispersing them over the woild.
Let us, then, endeavour to foil
our enemies at their own weap-
ons, which wvW feUYcVv v^o\^

more successful in the hands of
truth, than in those of error."

Facts abundantly prove that
this is an easy, cheap, and inof-
fensive way of doing good ; that
it is more extensive in its use,
and more likely to succeed, than
almost any other. Accordingly
it becomes a matter of great con-
sequence, that tracts l>e well
written ; that they contain pure
evangelical truth, and be plain,
striking, comprehensive, and ctt'
tertaining. It is specially im-
portant, that readers should find
in tracts the way of salvation
through Christ clearly elucidated.
In this respect, those in circula-
tion are, generally speaking,
partly commendable, and partly
defective. They exhibit many
things of an evangelical cast.
They mention Christ, grace, re-
generation, and salvation, as the
great tilings of religion. Tlicy
are suited to awaken, convince,
and guide sinners, to comfort the
poor in spirit* and to uninu>te lie-
lievers in dutv. But there com-
monly appears, in a higher or
lower degree, one defect. The
peculiar nature of regeneration
is not pointed out with sndicient
clearness. The characteristics
of true religion are rot sufficient-
ly distinguished from the charac-
teristics of that false, delusive re-
ligion, which leaves the soul
destitute of holiness. 'J'hc dif-
ference is not clearly pointed out
betvrecn true Chrisliun experi-
ence, and that experience, which
v/iM easily coalesce with unsancti-
lied nature.

A religious tract, which pro-
^M^^ivis t.o teach the wav in which

1807.] GeJiuitie Religion the best Friend of the People. 575

sinners are freed from the curse
of the law, hikd with light and
comfort) and interested in the
f^^reat salvation, should, with ut-
most cure, describe the tetiipcr,
with which sinners believe in
Christ. That faith ou^ht to be
explained, which is the giit of
God, the fruit of sanctifying
gi'ace. It should be represented,
as essential to the believer's
character, that he cordially ap-
proves both the precept and
penalty of that chvine law, which
the Saviour loved and honoured ;
and that he unfeignedly justify
the holy administration of God ;
saying, '' thou art just when tliou
speakcst, and clear when thou
judgest." Without unreserved
approbation of the righteousness
of God in the moral law, we cun-
uot receive pardon and salvation,
as of if race.

The ]>eculiar nature of Chris-
tian consolation and joy, as well
as of faith, ought to be described.
The joy, which persons may de-
rive from the belief, that their
sins arc forgiven and their hap-
piness secure, is not the first
and highest joy of the newborn
soul. Genuine Christian joy
arises from a new and spiritual
discovery of the excellent charac-
ter and government of God,
particularly from a clear view and
sincere admiration of that most
glorious and amiable display of
his moral perfections, which is
made in redemption by Christ.
Such joy may be properly de-
nominated, 701/ in the Lord. On
this point the excellent tract be-
fore us is not wholly unexcep-
tionable. When speaking of the
comfort and holiness which are
the effects of regeneration, the
author says ;
" Th« Spirit fills thcQi with peace

and joy, by bearing witness, tbut God
hath accepted them tlu-ough his be^
loved Son f that his anger is turned
•wajr ; that he hath adopted them bi-
to his faruily, and gi^ en them not only
the honourable title, but ali I lie in-
estimable privileges of children.

Tlius through vie^v•s of God, as a re-
conciled Father,. through the prospect
of iinmorttti jovs^ and thi'oug-h noble
elevations above this miserable world,
they go on their way rejoicing."

To readers in gefiehil the joy
of the true con?ert is not in this
place clearly distinguished from
the joy of the deluded enthusiast,
or the self-righteous pharisee.
V/e would not expunge from the
list of a Christian's consolations
a humble hope, that God's anger
is turned away, that he is accept-
ed of God through Christ, adopt-
ed into his family, and entitled
to eiurnal glory. But it is de-
monstrable, that this cannot be
his principal consolation, and
that his purest, divinest joy al-
ways depends on direct ap-
prehensions of God's moral ex-
cellence.

In other parts the author cif
this pamphlet describes the work
of the Spirit in a more dis-
criminating manner, and de-
clares, " the wide difference be-
tween those self-abasing convic-
tions of the Spirit, which are
connected with salvation, and the
remonstrances of natural con-
science in unrenewed men."

For variety and importance of
matter and excellence of style,
we remember not to have seen
any tract comparable with this.
Part I. exhibits the nature of re-
ligion, doctrinal, experimental,
and practical. This part is di-
vided into three chapters ; the
first, on the principles of relig-
ion ; the second, on the experi-
ence of religion ; the third, on
the practical influence of reli^iod.

576 Genuine Religion the best Friend of the People. \^Mafj

Part 11. shows the importance
of religion to the usefulness and
happiness of the people. Part
III. describes the means best
calculated for promoting the
knowledge' and spirit of religion.
The following extracts afibrd
lisefiil specimens of this tract.
While recommending the duly
of religious meditation in retire-
ment, the author writes thus ;

" The want of rcligpous knowlcd(ye,
snd habitual neglect of terious consid-
eration, prove* the min of thousands.
What real or per<K*vering religion can
be expected from an uiunfurmod, un-
diiciplined, unthinking mind ? And
hoAV unavailing must be all the means
of grace» if men will not allow them-
scUtts leisure to examine their real
stste before Cod, to ponder tlic tilings
which belong to their salvation, and to
mediuite on the all'impoitant doc-
trines, promises, and precepts of
Scripture ) Some attention is neces-
sary to give tlic objects of sense thehr
full force ; these arc ever present,
and tlicir influence is powerful ; but
of what is unseen and everlasting, a
more fixed recollection is indispensa-
bly necessary : this, in some mea-
sure, removes the distance between
heaven and caj'th ; brings spirituul
objects near to the beliexing, reflect-
ing mind; increases tliat fMitli whieh
is the substance of tliinif s hoped for ;
^nd derives fi-om those unseen reali-
ties, far nobler joy than can be obtain-
ed from the most inviting pleasures
of sill.

•* Retire, therefore, by your«clvcs,
int;) the fichls or the eluse't, to medi-
tate on hca\ enly themes ; contemplate
what hath been, what is, and wltat
shall he liercafter. Mark t)jc w-ny.-*
of Providence ; and tniee, with a'd-
miriiig arknowledgment, tlis doing- of
the Lord to yourselves, your family,
and your kindred. Look forw urd to
future, but certain and approaching
scenes : an expiring world, a gei.eral
judgment, an unalterable state. How
must these solemn prospects mi>der-
ate your eagerness for th<; piissing-
fashions of the world, and quicken
your progress towards Zion. Medi-
tate on heaven, as the land of rest,
ioid th# sure inheritance o^^VxWtc-

deemed ; contemplate their Joys and
thtir employmentty and long to be
uAited with the just made perfect,
and with the innumerable company of
angels. Above all, let the medita-
tions on God the Redeemer be tweet
unto your thouglits. Contemplate your
hearenly Father's mercy and faiduulr
neif , bis infinite glory, and his coade*
scending care. Look unto Jesus, tha
author of eternal redemption : admire
his transcendent excellence^ bis suf-
ferings ami triumphs, the blessings
be hath purchased, the mediation, he
now accomptishes, and the liappiness
prepared for all his followers.**

The following observations^

found in the concluding address

to parents, arc very impressive.

" Too many parents, in the inferior
stations of life, foolishly suppose,
that if the}' can procure food and rai-'
ment for their children, they have
sufficiently discharged their duty,
and that tlieir early days are far more
usefully employed in earning a Cttle
pittance, than in learning to read the
Scriptures. '

*< Cruel parents ! is it thus you care
for tlie louls of your ofi'spring ? Is it
thus you prepare them for acting an
hononrabie part in life ? And is it
thus you fortifvthcm against the dan-
gerous temptations of an ensnaring
world ? How false have you proved to
your trust ! and how regardless of the
divine requirements ! Your children
are uneducated ; and are likely to re-
main unprincipled through life : they
will soon be beyond the reach of your
in -.iruction, under the dominion of
othfrs, and engaged in the ser\iec of
their masters j n»ay it not be feared,
that there they will act a wretched
part, until their intemperance, dishon-
esty, and fraud, are detected, aiul
tlicV themsclres loaded with infamy
and disgrace ? To you, their parents,
will be greatly owing* their vices, and
their miseries. You taught them not,
in early days, to dread tlie patli of the
destroyer :' you implanted not in tlicir
early minds the seeds of n^ligioua
knowledge ; nay, you cruelly untitled
theni for acquiring that knowledge, by
withholding from them the blessing
of education."

The careful and devout at-
\.<!Xitiaii of parents to the follow-

1807.]

Religious InteU'igsnce.

Oil

iDg directions itould greatly as-
sist them in the religious educa-
tion of their children.

«« Fop fulfilling this duty, by a mctli-
od easy to yourselves^ and advanta-
geous to your family, let me recom-
mend to your attention the venerable
Assembly's Catechism. It contains
a vahiaiiie and comprehensive sum-
miiry of the Protestant religion : in
it the sublime doctrines of Christiaiii-
tyi its glorious privileges, and its
pure precepts, are slated with accu-
racy, arraiijfed in order, and express-
ed in laiiji^iitgc as plain as tlie subject
witl admit. Cause your children and
8er\'ants to learn this catechism ; ex-
plain its mcaninp^; and allot proper
seasons for examining'their pi'o^ress in
the knowledge of Cliristian principles.

*< No season can be more suitable
for this profitable employment, and
none can be more convenient, than the
evening of the Loixi's day : you are
not then futigued with labour, nor en-
cumbered by the interruptions of
worldlv business. That sAcred dav
is appropriated tor the purposes of
obtaining and imparting heavenly
knowledge ; its pi-ecious hours must
tiot be squandered in the circle of
friends, nor in business, nor in recrea-
tions : these arc allowed in six suc-
ceeding days of eacli revolving week :
^nc dav of seven is tiie dav of God X
he claims it for his own ; he separates
it for himself; and wills not that its
hallowed joys should be molested or
abridged. He commands his people

to keep it holy, as a day of pcciili.ir
intercourse witli heaven ; ana to seek
tiieir delight in those spiritual duties
which become the followers of a risen
Saviour. Every man, therefore, w ho
bears tlie Christian name, oii^^ht to
venerate the Sabbath. But hcids of
families, >n busy or inferi )r stations,
may particularly prize this day of ba-
cred rest ; and ought carefully to
guard against tlie misimprovemcnt of
Its \'aluable hours. The duties of the
closet must neither be omitted nor
superficially performed: the duties
of tlie sanctuar}-, if attended with rev-
erence, will yield sublimest sali:>rac-
tion : yet let not these exclude the
delightful exercises of family instruc-
tion and devotion; if these are omit-
ted; ifyou only are well employed;
if the members of your family arc not
attended to, tliey will increase, by
their bad example, that general pro-
fanation of the Sabbath whicli you so
justl> lament. Sufier, therefore, the
word of exhortation. On every re-
turning evening of that hallowed day,
convene your children, domestics, and
servants ; recommend religion ti their
attention and esteem ; inquire into
their conduct, and devotions, dui ing
llic former part of the day ; remind
tliem of what they heard in the
house of God; examine if they huvo
committed to memf)ry what you for-
merly appointed ; commend the dili-
gent'; encourage to farther improve-
ment ; and close this profit.ible duty
with suitable counsels, and with the de-
lightful solemnities of family worship.

Eeligtoujff 3[ntenigence.

ISTET.I.TGEN'CE RESPECTING TIIE
nKl'IlSH AND rOREICX SIBLE
SOCIE'I Y.

(Continued fi*om p. 483.)

Extract nf a Letter fnnn a JRoman
Catholic Cierffym-an in Svaltia.
"I FERi. the higliest regard for
the wise and prudent zeal of the En-
glish Bible Ctnnmittee, because it is
my own desire to sec the pure and
genuine word of G(»d spread, and am
so cnlirely against all corruption of
ttiis uw aluahlc treasure, that I my*

Vol. fl. So. 12. B B b b

Kcif would pre>'cnt it by all mcan^ In
my power. As the degeneracy of all
outward churches is so greut and
general, and still threatens to become
greater and more general, I comfort
myself with thii, that the L<»rd is re-
tiring into the inner temple, and
more gioriously building up the invis-
ible church. At least he cloca nut sit
idle at the right hand of his Father,
nor can he lose his suit : whatever
may now be tlie apjHsarance, he must
iinally be the gainer. Our <luty how-
ever is this, to pray more earnestlY

573

Hrhish and Foreign Bible Society. \,Mayj

and, Lord abide with us, for it is to-
wards cvcninf^. Ur. Sailer, (who by
his truly evungclical intitnictions and
UTilii-rs hns provi-d a ^rcat blessiii|^
to tlic Uoinun Gathnlics in Germany)
*hiis (\Kpre9J(es himself in his last
boijk : • Chri:>tlanit.y is so firmly
fiiiiidt-d on its 0UI1 Lb^is, th:it after it
has outlivrd i*ic times if pcrsociition,
afi.or il h:i» ri maincd iiii$ti.-i!:('ii in the
:ij4»» of Aiipcrstiiior'y it will rdio oiulivn
this ajfe ol* hifideiily and ccntcm]*.*
T]i*:'rcfopc: \vc cannot sutTKricntU re-
jul'*e, that "AO ait' privilt.*jfe.: lo srrv*»
such a Master, \i[\iy is infinitely !«ii-
perir.r t'/ all his cri<:nues, uhi. lias the
Vittor>' in l:is hands; evuT since tlie
v.orld has Jituod, who Hrally shall put
all oncniici under bin foct, at whose
nuine cvcrv knee slull bow and every
toMjnic confess, that Jesus Christ is
Lonl. Kor shall we be able suflS-
''iently to know and to appreciate all
the exc^ricncies of the kingdom
of ChriU, and tlic exalted digf-
iilty of hi! person: never shall we
be able fully to comprehend the
f ivour and hi;ipincss vouchsafed to
t!u:m who shall b(i partakers of the
kinp[tloui of God throQ^h faith in
C'irist. Would not oen our blessed
Lord and Saviour hiinscW pejoice to
«'•;• the fraternal union which sub-
s', its I>'t'.\. en us, the interest v.- hich
v.c m.piinliy t;'.ko in oa(?h other, and
fhc sincci r.y (f viur wish to see all our
hri.:!inv.\ b'.Tome partakers of the
same M'-ftsiuj^s ? Yes, Lord ' let thy
kin^tlons come, and be extended fur-
th( r HI I J lJ!r*her. May our blessed
L')ri! and S uimir daily m')re become
tiiat \vlii( h ho il in;klc of God unto
11^, Wisdom, Kifi^htcousness, Sanc-
tliicalion, and Kcdcmplion ; yea may
hi: liv'-onic our all in all, and we frnit-
fiiP)ranches in him the livinjj vine.
M:ii li^ht and life and love be multi-
plied in us, and may the peace of God,
which passcth all undersitanding", kecj)
our hearts and minds in the love of
God and his dear Son Jesus Christ."

Extract frojyy an AdTvytUemtnt ttf th^
RomGJi Cathoiic Bihlv Society at Hat-
hbi>n^ to the Chriittians of that Per-
illation throug/umt Germany.

*• Tj those n'ho value the Doctrine vj
ye*us.

«* Dear Brethren and Sisters in Christ !
" U is desirable, that the Holy

Scriptures of tlie New Testament

could be put into the hands of mui^
pious Chriiitians nt a low price.
Thereby they would be comforted in
their afilictions, strenf^ened in theii^
trials, and nr«)re preserved from the
temptations of tlie world. Many e.t-
ccllent souls do not find in the public
relig-ious instractioii that for which
they hunjjcr ; are also often in the
C(mfcssi'inal onlv jud;^»il for Uieir out-
ward deeds, without I>ein|^lcd to an
acknowledginent of their inward cor-
ruption, ami to faith 'r\ the blood of
jesus^ their Redeemer : if these cculd
read the Holy Scriptures of the New
Testament in the quiet time of holi-
d.ays, th<:lp faith in the simple doc-
trines from the mouth of Jesus Christ
would, by the mercy of their Saviour*
be thereby enlivened ; and tlie Loral's
gifts in tlic Holy Spirk be quickened'
in them. They wouM hear the voict:
of the Father in their inward part^
which leads them to their Saviour, of
which- Christ saith : « They shall be
all tatight of God ; and wJiosoevcr
hath lesimcd of tlie Father, and rc-
cciTctli it, eometh unto me.'

I* From tlicsc eonsiderations las
arisen, in the minds of some clergy •
men, a wish to set < n foot a cheap
German edition of the New Testa-
ment, for the use of min\- pious Chris-
tians, the KeiK)sitor>' thereof tr» he at
Katisbon, in the Ecnlesiaslical Sem-
inary, as a central place in Germany.
•* 1 hereby {five thi.s intelligence "to
some known confessors of Christ, with
a rw[uest that they wiU consider the
matter before the Lord, rect>mmend
it to him in prayer ; and if he i",
pleased to afford them any opportuni-
ty to contribute in any way tow ard it,
til at they will not neglpct'it. Chris-
tian poverty and love have accom-
plished greater thinfrs in tlic world
than the power and riches of the
world could do.

" O Lord ! Redeemer of'oup souls f
Shepherd of the small despised flock '
do with this work as may please thee.
Thy kingdom proceeds an incessant
pace in a still small way, and those
who oppose it can do nothing' agaiiut
it, but become thy footstool, and coii-
tributc to the rest of thy feet in tlio
peace of thy people. If it please thee,
let thy holy history, the history of tliv
childhood, of th}* ministry, of thy suf-
fering, and of tlic Tictoty of the Holy
Spirit in the apostles and firstlings of

i807,] Extr.icifrom y. Marshma:ts Later. .^79

4lie ChrMtian Church, conic into the
hands of thy 'littk: okus for tiicir ccuQ-
furl and confirmation."

Extract of a Letter from a respectable
Lutheran Jfinistrr in H^thonia.

" As you made some inquiries re-
specting the state of the Hiblc in the
Russian Empire, permit nii; now to
return you the follow inp: answer :—

" Among the poorer classes of our
countrymen the Holy Seriptun-s arc
so scarce, that perhaps out of 100
families hardly five will be found in
posscsciian of a Bible or New Ttita-
mcat.

" The scarcer BII^c^ are, tlic more
diligently they arc read by the peo-
ple when they can obtain tlu-m.

•* Throu^^hout ths \\h<>l«: province
of Esthonik there is a great want of
Bibles, chiefly araon^ the Swedish
and Esthonian pcasa/itii.

"There is in g;cnora! neitlicr a
public nor private institution for the
express purpose of relieving this
want by a p-atuitous or cheap distri-
bution of Dibles, except a iv-w small
legacies, wfiichhave been left to some
churclies for supplying the schools
with Bibles.

*• Many, who are destitute of the
Bible, express a givat <lcsire after
this treasiu-e, whi'rh <le.sire is increas-
ed, w hen they find it in the pos:>cssiuu
of others.

" I have not a monirn«'s doubt,
that here a Society of respert:;ble
Clerg}-men and other ]iious Chris-
tians might he formed fir the express
purpose of spreading the Bible more
gen r rally.

** 1 f-el the lc!>j;lieRitat!Oj« in sayii.T^
that such a S;jricty might be estab-
lished, bt..L'ausc innttng tlie 50 or tU
clergymen in this country, us als)
among the private gcntU-men in Lap-
ponia, several arc known to me a^
Mien who fed t'ic most Tncly interest
in enlightening the uiind, and mel-
iorating the state and confiition of
their fellow-creatures, by faith in
Christ.

"Permit me now, rr\ercnd and
dear Sir, to accompany this infirma-
iion with a huiniiK^ petition to the
British and Frn^ign Bildc Society
kindly to remendier the oO country
parishes' in Ksthonia, which contain
|bt least 15,0Ui^ faiuilies^ Mid to assist

them Mith a pecuniary aid, in ordrr
■tiiat the whole Bible,' or at iv .irr a
part of it, may ?)e grati:it' Mily nr
cheaply distributed to the muny \vA\-
^•nt persons who are at present ci',;.-
titute of this treasure.

** In the mean while I sliall endt :iv-
our to fonu a Bible Sorioty in onr
parts; and xhcmid it please "the
British and Foreigii Bible Socit t\ lo
lend us their gencrfms aid in prorur-
ing a fund for such an institution, I
have not a moment's doubt, that luj-
ny gt^ntlemen in our pait^i wmjld
thereby be excited to t^tki: an actiM:
part in such a benevolent design."

— Ch. 0':.

JSxtfdct of a Letter fnmi y. Mjr.rn-
in an to the JRtv. Dr. Gnrn, PhilaJcl-
ph'ia, ifutLii ucrtzmpore, Nox't.}:>.^>f'r
Ath, 1806.

REVEREXU AND DEA.R SIR,

You will be pleased to hear that
the Loi*dIuui not forsaken us ; but b till
continues to own our humble and w cuk
cflbrts to i)romote his cause in this
land. AVitliin about twenty months
past we Iiave baptized nearly lifty of
those who Ciice bowed down toduuib
idols, tjie gicater part of whom, by
tlieir walk and conversation, atlonl us
a degree of {ileasuiH: peculiar, pur-
bap.-;, to persons inour circumstumes.

We have, also, the happin«.'s> c»f
•seeing not a few of them our Ijel;).:-s
in the work of the Lord. Had yiiu
been prcKent this evening \ou v.«»uiil
have felt ])leasurc of no conimon kind,
while joining with us in givinj^ the '
parting benedicti m to j/at natiwlvth-
re/.', gf'ing out to carry the nttws ol" liiii
Id their perishing fellow country-
men. ,

It will he accc]^ahle tv» the fri'.nds
of Gc.d and man, with you, to h«.ar
that their generous exf.'rtions to tor-
ward the tran^j aliens of the S.*cred
Scriptures into tlie Indian Kwi^-uajj^es,
are not in vain. The Lord is greatly
enlarging us in this work, and th.it in
such a manner as leaves no doubt
whrtJun* it be his hand or not. 'l'h<»
New Testament, \\\ five languages, i.-»
n(«w in the press ; tlic Bengalee, the
Hind<xtstlianec, the Mahratta, the
Oris.sa, and the Sangskrit languages ;
and translations in five ot'icrt are go.
ing forward successfidly. Among
these the goodness of God respecting

580

JJst of Nev) Publications.

IMay,

the Chinese, demuidt particular te-
knonledgmentB (when we consider tho
number of f oiils interested) in giving
us so able and judicious a translator
in the person of Mr. Lossar^ and in
enabling some of the younger branch-
es of the family to make so rapid a
progress in the Chinese langua^ and
charitcters, as well as in tlie originals
of the Scriptures, that the most pleas-
ing prospect is aflbrded of the sacred

oracles* being one di^, not only whol-
ly translated into that extraordinary
lanipiage, but of this trantlatum being
80 luJIy rei'ised, and compared uitE
other writings, in the lan|^agey a^
shall remove every doubt of ita fidelity
and accuracy. With the roost cor*
dial regardf to our honoured Christian
brethren with you, 1 remain, reverend
and dear Sir, very sincerely yours.

A». Mag,

3Lt0t oC l3)etD

The Fif\h Volume of the Life of
George Washington, commander in
chief of the American forces during
the war which established the inde-
pendence of his country, and first
5 resident of the United SUtcs. By
ohn Marshall. 8v-o. with maps, &c.
Ph i 1 adclphia, W a ync .

The peaceful Reflections and glori-
ous Prospects of the departing Saint.
A discourse delivered in the meeting-
house of the First Baptist Church m
Boston, March 10th 1807, at the in-
terment of the Rev. Samuel Stillman,
D . D . late pastor of said Church. By
Thomas Baldwin, D. D. pastor of the
Second Baptist Church in Boston,
pp. 31. Boston, Manning & Loring.

A Lettteronthe subject of Episco-
pacy, from Samuel Osgood, Esq. to a
young gentleman of New York. 31
cents. New York, Collins & Perkins.

An account of the Life and Writings
of James IJeattic, LL. D. lateProfes-
nor of Moral Philosophy and Logick
in the Mari.'^rhal College and Universi-
ty of Aberdeen, including man> of his
original Ivtters. By Sir William
Forbes, of Pitsligfn, Bart, one of the
executors of l^r. Bcattic. 8v(>. pp.
559. S2f50 in board.s. New York,
Bri.sban & Brannnn. March, 1807.

Vol. I. of Lectures on the Elements
of Chemistry, delivered in the Uni-
rersity of Edinburgh; by the late
Joseph Black, M. D. Professor of
Chemistry in that University, ph.^-si-
cian to his Majesty for Scotland,
Member of the Royal Society of
Edinburi»;h, of the Royal Academy
of Sciences at Paris, and the Imper-
ial Academy of Sciences at St. Peters-
burgh. Published from his mami-
scripts by John Robinson, LL. D.
Professor of Natural Philosophy in
the university of Edinburgh. First
American, from the last London cdi-

l^ubUcattoHjer.

tion. 8vo. pp. 394. Philaddphia,
Matthew Carey.

Vol. III. Part II. of The New Cyclo-
pedia, or Dictionary of Arts and Scien-
ces. By Abraham Rees, D.D. F.R.S.
eititor of the last edition of Mr. Cham-
bers' Dictionary, with the assistance
of eminent professional gentlemen.
First American edition, revised, cor-
rected, enlarged, and adapted to this
country, by several literary and scien-
tific cfiara'cters. 4lo. Price 23,50
for the half volume. After the publi-
cation of the 5th volume the price will
be 25. Philadelphia, S. F. Bradford.
Lemuel Blake, No. 1, Comhillj agent
in Boston.

Vol. II. of The Works of the Right
Honourable Edmund Burke. Boston,
j! West, and Oliver Cromwell Green-
leaf. Carlisle, printer. 8vo.

Memoirs of the Life of Marmontel,
written by himself. 2 vols. 12mo. g2
bound. New-York, Brisban & Bran-
nsn. Fpbniarv, 1807.

.\x\ Abridgement of the History of
New -England, for the use of young
persons. Now in'.roduced into the
principal schools in this town. By
Hannah Adams. Second edition. Bos-
ton. KtheriMgc &. Idliss. 12mo. pp.
188.

Tlic Wanderer of Switzerland, and
other pocnij!, by James Montgomery.
1 vol. 18mo. pp. 177. 75 cents, extra
boartls. Boston : Grcenough, Sieb-
bins, & Hunt, and James F. Fletch-
er.

A Poem on the restoration of learning
in the East ; whicli obtained Mr.
Bnchanan*s prize. Bv Chailos Grant,
Esq. M. A. fellow of Magdalen col-
lege. 8vo. Salem. Cushingfic Applcton.

The Village Sermons, by George
Bnrder, in tliree volumes, containing*
65 2sermon8. Price 23*35. Boston.
G. Lincoln.

1807.]

Obituary.

681

• >

Letters to a ymnijf Lidv, in which
the duties and character of wnnien are
considered, cbiefiy with aiflcrenceto
prevuilin^ opinions. By Mrs. West,
author of L^'tiers to a Young Man.
1 vol. 8vo. S2,50 bound. Albany^
Parker & Bliss.

The Mi.serics of Unman Life ; or,
the. Groans of Samuel Sensitive and
Timothy Testy ; with a tew supple-
mentary sig-hs from Mrs. Testy. In
twelve dialogfues. First American,
from the 3d London edition. 12mo.
pp. 320. Boston, Greenougli, Steb-
bins k Hunt, & Belcher & Armstrong.
Essays in a Series of Lett.ei-s to a
Friend,* on the fullouing subjects :
1. On a man*s writing memoirs of
himself. 2. On df^cision of charac-
ter. 3. On the application of the ep-
ithet romantic. 4. On some of the
causes, by which evangelical religion
has been rendered less acceptable to

' persons of cultivated taste . By John

• Foster. Two vols, in one. 12mo.

' Hartford. Lincoln and Glcason.
The Columbian Qrator, containing

. a variety of original and selected Pie-

. ces ; together with Rules, calculated

'to improve youth and others in the
ornamental and useful art of elo-

.-.quence. By Caleb Bingham, a.m.

"author of the American JHreceptor,
Voung Lady's Accidence, &c. Tth
"edition. I'Jmo. Boston, M:inninp &

' ;Loring, for the Author Feb. 1807.

' "' Tiie Wondei's of Creation, natural
and artificial, containing an account

. ,of the most remarkable mt^untains, ri-
vers, lakes, caves, cataracts, mineral
springs, Indian mounds, and antiqui-

' "ties in tlie world. In 2 vols. 12mo. Bos-

, ton, John M. Dunham.

Robert Frazier's Journal from St.
I«ouis in Louisiana, to the Puciiic
Ocean, in one vol. 3vo.

An Inti-oductory Address : a scr-
moa ; a ch:irge and rijrht hand of fel-
lowship ; delivered October 8, 1806,
at the Ordination of Rev. David T.
Kimball, over the ifirst church and
rongregatinn in Ipswich. Ncwbury-
port : M. Blunt. 1806.

Thomas Dnbton, of PhiladelpMa,
proposes to publibh an elegant ediri- n
of the Hew Testament, with tl.nji
%-ery full marginal rcfevenres, knnv. a
by the name of Caune's Notes. To
be pri sited on a superfine royal pajn^r,
with an elegant new type ; and m ill
be comprised in one large qu.arto vol.
of about TOO pag^s; piice to suh«icri-
bers 85. If this undertaking meet with
8uitai)le encoiinigement, proposals will
be issued for printing the Old Testa-
ment in the same manner.

William Andrews of this town,
Proposes to publish, by subscription,
the works of William Palev, d. u.
arch-rdcacon of Carlisle ; with a Poi--
tlUt of the author. Containing I. The
Principles of Moral and Political
Philosophy. I}, a view of the eviden-
ces of Christianitv. III. Natural The-
ology, or the Evidences of tlie exis-
tence and attributes of the Deity, col-
lected from the appearances of na.
ture. IV. A Charge delivcifd to the
clergy of tlie Diocese of Carlisle. V.
A Sermon preached befoi*e the Uni-
versity of Cambridge. VI. A Sennoo
preached at the Assizes at Durham.
VII. Three Sermons on various dcra-
sions. VIII. Reasons for Contents
ment. IX. Young Christian instructed.
X. Ilorx Puulinae; or the trutli of
the Scripture History of Si. Paul
evinced by a comparison of the £|)is.
ties, which bear his name, with the
Acts of the Apostles, and with one
another. XI. The Clergymrurs C'»jn-
])union. — This work will be printed in
4 octavo volumes, of 500 pagebcych,
on a supeiiine wove paper, :ind nc^v
type. The price to suh?>rrih.»rs will
be g2 per a ol. in boards ; S ?,3.5 boufuJ.

J. M. Dtmham, of Boston, propo.i-
es to publish Sermon.** by Huj^h Blair,
D.I) FR.S. late profi\NV>r of Hu-tor-
irk and bi'lk's It'ltrcs in the univrr-»i-
ty (■!' Kdinbiirgh. In three vojiiint'S
ci'.niplcte fpf>m the 25th London edi-
tion of 5 vols. To which will hi* T>i*e-
fixcd the life of that viMii-rable author.
P/ice S6 neatly bound and let U rod.

MEMOIRS or KF.V. DR. JAMES COCS-
WELI..

l^Extr acted from Jiev. Dr. Strong^ t fu-
neral ^ennjom,']
Dr. Cogswell died at Hartford,
(Cou.) January Sd^ 180r. He was the

son of Mr. SamneJ and Mrs. Ann
Cogswell, born in the ton n ttC Say.
bnmk, January 6th, 1720. In hi.«i
childliood his parents removed to the
town of Lclanun, where they remain-
ed to their old age, when he took

582

Obituary.

I May,

them to his own IinuAe, and most tcn-
cUtIv supplied all their \i-ui:t.s, until
iic Mas cullcfl by tlic pmviilciicc of
k'rnd to coiniislt them to tlio <lust. —
'J'jiis s'l'i ivks early (libtiii/fuishcd by u
U'vc- ot' siicncc, and u cnnvirtion of tliC
ti'ut'i aiMi iniporiunco of the Christian
fl.if./.ivs, v.'hicii WHS the occasion of
his he :ns^ selected bv his :iCo;ia'iniuncc
as a proper bubjcci tor a learned cdu-
cati<»n.

He was admitted a st'.idcnt in Vale
Colie>jc, in the year 1738, and was
|;fr:idu;ited in the year 1742. Soon af-
ter this he becamr a pre.ulirr of the
(^ispel, and wai» ordained pastor of tlie
lirst Church of Chmt in Canterbury
in the year 1744. ♦

In the year 1771» ho was dismivsed
fifim this pastoral charpv, and early in
the following year instalU'd ])astor of
the chnrch in Scotland, a ]Miri&h in the
town of Windham, whe.ivi he continu-
ed until December, lfi04. While in
this place lie received the <leicivc of
Doctor of Divinity, from Yale Collefi^.
Being" rendered incapable of public
ministerial service, thronjrh the natu-
ral infirmities of ap^e, ii bt-camc neces-
sary fur his comfortable support, to
remove him to the family of liis son.
Doctor M»son Fitch Cogswell, of this
place. This was a comronable re-
treat to the venerable parent , and here
the T^ord hnth repaid to him in kind,
his filial piety to his own T)!\rf'nts in
their nld ai?o ; here he hath been
nourished with the most tender affec-
tion, whicli may God reward, iiniil hi«
deceas«»,J.tnuary Jd.lHOr, csnl had he
Rurvii'cd until this day, which is the
ftnni\ersary of his birth, he woidd
have completed 87 ycnrs.

This stTvant of tlu^ Lord hiitli boon
a iJian of afMicrion, havinj,'- buried
three wives and Imir eiiiMren, orj'»
rhihl only .Mirvi\ in.:;- ; and throisfjh all
tbc'^e sreiie«5 of s^ro.v, h'ld i^rjr'o
jrivrii liim, to hon.fur t'le diviiu .si>\-
erri^^-Miy, :«n.l Iiik o\\ n Chri.»ti;in a.j I
m'.riistcrin! profi s^i;n. Tie v.ns an
rv:.!n;)li' to tijr rbnrrb cf Chriat in

Wiiilc :i T.; r.iber ofM-ii; l"^ he v.a-i
di5;?iji,'-;r.isln- ] f sr s'-.Iv'.i«t\ . :'.;-.;jl't olio ,
and i'.n-i'iull\ fir rl .: ■'•<:.! -• i'j.KM».
whirb ]\t; preserved Ili'i.M Ji hii
v\u\ l.iV.

^'Vbilv ho was in li:'* «' .lli'.ru te lii**,
ti»ei'e was a }.;rcat n ■ "iv.il fS r:-V'y\ v.\
ill t'l'-' iaiid i.i v.liici: t'.;, c :i. -^ ■ . l.a:--

ed, whereby many were dinposed to
undertake the work of the ministry,
who have since been burning' aitd
8hini:i;i: Lg-hts* in our churclies.

At tills time, what w:ls with him
bcfiirc a general conviction, of tho
truth and importance of Chrisiianity,
w&s chanf^d into an experimental ac-
QUaiiitance with its power and com-
forts; which confimiv.*d him in the
purpose of devulinj;* his life to the
seniee of his Redeemer, in the min-
istry of the p^spel. His natural teiu-
ter was social and cheerful : !•:' I:ud a
great command of his pas.st.':;^ ; his
intellect was quick ;i\\d cle.ir ; his
imagination wa.s lively and pleasant,
yet eliastcned with the s<i!.-rtct\ and
seriousness of a Christian, and ac-
conipanied with the dij.'-nity bccoiuin^
a minister of the gobpel.

liis nat'iral dispo.<ilion, (0|;fct!ier
with bis relifj^ious acq;iirementSy ren-
dered him a {deasing- companion to alt
uho reverence \irtue: a beloved
child of his p:i]*eiits ; a kind husband^
und aparei.t, whom his children qoiUd
not fail to hive and reAcrtjnce.

He was a firm believer of the evan-
gelical doelrinei^ of the ^fi'i'ipel, and as
on fhese he. built his own hope of a
ble.s.sed ini mortality, so he inculcated
on olhers tlic necessity of both be-
lieving" and obeying- them, thai they
mij^'Iit inherit etern.il lif'.v The faith
on ulilch hi: relied a^ divine and .sa\-
inp", was one tli.it is acoompanied by
fell-iubhip \\l\U the Tutlier and his
Son Ji-.sns Christ, aud produc:i>c of

guod U'jfks.

Uis piL-iehinpf wa«8, prcnerall;,
plain and praeticKl, addressed t» the
undej'hlandin;^^ and C(»nsciences of hi»
he.i!\TS. Tlie ratural and Chriitian
bctnovdUMue, which shoiu: in his eoiin-
tt.-nan"e, \ ere admirabli adapii. d to
iiiii rce the doctrines of divine l>tve,
and imprcs" the minds of his heai"ei*>
>.'.i!i the wciids of our L'>rd, " A nciv
viiiis: I :..:..' •.;tn! I j^'ive unto \on, tliat
}e ]')vc c i.c anoliser; u% 1 lia'.e loved
vju, thai \c al>o love one :.ni»tl:er.
l]v tl.ia .shall ;<U iii'^n know t.'iu* ve ;.rc
ii;y diK( '.j/!'-,, i! ye have lovvr *..iic t«
an it;..-r.'*

iIl.-> !.ilu'.Tc dl;.n/, vhich lie kejil
for n... ;ny ye;ii--, j;ive.< aburivliiUl e\l-
d. ;-■.■. ill ;i ill p:'t).Ni)eriiy he ■• ■ u
f^iv t» Tiil U) the I'llvei- I'f every n'riod
; . . i .-. ;' .. ■ L i!'\, •■,■>*.'. .Jlv t')rll.*.- -rift
{.':' : .. ..ll-s:iij:.i-.i.; kvdc'.lii;:r, aud ihc

1807.]

Address of the Editot's.

58i

grace of God uhlcli he purchased on
the cross ; that in affliction lie was
still befoi'e tlie Lord, adoring the cor-
rections of a Father's hand ; that he
was anxious to fill up his life with use-
fulness ; and that in his extreme old
age^ he was enabled to adopt the

words of the apostle, " I have fought
a good fight; I hive finished my
cuurstt ; I have kept the faith : hence-
forth there is laid up for me a crown
of righteousness, which tiic Lord, the
righteous Judge, shall give me at
that day."

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Several vain able communications are on hand, and shall be seasonably
Ihtrwlurcd. — A Hiowrajihical Sketch', promised this month, is unavoidably dc-
fcrrred for a future Number.

ADDRESS OF

At tlic dose* of the second volume
of the Panopiist, the E<litors b<*g
leave respectfully t > address the
Christian community. Nothing but
a full persuasion of the inci'easing
importance of this publication, and a
hunible, though anim.'iting hope of its
increasing utility, could induce them
Again to solicit public patronage. Al-
tliough th'jre is no reason to doubt
the pronij/titude of a large number to
Continue the encouragement ihey have
idready given the P:ino]>Ust, and no
occasion, perhaps, for particular ar-
guments to persuade others to co-op-
erate with them, still it appears a
service u l»ich the Editors owe to the
community and to themselves, to un-
fcild th ■ consirtc rations whlfh elevate
tlieir hopes, and stimulate them to
unremitting exertions.

The Editors derive their most
powerful m)tivc from th* importance
of the Christian cause. That cause
mvolvcs tlic interests of truth and
virtue, and all the spiritual concerns
of mankind, besides having an insep-
arable connexion with their temporal
cnjojTiients. That cause the wortl
of God requires all men to defend
and propagate. Tlie Editors feel the
obligation. And as divine Providence
has, through the meditim of the Pan-
oplist, given them access to the pub-
lic ; they resolve, though at tlie ex-
pense of much time, labour, ami
personal convenience, to use that ad-
vantage for the Redeemer*** glorj,
and the prosperity of his church. It
was and is tJieir fi\cd resolution to
i'ontend airncutly for the faith once ife-
Itxtred to the taints. That the public
nii^j-ht entciiain no dotibts concerning
their views of that faitli, they have
explicitly avowcrl their firm adhcr-

THE EDITORS.

cnrc to what have been called the
duct r in ft if the Jiifomiation^ or the
doctrines of pace. These doctrine!*,
which C(mstit>ite<i tlie religious r:iitli
of our ventrable forefathers, tlie Edi-
tors embrace, as the tnitiis of God,
and will endeavour to use the i^hoie
Christian armour in tJieir defence. In
this undertaking they ho{>o for the
countenance of Chrihtians. If pub-
lications intended merely to refine
literary taste, to gratify curiosity,
and to entertain a vacant hour, obt:iin
sujiport from men of the world ; may
not a publication, which aims to ad-
vance undeiiled religion, and to quail-
fy mcFi for celestial enjo}menl, ex«
pect the patronage of those, wlio se-
riously feel the importar.cc of Chris-
tian! tv ?

The Editors derive anoil.cr n oilve
from the aiarmirj^ events^ icnich me
taking plactf both in Kurcpcaid .ht'cr-
tea. The enemies of our hoh" nlir-
ion wish U3 to bu-iicve, that the re i«*
no danger. They cry, peace and
safety, while they arc coming in like
a flood upon us, intending, from our
■ccurity, to obtaiii the grtutcr advuri-
tage against us. Are f.ur appro hi-n-
siims of danger groundless ? W'liat
shall be saiil of that licentious spirit,
which hates tV.e purity, and casts ofi"
the rest] aints of the gospel, or of thaL
proud philosophy* which will not bow-
to its mysteries ? What shall be said
of th.it bold, enterprizing spirit of
impiety, which opesdy renounces
moral and religious ol>ligalion, pros-
trate's every ve'urable and sacred in-
stitution, and gives unbridled liberty
to depraved pussion * Whrit shall h**
said of ttiat bonsLeci liberality, whicii
denies t?ic ]-lain, obvioU'i sense of
Scripture^ aud :u:.t£ad of iLc di\in';

F-r

'584

Address of the Editors.

IMay.

excellencies of revelation, substitutes
the cold maxiuis of unsanctified lica-
thr.n moruiity * How numerous and
huw multiform ure the errors of the
flay ! How many labour by preach-
in}^ and writinj^, Fiy conversation and
example, to reduce Christianity to
the staruLird of proud reason and sor-
nipt iiwhnation ! How many nominal
Christians embrace a rcli^ir>ii, which
it destitute of gospel sanctity, and
aims to combine the service of God
and of Mammon ! How extensive,
and almost universal is the influence
uf antichristian error and licenlious-
m*S!> 1 In consequence of tiiis, how
many corruptions aiul disorders are
found in our churches, and how
dreadfully 1ms tlie infection of irrc-
ligioii spi'cad among all ranks of peo-
ple. These are iM»t crcaiuFcs of im-
ai^in:^tion. TJiey arc reahiies, seen
eUjarly, and with the greatest solici-
tude by all enlightened Christians.
The conslant progress of these evils
has, tbr many years, been attentively
obscned. Is it not time to be slarui*
cd ? Do not the appearances of the
present day pUi'iIy indicaie, that it
u tl\e duty of ministers, and uU be-
lievers to make extruordinai'y efforts ?

The Panoplist rli^es to counloi-act
prevailing evils, and to prevent tlieir
mcrease ; to siem the t-irrent of vii-c ; «
to point out tlie dis(/rders an'd dan-
gers of tlic times ; and earnestly to
call men to withdraw their affections
from the uncertain, changing inter-
ests of this world, and set them on
that kingd>>m, which can never be
moved, lis aim is, to detect the
corniiitions of modern literature, to
unfold the suhtleties and absurdities
of what is called rational Christianity^
to strip learned pride and impiety of
every fair disguise, and to promote
the iluorctic knowledge and practical
influence of sound di\inity.

The Editors consider, as another
animating mc»tivc to jicrsevering ex-
ertion, the useful efftctJi tahich the
/'anoplist has already proilucvdy and the
exttnaivc approbation of devout and
learned ^incn \\ihtch it has reccixcd. In-
formation from numerous correspon-
dents warrants the belief, tliat the
publication has, by ilie blessing uf
Goil, actually conduced to die great
ends which have b«*en sought.
Ciiurchcs anj inioistci-* have, in ma-

ny instances, been more deeply im*
pressed, than ever before, with the
dangers of the times, and excited to
the im{X)rtant duty of strengthening the
things vohich remain, vihich are ready
to die. The constantly increasing
circulation of the Panoplist afibrds
Y)roof of its general acceptance. And
the £ditors cannot but be animated
by the explicit, decided approbation
of their most rcs))ectable correspon-
dents in England and Scotland, as
well as in America, and by the ad-
vice and soliciuition of some, who are
not only pillars of tlie church, but the
boast of science, and ornaments to
their country, that the Panoplist may
be continued.

Two years ago, it was the full con-
viction of the Editors, that the r.ir<«'
cumstances of the times loudly call-
ed for such a publication. Notliing
but that conviction could have in.
duced them, in the midst of tlieir
other employments, to undertake
such a laborious and arduous work.
And nothing but a conviction that the
same providential call is continued,
coukl persuade them to proceed. To
drop the publication in tliese circum-
stances would doubtless be picas in^
to tlie enemies of truth ; but it would
be as painful to its friends. In short,
all the considerations which in^\u
enced the Editi^rs at the be^^inning,
and many now ones, arising I'l-om llie
progress and success of the work,
from the promised aid of numerous
corresponilonts, and from various
other advantages tliey have secured,
combine to warm their zeal, and
prompt them to perseverance.

The Editors are not insensible of
tlie delicacy, ardu<msncs«i, and re .
s]>onsibility of their uiuhnakin^f.
But believing that tlie cause, in which
they are engaged, is tlie cause ot
truth, and humbly depending on tlu-
assistance and blessing of GkI, Ihcy
arc unappallcd by tlie greatest diffi-
culties.

Let the friends of the gospel re-
member tliat, by subscribing for the
Panopli5ii, they have opportunity not
only to entertain and profit thi.Mn-
sf'Uos .and their partictd.ir conm^x-
ions, but to encourage a work, whicli
is designed extensively to prom«jtft
the glorious end, for which the S:t-
viour lived, and sufFercsl, and died.

EKD OF VOL. II.

i' I

THB NEW

Thi> book U
tak

YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
BRENCE DEPARTMENT

BD from tho BnildiBf

•

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